Clicky

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony HX20V

Portability
94
Imaging
40
Features
31
Overall
36
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 front
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V front
Portability
90
Imaging
42
Features
50
Overall
45

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony HX20V Key Specs

Panasonic SZ8
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 1600 (Boost to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 24-288mm (F3.1-6.3) lens
  • 159g - 100 x 60 x 27mm
  • Announced January 2014
Sony HX20V
(Full Review)
  • 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 12800
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-500mm (F3.2-5.8) lens
  • 254g - 107 x 62 x 35mm
  • Revealed July 2012
  • Older Model is Sony HX10V
  • New Model is Sony HX30V
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony HX20V Overview

Here is a detailed review of the Panasonic SZ8 versus Sony HX20V, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the SZ8 (16MP) and the HX20V (18MP) is fairly comparable and they use the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The SZ8 was brought out 18 months later than the HX20V making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the SZ8 matches up against the HX20V when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images
	
	

Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ8 over the Sony HX20V

 SZ8 HX20V 
RevealedJanuary 2014July 2012Fresher by 18 months

Reasons to pick Sony HX20V over the Panasonic SZ8

 HX20V SZ8 
Focus manually Very accurate focusing
Display resolution922k460kCrisper display (+462k dot)

Common features in the Panasonic SZ8 and Sony HX20V

 SZ8 HX20V 
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Display sizing3"3"Equivalent display measurements
Selfie screen Neither includes selfie screen
Touch display Neither includes Touch display

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony HX20V Physical Comparison

In case you're intending to carry your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ8 features exterior dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Sony HX20V has dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic SZ8 versus Sony HX20V in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at the time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ8 against the HX20V.

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony HX20V size comparison

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ8 and HX20V is 94 and 90 respectively.

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony HX20V top view buttons comparison

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony HX20V Sensor Comparison

Typically, it is very tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizing purely by checking out technical specs. The photograph underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ8 and HX20V.

As you can tell, both cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You should anticipate the Sony HX20V to show greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos far more aggressively. The younger SZ8 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony HX20V sensor size comparison

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony HX20V Screen and ViewFinder

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony HX20V Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Panasonic SZ8 Portrait photography information
Sony HX20V Portrait photography information
35
resolution is good (16 megapixels)
provides face detect focus
manual focus not available
no manual control
can't use external flash
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
45
manual focus
good MP (18MP)
provides face detect autofocus
can't use external flash
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban

Street Comparison

Panasonic SZ8 Street photography advice
Sony HX20V Street photography advice
63
image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competition (159 grams)
screen does not articulate
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
61
has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than others (254 grams)
screen does not articulate
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Sports Comparison

Panasonic SZ8 as a Sports photography camera
Sony HX20V as a Sports photography camera
34
image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (16MP)
max fps very slow (1.0 fps)
lack of shutter priority mode
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
terrible battery pack (200 CIPA)
lack of phase detect auto focus
49
long zoom range (25-500mm 20.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
good MP (18 megapixels)
provides tracking focus
lack of shutter priority mode
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect autofocus
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video

Travel Comparison

Panasonic SZ8 as a Travel photography camera
Sony HX20V as a Travel photography camera
67
lighter than competition (159 grams)
resolution is good (16 megapixels)
has built in flash
quite wide (24mm)
long zoom (288mm)
does not have Timelapse function
terrible battery pack (200 CIPA)
display isn't selfie friendly
slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
69
lighter than others (254g)
good MP (18MP)
has built in flash
fairly wide (25mm)
very long reach (500mm)
lack of Timelapse function
does not have a selfie friendly display
slow max aperture (f3.2)
Photography Glossary

Landscape Comparison

Panasonic SZ8 Landscape photography factors
Sony HX20V Landscape photography factors
42
quite wide (24mm)
screen is a good size (3 inches)
image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (16 megapixels)
manual focus not available
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
no manual control
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
terrible battery pack (200 per charge)
does not have Timelapse function
50
manual focus
fairly wide (25mm)
screen size is good (3")
has image stabilization (Optical)
good MP (18MP)
can't switch lens (fixed lens mount)
slow max aperture (f3.2)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
lack of Timelapse function
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic SZ8 Vlogging highlights
Sony HX20V Vlogging highlights
32
quite wide (24mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
provides face detect focus
lighter than competition (159g)
slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
display isn't selfie friendly
low quality video (1280 x 720 pixels)
does not have microphone socket
34
fairly wide (25mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
provides face detect autofocus
video res high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
lighter than others (254g)
slow max aperture (f3.2)
does not have a selfie friendly display
lack of microphone support
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony HX20V Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic SZ8 and Sony HX20V
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V
General Information
Make Panasonic Sony
Model type Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V
Type Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Superzoom
Announced 2014-01-06 2012-07-20
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Processor Venus Engine BIONZ
Sensor type CCD BSI-CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.08 x 4.56mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area 27.7mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 16MP 18MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 4:3 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 4608 x 3456 4896 x 3672
Maximum native ISO 1600 12800
Maximum enhanced ISO 6400 -
Minimum native ISO 100 100
RAW data
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch focus
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Total focus points 9 9
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 24-288mm (12.0x) 25-500mm (20.0x)
Maximum aperture f/3.1-6.3 f/3.2-5.8
Macro focusing distance - 1cm
Crop factor 5.9 5.8
Screen
Type of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display size 3" 3"
Display resolution 460 thousand dots 922 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Display tech TFT LCD XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Min shutter speed 8s 30s
Max shutter speed 1/2000s 1/1600s
Continuous shutter rate 1.0 frames per sec 10.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation - Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance 5.20 m 7.10 m
Flash modes Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync
External flash
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p), 320 x 240 (30p) 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution 1280x720 1920x1080
Video format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None BuiltIn
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 159g (0.35 lb) 254g (0.56 lb)
Dimensions 100 x 60 x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") 107 x 62 x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 200 images 320 images
Form of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID - NP-BG1
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec, Portrait 1/2)
Time lapse shooting
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
Card slots Single Single
Pricing at release $275 $397