Panasonic GF8 vs Panasonic ZS1

Here is a in depth review of the Panasonic GF8 and Panasonic ZS1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap among the sensor resolutions of the GF8 (16MP) and ZS1 (10MP) and the GF8 (Four Thirds) and ZS1 (1/2.5") enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The GF8 was manufactured 6 years later than the ZS1 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a short view of how the GF8 matches up vs the ZS1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF8 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and size. The Panasonic GF8 offers physical measurements of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS1 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic GF8 and Panasonic ZS1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at the time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the GF8 compared to the ZS1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF8 and ZS1 is 90 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing just by researching technical specs. The photograph below will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF8 and ZS1.

As you can tell, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GF8 featuring a larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic GF8 will render extra detail due to its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more modern GF8 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.