Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 vs. DMC-ZS20: A Hands-on, Expert Comparison of Two Compact Superzooms

For many photographers - whether budding enthusiasts or seasoned pros - the appeal of a compact superzoom camera lies in its versatility and portability. Two Panasonic Lumix models that often come up in this category are the DMC-SZ8 and the DMC-ZS20 (also known as the DMC-TZ30 outside North America). While both cameras claim to deliver broad zoom ranges in pocket-sized bodies, they cater to somewhat different user priorities. Having subjected both to extensive real-world testing - across portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, macro, and video work - I’m here to share an honest, nuanced evaluation of how these two stack up.

Let’s dive right in.

Getting a Feel for Size and Handling: Ergonomics Under the Lens

Before any pixel gets processed, a photographer’s experience starts with how a camera feels in the hand. Panasonic has crafted both the SZ8 and ZS20 as compact travel companions, yet they differ noticeably in physical presence and handling comfort.

The SZ8 is a true pocket-sized minimalist, weighing a mere 159 grams and measuring 100 x 60 x 27 mm. It fits snugly in a jacket pocket or small bag - with a streamlined shape excellent for casual snapshots or travel days where carrying light is paramount. However, its petite size has repercussions. The grip is shallow, and extended one-handed shooting can feel less confident, especially zoomed in. Controls are minimal, serving a largely automated workflow.

By contrast, the ZS20 tips the scales at 206 grams and occupies a slightly chunkier 105 x 59 x 28 mm footprint. This lends it a bit more heft and grip security. If you’ve exercised your thumb running zoom or shutter buttons before, you’ll appreciate the tactile advantage here. The button layout is more expansive though not overwhelming, balancing accessibility without clutter. The ZS20’s thumb rest and textured body panels translate into better stability for longer shooting sessions.

Personally, I find that while both cameras are comfortable for casual use, the ZS20’s ergonomics edge out the SZ8’s by a modest margin when shooting telephoto or holding up to eye level repeatedly.

Design and Control Layout: A Glance from the Top

Beyond size, intuitive handling depends on thoughtfully arranged control surfaces. Panasonic’s design philosophies at play are worth a closer look here.

Examining the SZ8’s top plate, simplicity clearly reigns. A small mode dial offers limited shooting options, mostly relying on scene selections and automatic modes. There’s no dedicated exposure compensation dial or direct access to aperture/shutter adjustments; this suits beginners or those wanting to shoot quickly with minimal fuss.

In comparison, the ZS20 introduces more nuanced manual control. It supports shutter and aperture priority, manual exposure modes, and exposure compensation - driven in part by its more elaborate control dials and buttons. This capability caters to enthusiasts keen on creative input, beyond point-and-shoot constraints.

Both cameras have no electronic viewfinder to speak of, so you’re reliant on the rear LCD screen for composition. This leads us nicely to my next point...

LCD and Interface: How Does Live View Perform?

Shooting without an EVF leans heavily on the rear screen’s quality and responsiveness.

Both Panasonic models use 3-inch TFT LCDs with 460k-dot resolution - notably decent for framing purposes, if not ultra-sharp or color-critical. The SZ8’s fixed, non-touchscreen design keeps things simple but restrictive. For selecting autofocus points or navigating menus, your fingers won’t suffice - you’ll use buttons exclusively.

The ZS20’s touchscreen, on the other hand, adds a welcome layer of interactivity. Touch-to-focus speeds up composing deliberate shots, and menu navigation feels more fluid and natural. This advantage becomes particularly meaningful when adjusting settings on the fly in dynamic situations such as street photography or wildlife shoots.

In my testing, I found the ZS20’s touchscreen intuitive and responsive, making its menus feel less cumbersome - a boon for photographers switching between shooting modes frequently.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now we get to image-making essentials: what do these cameras’ sensors deliver, and how do they differ from a technical perspective?

Both models employ a 1/2.3-inch sensor size measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm, which is the standard small compact sensor dimension. That said, Panasonic’s SZ8 uses a 16MP CCD sensor, while the ZS20 employs a 14MP CMOS sensor. This is a crucial distinction.

From my lab and field tests:

• CCD sensors like that in the SZ8 historically yield slightly sharper images with good color accuracy but tend to lag behind in low-light performance and power efficiency.
• CMOS sensors like the ZS20’s CMOS provide better performance in higher ISOs, faster readout speeds (important for video and burst shooting), and generally superior dynamic range.

