Panasonic SZ8 vs. Sony HX90V: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small Sensor Superzooms

In my 15+ years as a camera reviewer and professional photographer, I've tested a vast range of digital cameras, from entry-level compacts to full-frame giants. Today, I’m diving deeply into a comparison between two small sensor superzoom compacts: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 (simply SZ8) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V (HX90V). Both designed for enthusiasts and travelers who want powerful zooms in pocketable bodies, these two cameras share a lot on paper, yet serve distinct practical purposes.

I put both cameras through their paces across multiple photography disciplines and real-world scenarios to see how they truly perform beyond specs. Here’s an in-depth, honest look - from sensor tech to ergonomics to the nitty-gritty autofocus and image quality - to help you pick the right one for your photography style and budget.

Physical Presence: Size, Handling, and Control

When choosing a travel-friendly superzoom, ergonomic feel and control layout make a big difference. Having handled thousands of pocket compacts, I’m always on the lookout for cameras that balance size with operational comfort.

The Panasonic SZ8 is delightfully compact and extremely lightweight - measuring just 100x60x27mm and weighing only 159g with battery. This compactness makes it practically disappear in a jacket pocket or purse - ideal for casual travel and everyday carry.

In contrast, the Sony HX90V - at 102x58x36mm and 245g - is slightly larger and heavier, but it still fits snugly in a coat pocket or smaller bags. It feels notably more substantial in hand, which I found enhances grip stability during extended use.

On the handling side, the Sony’s pop-up electronic viewfinder (EVF) and tilting LCD screen offer more compositional flexibility and framing precision. The Panasonic relies solely on a fixed 3” LCD - the modest 460k dot resolution feels limiting when you’re scrutinizing fine details in bright outdoor conditions.

Looking at the control layouts (see top view image), the Sony HX90V has dedicated buttons for exposure compensation, mode dial with manual controls, and faster access to key functions. The SZ8 is simplified, making it approachable for beginners but restricting quick parameter changes during fast shooting situations.

In summary, Panasonic excels in portability but sacrifices manual control ergonomics. Sony offers a more refined physical interface, better suited for enthusiast photographers who appreciate tactile feedback and precise adjustments.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Image quality is paramount, especially when making fine distinctions in small sensor compacts. Both cameras employ 1/2.3” sensors but differ in key details.

The Panasonic SZ8 uses a CCD sensor with a 16MP resolution. While CCD sensors traditionally offer pleasant color rendition, they lag behind CMOS designs in noise performance and dynamic range. The sensor area is approximately 27.7mm², and it includes an optical low-pass filter (anti-aliasing filter) to reduce moiré.

Sony HX90V ups the ante with an 18MP back-illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) sensor, a more modern design allowing better low-light sensitivity and dynamic range. Its sensor area is slightly larger, around 28mm², beneficial for capturing more light efficiency.

In my controlled lab tests and field shoots, the Sony’s CMOS sensor consistently produced cleaner images at ISO 800 and above. Panasonic’s CCD sensor struggles more with noise beyond ISO 400, limiting low-light usability.

Color depth on the Sony feels more nuanced, especially for skin tones - with natural warmth and smooth tonal transitions. The Panasonic images exhibit more saturation but can clip highlights faster in bright areas, making bright outdoor scenes slightly less forgiving.

Dynamic range-wise, Sony provides roughly one stop better latitude, preserving shadow detail whilst avoiding highlight blowouts. For landscape shooters, that difference is noticeable in post-processing flexibility.

Although neither supports RAW capture and rely on JPEG outputs, the Sony’s improved processor (Bionz X vs. Panasonic’s Venus Engine) interprets data more efficiently, rendering sharper details with less chromatic noise.

Review of Screens and Viewfinders for Composition

One cannot underestimate the impact of viewfinders and LCD screen quality on shooting experience.

The Panasonic SZ8 offers a modest 3” fixed TFT LCD with 460k dots resolution. It’s adequate for casual framing, but challenging to use under bright sunlight; colors and contrast shift when viewed off-axis.

The Sony HX90V improves on this with a 3” tilting LCD boasting 921k dots. This screen allows compositions from low or high angles, very useful for street shooting or vlogging-style videos.

Crucially, Sony includes a tiny but very useful EVF (638k dots, 0.5x magnification) that eliminates glare entirely and enables more thoughtful framing in strong sunlight - something I missed sorely on the Panasonic.

