Panasonic SZ8 vs Panasonic ZS100

Its time to take a deeper look at the Panasonic SZ8 vs Panasonic ZS100, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both are produced by Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ8 (16MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is pretty similar but the SZ8 (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") use different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ8 was brought out 24 months prior to the ZS100 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving through a thorough comparison, below is a quick overview of how the SZ8 matches up vs the ZS100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery & Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ8 has got physical measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS100 has sizing of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic SZ8 vs Panasonic ZS100 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is the front view size comparison of the SZ8 against the ZS100.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ8 and ZS100 is 94 and 87 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to imagine the difference between sensor measurements simply by going over a spec sheet. The graphic here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ8 and ZS100.

Clearly, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ8 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic ZS100 will offer extra detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older SZ8 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.