Panasonic ZR1 vs Panasonic ZS8

Here is a extended assessment of the Panasonic ZR1 vs Panasonic ZS8, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the ZR1 (12MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is pretty well matched and they feature the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ZR1 was launched 24 months prior to the ZS8 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the ZR1 matches up against the ZS8 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera often, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZR1 enjoys external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS8 has proportions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZR1 vs Panasonic ZS8 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the ZR1 compared to the ZS8.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZR1 and ZS8 is 94 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to see the difference between sensor sizing just by reading through specs. The visual underneath should offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZR1 and ZS8.

As you can plainly see, both cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Panasonic ZS8 to resolve greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older ZR1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.