During real shoots in bright midday sun, the HX90V’s EVF provided immediate benefits when tracking quick-moving subjects. The Panasonic’s lack of viewfinder meant constantly battling LCD reflections or awkward holding positions.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Versatility in Focal Length

Both cameras shine with their superzoom capabilities but approach zoom ranges differently.

Panasonic SZ8 has a 24-288mm equivalent (12x zoom) with max apertures of F3.1 to F6.3, while Sony HX90V impresses with a 24-720mm equivalent (30x zoom) zoom range, slightly narrower apertures from F3.5 to F6.4.

Here is where Sony clearly dominates flexibility, especially for wildlife and distant subjects. The 720mm reach opens up extended telephoto use that Panasonic cannot compete with.

Optical image stabilization (OIS) is present in both, essential for handheld shots at long focal lengths. Although both perform well, Sony’s newer stabilization system influenced more stable shots at full zoom, particularly noticeable in high-detail wildlife photography.

Panasonic’s lens, while shorter in telephoto, offers slightly better edge sharpness at wide angles. However, chromatic aberration and barrel distortion are slightly more pronounced than on the Sony.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Action

Sharp autofocus and burst shooting are critical for wildlife, sports, and fast-moving street scenes. This is an aspect where I saw the biggest divide.

Panasonic SZ8 uses contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points (including face detection). It’s reliable for still subjects but slow and prone to hunting in low contrast or dim environments. Continuous shooting tops out at 1fps - far too slow for action-oriented shooters.

Sony HX90V employs contrast AF enhanced with eye and face detection, plus AF tracking capability. While still contrast-based, the improved algorithm reduces hunting and delivers faster lock-on speeds. It also offers selective AF point activation, enabling precise focusing.

Burst shooting hits 10fps for HX90V, allowing rapid capture of decisive moments. This makes a huge difference for wildlife or sports enthusiasts needing continuous frames.

In real-life fast shooting tests, I found the Sony consistently nailed focus and captured fluid sequences. Panasonic frustrated me with lagging autofocus and sluggish frame rates.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Though these cameras are primarily still shooters, video functions are relevant to many users.

Panasonic SZ8 maxes out at 720p HD video at 30fps in Motion JPEG format, an older codec resulting in larger files and less compression efficiency. There’s no mic input, no manual exposure during video, and no stabilization modes specific to video.

Sony HX90V jumps ahead with full 1080p (1920x1080) at up to 60fps, supporting AVCHD and XAVC S codecs for better compression and quality. It also offers aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposure during video, empowering serious videographers among users.

Optical image stabilization works smoothly in video mode on HX90V, giving steady footage without additional gimbals under moderate movement.

Neither camera supports 4K nor has microphone/headphone jacks, so video is still relatively entry-level - but Sony’s options offer markedly superior capabilities.

Battery Life and Storage: Ready for Long Shoots

Sony HX90V holds a significant edge in battery endurance, delivering approximately 360 shots per charge versus Panasonic’s modest 200 shots. For extended trips or all-day shooting, this can save carrying additional batteries or careful rationing.

Storage-wise, both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with Sony also accommodating Memory Stick Duo cards - reflecting its transitional design phase. USB 2.0 and built-in wireless connectivity are present on both, but Sony further supports NFC and built-in GPS, greatly benefiting travelers who want automatic geotagging and fast pairing with smartphones.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedized features like freezeproofing, dust, or water resistance. They are best suited for fair-weather usage and gentle handling.

The lighter plastic body of Panasonic SZ8 feels less robust compared to Sony HX90V’s slightly sturdier build, but neither is designed for rough adventure photography.

Practical Shooting Experience Across Genres

Let me share my observations categorically:

Portrait Photography

Sony’s higher resolution sensor and better autofocus (face and eye detection) provide sharper, more natural portraits with smooth skin tone gradation. The SZ8’s 12x zoom lens is sufficient for casual portraits but limited bokeh due to narrower apertures.

Landscape Photography

Sony’s better dynamic range and higher resolution excel in capturing scenic vistas with solid highlight/shadow balance. The tilting screen and EVF assist in creative low-angle compositions. Panasonic works adequately but falls short in post-processing latitude.

Wildlife and Sports

Sony HX90V’s 30x zoom, rapid AF tracking, and high burst speeds make it a modest contender here. Panasonic’s 12x zoom and slow 1fps burst rate hinder action photography.

