Panasonic SZ8 vs Samsung NX1000

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Panasonic SZ8 versus Samsung NX1000, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the SZ8 (16MP) and the NX1000 (20MP) is pretty similar but the SZ8 (1/2.3") and NX1000 (APS-C) use totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ8 was manufactured 21 months after the NX1000 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX1000 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a full comparison, below is a simple overview of how the SZ8 scores vs the NX1000 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 & Samsung NX1000. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery & Samsung NX1000 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ8 comes with exterior 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) while the Samsung NX1000 has specifications of 114mm x 63mm x 37mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 222 grams (0.49 lbs).

See the Panasonic SZ8 versus Samsung NX1000 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ8 and the NX1000.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ8 and NX1000 is 94 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to envision the gap between sensor sizes only by going over specifications. The picture underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ8 and NX1000.

Plainly, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ8 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Samsung NX1000 will deliver more detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more modern SZ8 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.