Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax P70

In this write-up, we are matching up the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax P70, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ8 (16MP) and P70 (12MP) but they feature the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ8 was announced 4 years later than the P70 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the SZ8 scores vs the P70 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 & Pentax Optio P70. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery & Pentax P70 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ8 offers external dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Pentax P70 has proportions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax P70 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view size comparison of the SZ8 and the P70.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ8 and P70 is 94 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements simply by reading technical specs. The photograph below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ8 and P70.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You can anticipate the Panasonic SZ8 to offer you more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The more modern SZ8 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.