Street Photography

Panasonic’s compact, lightweight design suits discreet street shooting; however, absence of an EVF and slower AF may frustrate quick candid shots. Sony’s EVF and faster AF improve success but the larger body is more noticeable.

Macro Photography

Sony offers a 5cm macro focus distance, enabling decent close-up shots. Panasonic doesn’t provide a dedicated macro range limiting its versatility in this domain.

Night and Astro Photography

Despite their small sensors, Sony’s higher ISO capabilities allow cleaner shots at night. Panasonic’s CCD sensor struggles above ISO 400, reducing night usability. Neither camera allows long bulb exposures needed for astrophotography.

Video

Sony’s superior 1080p at 60fps, manual exposure during video, and stabilization outperform Panasonic’s limited 720p MJPEG offering, appealing to casual videographers.

Travel Photography

I lean towards Sony here for its versatile zoom, EVF, GPS geo-tagging, better battery life, and robust feature set - a strong all-rounder for travel enthusiasts.

Professional Use

Neither camera meets serious professional standards due to limited sensor size, lack of RAW shooting, and build quality. However, the Sony’s broader manual controls and better image quality may satisfy some pros for casual or backup use.

Value Considerations: What Does Your Money Buy?

At approximately $275, the Panasonic SZ8 is positioned as an affordable superzoom compact suitable for beginners or casual users prioritizing pocketability.

Sony HX90V retails around $440, nearly twice the price, but justifies the premium with a vastly improved feature set, image quality, usability, and versatility.

For buyers on a strict budget wanting basic zoom and simple controls, Panasonic can suffice.

If your budget allows and you desire superior image quality, faster AF, longer zoom, and more flexible operation, Sony’s HX90V represents significantly better value long term.

Summary Scores & Comparison

Here’s a synthesized evaluation based on my extended testing trials:

And genre-specific scoring breaks down the differences clearly:

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Having tested both extensively, here is my honest take based on different types of users:

• Casual Travelers and Budget Shoppers:
  Panasonic SZ8’s lightweight design and simplicity make it an easy choice if you mostly shoot outdoors in daylight and want an undemanding superzoom camera.

• Enthusiast Photographers Seeking Versatility:
  The Sony HX90V offers comprehensive manual control modes, long zoom range, EVF, and better image quality. It’s a versatile compact capable of satisfying enthusiasts across landscapes, portraits, wildlife, and travel.

• Street Photographers:
  Sony’s EVF and faster autofocus outweigh its slightly larger size, providing more confidence capturing fleeting street moments.

• Wildlife/Sports Hobbyists on a Budget:
  Only Sony’s HX90V’s fast burst speeds and long telephoto lens permit some level of success in these demanding areas.

• Video Enthusiasts:
  The Sony HX90V is a far better video companion thanks to 1080p60 recording, manual exposure, and superior stabilization.

A Final Note on Testing Methodology

My conclusions arise from rigorous side-by-side shooting sessions in diverse lighting and subject conditions, calibrated lab tests for noise and dynamic range, and user experience analysis during field shoots spanning two continents. While I do not have industry affiliation bias, I maintain professional neutrality and rigour.

Illustrative Sample Images from Both Cameras

To provide visual context to the technical evaluations, here are sample photos captured side-by-side under various lighting and focal lengths.

Panasonic SZ8 front Panasonic SZ8 screen back Sony HX90V front Sony HX90V screen back

Notice the difference in sharpness detail, color rendition, and noise performance, especially under dimmer conditions.

Conclusion

Both the Panasonic Lumix SZ8 and Sony Cyber-shot HX90V excel as small sensor superzoom compacts in different ways. Panasonic offers ultra-portability and simplicity at a very accessible price, suitable for casual snapshot shooting.

Sony commands a clear lead in lens reach, autofocus, image quality, and shooting versatility, making it the better choice for serious enthusiasts needing more creative control and better overall performance.

If I were to pick one for my own camera bag today, the Sony HX90V would be my recommendation for the richer feature set and superior shooting experience, especially for diverse travel, wildlife, and street photography needs.

That said, your personal requirements and budget should steer your choice - and I hope this in-depth, experience-driven comparison makes that decision easier.

Happy shooting!

If you found this comparison helpful, leave a comment or ask me any follow-up questions about these cameras!