Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax P80

On this page, we will be comparing the Panasonic SZ8 versus Pentax P80, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference among the sensor resolutions of the SZ8 (16MP) and P80 (12MP) but both cameras have the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SZ8 was manufactured 4 years after the P80 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short view of how the SZ8 scores against the P80 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 & Pentax Optio P80. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery & Pentax P80 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ8 comes with external measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Pentax P80 has proportions of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ8 versus Pentax P80 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the SZ8 vs the P80.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ8 and P80 is 94 and 95 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes only by viewing specifications. The image below should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ8 and P80.

To sum up, both cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Panasonic SZ8 to provide you with greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more modern SZ8 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.