Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX10

Below is a extensive review of the Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX10, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the SZ8 (16MP) and the RX10 (20MP) is very well matched but the SZ8 (1/2.3") and RX10 (1") come with different sensor size.

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The SZ8 was launched 2 months earlier than the RX10 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summary of how the SZ8 matches up against the RX10 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Sony RX10 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ8 features outside measurements 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 Sony RX10 has measurements of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") along with a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Check the Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX10 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the SZ8 and the RX10.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ8 and RX10 is 94 and 58 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to picture the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic below will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ8 and RX10.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ8 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF harder and the Sony RX10 will give you extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics far more aggressively.