Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony S980
94 Imaging
39 Features
31 Overall
35
94 Imaging
34 Features
17 Overall
27
Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony S980 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- 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
- Released January 2014
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 3200
- 1280 x 720 video
- 33-132mm (F3.3-5.2) lens
- 167g - 93 x 56 x 24mm
- Announced February 2009
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony S980 Overview
Here, we will be comparing the Panasonic SZ8 versus Sony S980, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ8 (16MP) and S980 (12MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor size (1/2.3").
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe SZ8 was released 4 years later than the S980 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the SZ8 grades against the S980 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
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Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ8 over the Sony S980
| SZ8 | S980 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Announced | January 2014 | February 2009 | Fresher by 60 months | |
| Screen size | 3" | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") | |
| Screen resolution | 460k | 230k | Sharper screen (+230k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony S980 over the Panasonic SZ8
| S980 | SZ8 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual focus | More accurate focusing |
Common features in the Panasonic SZ8 and Sony S980
| SZ8 | S980 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed screen | |
| Selfie screen | Neither includes selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly screen | Neither includes Touch friendly screen |
Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony S980 Physical Comparison
In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ8 features outer 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 S980 has dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).
Analyze the Panasonic SZ8 versus Sony S980 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ8 against the S980.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ8 and S980 is 94 and 94 respectively.
Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony S980 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it is tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading specs. The graphic underneath will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ8 and S980.
All in all, both of the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You should count on the Panasonic SZ8 to offer extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The newer SZ8 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.
Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony S980 Screen and ViewFinder
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Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony S980 Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Manufacturer | Panasonic | Sony |
| Model | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 |
| Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Compact |
| Released | 2014-01-06 | 2009-02-17 |
| Body design | Compact | Compact |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Processor Chip | Venus Engine | - |
| Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
| Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 16 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Highest Possible resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4000 x 3000 |
| Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 3200 |
| Maximum enhanced ISO | 6400 | - |
| Min native ISO | 100 | 80 |
| RAW pictures | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focus | ||
| Autofocus touch | ||
| Autofocus continuous | ||
| Autofocus single | ||
| Tracking autofocus | ||
| Autofocus selectice | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Multi area autofocus | ||
| Live view autofocus | ||
| Face detection autofocus | ||
| Contract detection autofocus | ||
| Phase detection autofocus | ||
| Number of focus points | 9 | 9 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
| Lens focal range | 24-288mm (12.0x) | 33-132mm (4.0x) |
| Maximal aperture | f/3.1-6.3 | f/3.3-5.2 |
| Macro focus range | - | 10cm |
| Focal length multiplier | 5.9 | 5.8 |
| Screen | ||
| Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen sizing | 3 inches | 2.7 inches |
| Screen resolution | 460 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch capability | ||
| Screen technology | TFT LCD | - |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder type | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 8 seconds | 2 seconds |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/1600 seconds |
| Continuous shutter speed | 1.0fps | 1.0fps |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manually set exposure | ||
| Custom white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Inbuilt flash | ||
| Flash range | 5.20 m | 3.50 m |
| Flash options | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
| Hot shoe | ||
| AE bracketing | ||
| White balance bracketing | ||
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment metering | ||
| Average metering | ||
| Spot metering | ||
| Partial metering | ||
| AF area metering | ||
| Center weighted metering | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p), 320 x 240 (30p) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
| Video data format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
| Mic jack | ||
| Headphone jack | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Built-In | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental seal | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 159 gr (0.35 lb) | 167 gr (0.37 lb) |
| Physical dimensions | 100 x 60 x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") | 93 x 56 x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 200 pictures | - |
| Form of battery | Battery Pack | - |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Time lapse feature | ||
| Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal |
| Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
| Cost at release | $275 | $300 |