Panasonic ZS8 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

The following is a detailed review of the Panasonic ZS8 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Ricoh. There exists a crucial gap among the resolutions of the ZS8 (14MP) and GR Digital IV (10MP) and the ZS8 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") come with different sensor size.

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The ZS8 was released very close to the GR Digital IV and they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summary of how the ZS8 matches up versus the GR Digital IV with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 and Ricoh GR Digital IV. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery and Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS8 enjoys outside measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) while the Ricoh GR Digital IV has proportions of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS8 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the ZS8 and the GR Digital IV.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS8 and GR Digital IV is 92 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by viewing a spec sheet. The image below will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS8 and GR Digital IV.

As you can see, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZS8 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic ZS8 will provide you with extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively.