Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony HX300

Its time to look a little more closely at the Panasonic SZ8 and Sony HX300, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ8 (16MP) and the HX300 (20MP) is fairly well matched and they feature the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SZ8 was released 11 months later than the HX300 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the SZ8 matches up against the HX300 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Sony HX300 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ8 has got physical measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Sony HX300 has specifications of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") and a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic SZ8 and Sony HX300 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the SZ8 compared to the HX300.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SZ8 and HX300 is 94 and 63 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to see the gap between sensor measurements merely by checking specifications. The photograph underneath should provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ8 and HX300.

Plainly, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You should anticipate the Sony HX300 to resolve greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more modern SZ8 will have a benefit in sensor technology.