Panasonic GF8 vs Panasonic SZ8

In this article, we are matching up the Panasonic GF8 vs Panasonic SZ8, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are built by Panasonic. The image resolution of the GF8 (16MP) and the SZ8 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the GF8 (Four Thirds) and SZ8 (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

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The GF8 was introduced 2 years later than the SZ8 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick view of how the GF8 matches up against the SZ8 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF8 Gallery & Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic GF8 provides physical dimensions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ8 has specifications of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic GF8 vs Panasonic SZ8 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using at that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the GF8 versus the SZ8.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF8 and SZ8 is 90 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor measurements only by seeing specs. The visual below will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the GF8 and SZ8.

All in all, each of these cameras offer the same exact megapixel count but different sensor measurements. The GF8 has got the larger sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF less difficult. The fresher GF8 provides a benefit in sensor tech.