Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax W80

Following is a in depth review of the Panasonic SZ8 versus Pentax W80, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ8 (16MP) and W80 (12MP) but they come with the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ8 was announced 4 years after the W80 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SZ8 grades vs the W80 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Pentax Optio W80. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Pentax W80 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ8 provides outside dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Pentax W80 has measurements of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic SZ8 versus Pentax W80 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ8 vs the W80.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ8 and W80 is 94 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizes only by checking technical specs. The picture underneath may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ8 and W80.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic SZ8 to give you extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop photos much more aggressively. The more modern SZ8 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.