While both cameras have anti-aliasing filters to minimize moiré, the SZ8’s higher pixel count doesn’t translate straightforwardly to sharper results due to the inherent sensor design limits and lens quality.

In controlled lighting, the SZ8 can deliver satisfying image quality with 4608 x 3456 resolution. However, in dimmer conditions or high ISO settings (SZ8 maxes at ISO 1600 native), noise levels become prominent. Its CCD struggles particularly beyond ISO 400.

The ZS20’s CMOS sensor offers a slightly lower resolution output (4320 x 3240) but handles noise better up to ISO 6400. This means better detail retention when shooting indoors or at dusk, a real plus for casual low-light versatility.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

How quickly and reliably a camera can lock focus can profoundly impact real-world usability, especially in genres like wildlife or sports.

• SZ8's contrast-detection based AF system uses 9 focus points and includes face detection. It can do continuous AF, but tracking moving subjects is limited.
• The ZS20 vastly improves on this with 23 contrast-detection points and added AF tracking capabilities, along with touch-to-focus on the LCD.

In field tests photographing street scenes and kids in motion, I noted that the ZS20’s AF system was far more confident, locking quickly and keeping up with moderately fast action. The SZ8 would occasionally hunt or lag, especially at extended zoom lengths.

Neither camera has phase-detection AF or animal eye detection - which is understandable given their categories and era. Still, the ZS20’s autofocus responsiveness feels more contemporary and performance-focused.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Reach vs. Speed

Zoom versatility is arguably the biggest draw of superzoom cameras.

• The SZ8 sports a 12x zoom from 24-288mm equivalent at apertures f/3.1–6.3.
• The ZS20 pushes further with a 20x zoom covering 24-480mm at f/3.3–6.4.

This advantage is hard to overlook. The ZS20’s longer reach lets you approach distant subjects like wildlife or sports events without resorting to digital zoom cropping, which can be a game changer.

Regarding image sharpness and distortion:

• At wide angles and mid-zoom ranges, both cameras deliver reasonably sharp images.
• At full telephoto, sharpness declines noticeably due to lens constraints and small sensor diffraction limits, but the ZS20 maintains better contrast and less chromatic aberration.

Optical image stabilization is present and effective on both models, helping reduce shutter shake. However, the SZ8’s more modest zoom range means less demanding image stabilization needs compared to the ZS20 pushing 480mm.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities

When capturing fast moments - be it sports, kids, or street life - continuous shooting speed matters.

• Here, the SZ8 stumbles with only 1fps continuous shooting.
• The ZS20 shines with a healthy 10fps burst mode, a major bonus for sequential action shots.

It’s clear the ZS20 has a distinct advantage for dynamic photography scenarios.

In the video department:

• SZ8 limits you to 720p at 30fps using Motion JPEG - a format less efficient and of lower quality by modern standards.
• ZS20 supports 1080p at 60fps with MPEG-4 and AVCHD options, delivering superior HD video with smoother motion and better compression.

Neither camera offers 4K capabilities or microphone/headphone jacks, keeping them firmly in the basic video camp, but the ZS20’s specs enable more usable HD footage for casual videographers.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance often becomes a real-world differentiator.

• The SZ8 rates approximately 200 shots per charge under CIPA testing, which is modest and may necessitate carrying spares for a full day of shooting.
• The ZS20 improves to around 260 shots per charge, representing a noticeable increment.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and have a single slot, so no surprises there. Neither supports external cards like XQD or CFexpress, as expected for their class.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The SZ8 surprises with built-in wireless connectivity, albeit limited (no Bluetooth or NFC), allowing selective image transfers. The ZS20, somewhat paradoxically, offers no wireless features but has built-in GPS for geotagging images - valuable for travel and outdoor photography enthusiasts.

Both cameras lack HDMI (except ZS20 supports mini HDMI), microphone, headphone ports, and environmental sealing, so don’t expect rugged or pro-level durability or external audio input.

Putting It All Together: Where Does Each Camera Shine?

While both Panasonic models occupy the compact superzoom niche, the differences shape their ideal use cases.

Real-world Photography Types: How Do These Cameras Perform?

To understand practical value, I tested both cameras across ten core photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

The SZ8’s face detection AF coupled with higher resolution sensor produce decent portraits under good light but struggles with bokeh and skin tone nuance due to small aperture and sensor size.

The ZS20’s CMOS sensor, manual exposure features, and touch AF offer more creative control. Although both have small sensors - limiting shallow depth-of-field - the ZS20’s faster and accurate AF tracking helps capture fleeting expressions, making it preferable for casual portraiture.

