Panasonic GX85 vs Panasonic ZS8

The following is a detailed review of the Panasonic GX85 and Panasonic ZS8, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GX85 (16MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the GX85 (Four Thirds) and ZS8 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The GX85 was manufactured 4 years after the ZS8 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GX85 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the GX85 scores against the ZS8 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic GX85 Gallery and Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic GX85 has got external dimensions of 122mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS8 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GX85 and Panasonic ZS8 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the GX85 against the ZS8.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GX85 and ZS8 is 83 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions only by looking at technical specs. The picture here will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the GX85 and ZS8.

As you have seen, both the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The GX85 because of its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic GX85 will resolve more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more modern GX85 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.