Panasonic L1 vs Panasonic SZ8

Below, we are looking at the Panasonic L1 versus Panasonic SZ8, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are sold by Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and SZ8 (16MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and SZ8 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

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The L1 was unveiled 7 years earlier than the SZ8 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a full comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the L1 grades vs the SZ8 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic L1 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic L1 comes with external measurements of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ8 has sizing of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic L1 versus Panasonic SZ8 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the L1 compared to the SZ8.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the L1 and SZ8 is 65 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to see the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading specs. The pic here may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the L1 and SZ8.

All in all, both cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The L1 with its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic SZ8 will offer extra detail having an extra 9MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more aged L1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.