Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III
94 Imaging
40 Features
31 Overall
36
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89 Imaging
51 Features
77 Overall
61
Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 1600 (Bump to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 24-288mm (F3.1-6.3) lens
- 159g - 100 x 60 x 27mm
- Introduced January 2014
(Full Review)
- 20MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 125 - 12800
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-70mm (F1.8-2.8) lens
- 290g - 102 x 58 x 41mm
- Revealed May 2014
- Superseded the Sony RX100 II
- Replacement is Sony RX100 IV
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Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III Overview
Here, we will be looking at the Panasonic SZ8 versus Sony RX100 III, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ8 (16MP) and the RX100 III (20MP) is pretty similar but the SZ8 (1/2.3") and RX100 III (1") offer totally different sensor size.
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The SZ8 was manufactured 4 months before the RX100 III so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 III being a Large Sensor Compact camera.
Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the SZ8 matches up vs the RX100 III when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
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Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Sony RX100 III Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ8 over the Sony RX100 III
SZ8 | RX100 III |
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Reasons to pick Sony RX100 III over the Panasonic SZ8
RX100 III | SZ8 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More accurate focusing | ||
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Screen resolution | 1229k | ![]() | 460k | Clearer screen (+769k dot) |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies |
Common features in the Panasonic SZ8 and Sony RX100 III
SZ8 | RX100 III | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | January 2014 | ![]() | May 2014 | Similar generation |
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen size |
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Missing Touch friendly screen |
Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III Physical Comparison
In case you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ8 enjoys external dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony RX100 III has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") with a weight of 290 grams (0.64 lbs).
Analyze the Panasonic SZ8 versus Sony RX100 III in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the SZ8 vs the RX100 III.
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Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ8 and RX100 III is 94 and 89 respectively.
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Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading specs. The graphic underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ8 and RX100 III.
As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ8 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony RX100 III will deliver more detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively.
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Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III Screen and ViewFinder
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Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
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Street Comparison
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Sports Comparison
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Travel Comparison
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Landscape Comparison
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Vlogging Comparison
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Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Panasonic | Sony |
Model | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III |
Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Large Sensor Compact |
Introduced | 2014-01-06 | 2014-05-15 |
Physical type | Compact | Large Sensor Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Venus Engine | Bionz X |
Sensor type | CCD | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1" |
Sensor measurements | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 13.2 x 8.8mm |
Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 116.2mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 20 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 5472 x 3648 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 12800 |
Max enhanced ISO | 6400 | - |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 125 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 25 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 24-288mm (12.0x) | 24-70mm (2.9x) |
Max aperture | f/3.1-6.3 | f/1.8-2.8 |
Macro focus distance | - | 5cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.9 | 2.7 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display size | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Display resolution | 460k dots | 1,229k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Display tech | TFT LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 1,440k dots |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.59x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 8 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 1.0 frames per sec | 10.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 5.20 m | - |
Flash modes | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off | - |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Max flash synchronize | - | 1/2000 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p), 320 x 240 (30p) | 1920 x 1080 (60p/60i/24p), 1280 x 720 (60p/30p/24p/120p), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 159 grams (0.35 pounds) | 290 grams (0.64 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 100 x 60 x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") | 102 x 58 x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | 67 |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 22.4 |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 12.3 |
DXO Low light score | not tested | 495 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 200 photos | 320 photos |
Battery type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | - | NP-BX1 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, self-portrait, continuous) |
Time lapse recording | With downloadable app | |
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Retail cost | $275 | $748 |