Panasonic SZ8 vs Samsung HZ30W

Let's look a bit more closely at the Panasonic SZ8 versus Samsung HZ30W, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Panasonic and Samsung. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the SZ8 (16MP) and HZ30W (12MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ8 was released 4 years later than the HZ30W and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the SZ8 matches up against the HZ30W for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Samsung HZ30W. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Samsung HZ30W Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ8 features outer dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Samsung HZ30W has proportions of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Check the Panasonic SZ8 versus Samsung HZ30W in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ8 and the HZ30W.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ8 and HZ30W is 94 and 91 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements just by reading through specs. The graphic below should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ8 and HZ30W.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Panasonic SZ8 to give extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The more modern SZ8 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.