Panasonic ZS8 vs Samsung CL5

Here, we are comparing the Panasonic ZS8 and Samsung CL5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Ultracompact by companies Panasonic and Samsung. There exists a substantial gap among the resolutions of the ZS8 (14MP) and CL5 (9MP) and the ZS8 (1/2.3") and CL5 (1/2.5") provide totally different sensor size.

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The ZS8 was brought out 2 years later than the CL5 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Samsung CL5 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short introduction of how the ZS8 matches up versus the CL5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 & Samsung CL5. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery & Samsung CL5 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS8 has 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 Samsung CL5 has measurements of 93mm x 60mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.7") having a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS8 and Samsung CL5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the ZS8 against the CL5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS8 and CL5 is 92 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by researching technical specs. The photograph underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS8 and CL5.

As you have seen, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS8 because of its larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS8 will render more detail having its extra 5 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more recent ZS8 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.