Clicky

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III

Portability
94
Imaging
40
Features
31
Overall
36
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 front
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III front
Portability
89
Imaging
52
Features
77
Overall
62

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III Key Specs

Panasonic SZ8
(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
Sony RX100 III
(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  • Superseded the Sony RX100 II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
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

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.

President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban

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.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes
	
	

Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ8 over the Sony RX100 III

 SZ8 RX100 III 

Reasons to pick Sony RX100 III over the Panasonic SZ8

 RX100 III SZ8 
Focus manually More accurate focusing
Screen typeTiltingFixed Tilting screen
Screen resolution1229k460kClearer screen (+769k dot)
Selfie screen Take selfies

Common features in the Panasonic SZ8 and Sony RX100 III

 SZ8 RX100 III 
RevealedJanuary 2014May 2014Similar generation
Screen size3"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. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

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.

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III size comparison

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ8 and RX100 III is 94 and 89 respectively.

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III top view buttons comparison

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.

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III sensor size comparison

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III Screen and ViewFinder

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Photography Glossary

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Panasonic SZ8 Portrait photography details
Sony RX100 III Portrait photography details
35
resolution is good (16MP)
features face detection focusing
no manual focus
manual exposure not possible
can't use external flash
small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
65
focusing manually
high flash sync (1/2,000 seconds)
good resolution (20MP)
decent sensor size (1")
offers face detect focusing
supports RAW files
external flash not possible
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

Street Comparison

Panasonic SZ8 Street photography factors
Sony RX100 III Street photography factors
63
has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competitors (159 grams)
no moving screen
small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
85
screen tilts
built in image stabilization (Optical)
decent sensor size (1")
supports RAW files
lighter than competition (290g)
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

Sports Comparison

Panasonic SZ8 Sports photography factors
Sony RX100 III Sports photography factors
34
has image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (16MP)
continuous shooting slow (1.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority mode
small sensor (1/2.3")
bad battery life (200 CIPA)
doesn't have phase detect AF
66
built in image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (20MP)
decent sensor size (1")
offers tracking focus
has no phase detect AF
Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing

Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Panasonic SZ8
Travel photography with Sony RX100 III
67
lighter than competitors (159 grams)
resolution is good (16 megapixels)
built-in flash
decently wide (24mm)
long reach (288mm)
no Timelapse function
bad battery life (200 CIPA)
does not have a selfie friendly display
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
86
lighter than competition (290g)
good resolution (20 megapixels)
built-in flash
display is selfie friendly
relatively wide (24mm)
fast max aperture (f1.8)
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video

Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Panasonic SZ8
Landscape photography with Sony RX100 III
42
decently wide (24mm)
pretty good screen size (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (16 megapixels)
no manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
manual exposure not possible
small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
bad battery life (200 shots)
no Timelapse function
74
focusing manually
relatively wide (24mm)
fast max aperture (f1.8)
nice screen size (3")
built in image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (20 megapixels)
decent sensor size (1")
supports RAW files
cannot switch lens (fixed lens mount)
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic SZ8 Vlogging information
Sony RX100 III Vlogging information
32
decently wide (24mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
features face detection focusing
lighter than competitors (159g)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
does not have a selfie friendly display
low video resolution (1280 x 720 pxls)
no external microphone support
81
relatively wide (24mm)
fast max aperture (f1.8)
display is selfie friendly
built in image stabilization (Optical)
offers face detect focusing
good video quality (1920 x 1080 pxls)
lighter than competition (290g)
missing microphone socket
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony RX100 III Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic SZ8 and Sony RX100 III
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8Sony 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