Panasonic GX8 vs Panasonic ZS20

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Panasonic GX8 vs Panasonic ZS20, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both created by Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the GX8 (20MP) and ZS20 (14MP) and the GX8 (Four Thirds) and ZS20 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GX8 was launched 3 years after the ZS20 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GX8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the GX8 grades versus the ZS20 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GX8 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GX8 comes with exterior dimensions of 133mm x 78mm x 63mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 2.5") along with a weight of 487 grams (1.07 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Panasonic GX8 vs Panasonic ZS20 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the GX8 vs the ZS20.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the GX8 and ZS20 is 74 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions just by reviewing technical specs. The picture below will give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the GX8 and ZS20.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The GX8 because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic GX8 will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos far more aggressively. The more recent GX8 should have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.