Landscape Photography

Neither camera rivals APS-C or full-frame shooters in dynamic range or resolution, yet for casual landscape work, both suffice.

The SZ8’s 16MP sensor delivers usable large prints, but its CCD sensor exhibits more noise in shadow details.

The ZS20’s CMOS sensor handles shadows and midtones better, improving overall image quality. GPS on the ZS20 also lets you geotag your shots - a plus when cataloging travel landscapes.

Neither camera has weather sealing, so caution outdoors in wet or dusty environments.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

With a 12x zoom and 1fps burst, the SZ8 is outmatched for fast-moving subjects.

The ZS20’s 20x telephoto reach plus 10fps burst and better AF tracking make it far more suitable for light wildlife and amateur sports photography. It won’t replace professional gear but lets enthusiasts shoot from a distance with better subject acquisition.

Street Photography

For discreet shooting, compactness and responsiveness count.

The SZ8 is more pocketable, but the ZS20’s superior AF speed, exposure control, and touchscreen make it faster to capture decisive moments. The SZ8’s slower burst and limited exposure modes can hinder candids under changing conditions.

Macro Photography

The ZS20 allows focusing down to 3 cm, whereas the SZ8 doesn’t specify macro range, effectively limiting close-up capabilities.

Thus, if macro shooting interests you, the ZS20’s closer minimum focus distance and manual control give it an edge.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensors struggle in astrophotography in general.

The SZ8’s ISO limit and CCD sensor produce more noise at high ISOs, making it less suitable.

ZS20’s higher maximum ISO and slightly better noise control permit better night shots, although long exposure modes are limited.

Neither camera offers bulb mode or long-interval exposure control for astrophotography enthusiasts.

Travel Photography

Here, both cameras have strong use cases.

The SZ8’s slim profile and wireless image transfer make it great for light travelers focused on snapshots.

The ZS20’s wider zoom, GPS, better low-light capacity, and exposure flexibility make it a versatile, go-to travel companion for users seeking creative options in a compact form.

Video Shooting

ZS20’s 1080p60 video and optical stabilization deliver smooth, usable HD footage for family videos and casual YouTube work.

SZ8’s 720p MJPEG output is outdated and more prone to large file sizes and compression artifacts.

Neither camera offers advanced video features like mic input, 4K recording, or log profiles.

Professional Use and Workflow

Neither model targets professional workflows requiring RAW capture, extensive dynamic range, or rugged bodies.

The lack of RAW support on both limits post-processing flexibility.

If you need a backup camera or lightweight option for documentation, the ZS20’s manual controls and exposure bracketing offer some semi-pro utility over the SZ8.

Final Verdict: Which Panasonic Superzoom Should You Choose?

In sum, both cameras fit very different niches despite coming from the same brand family.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 is best suited for:

• Users prioritizing an ultra-compact, pocketable camera
• Simple point-and-shoot experience with lightweight handling
• Casual snapshots in good lighting without demanding controls or high burst shooting
• Travel days when minimum bulk matters most

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20, on the other hand, excels for:

• Enthusiasts wanting versatile zoom range and manual exposure flexibility
• Faster autofocus and burst shooting for action or wildlife photography
• Shooting video in full HD for casual content creation
• Slightly bulkier but ergonomically improved handling
• Travelers desiring GPS tagging and greater overall control

If you value a straightforward grab-and-go camera without the fuss, the SZ8 still holds merit - though its dated specs confirm it’s a basic model.

The ZS20 remains a more feature-rich compact superzoom worthwhile if you want to squeeze more creative and technical value from your gear for a moderate price increase.

A Gallery of Comparisons: See for Yourself

To better illustrate differences in image quality and handling, I captured a variety of scenes side-by-side.

Panasonic SZ8 front Panasonic SZ8 screen back Panasonic ZS20 front Panasonic ZS20 screen back

From portraits to landscapes, the ZS20’s cleaner image output and zoom versatility stand out - though the SZ8 surprises with respectable snapshots under favorable conditions.

Thank you for joining me on this detailed exploration of Panasonic’s SZ8 and ZS20. As always, your photographic goals and shooting style are the best guides to selecting gear that really fits your needs.

If you have questions or want personalized advice, feel free to reach out - happy shooting!

Summary of Key Specs

*At time of original announcement

I hope this thorough comparison demystifies these two Panasonic superzooms and steers you towards the right choice for your photographic journey.