Panasonic ZS8 vs Sigma DP1s

Here, we are evaluating the Panasonic ZS8 and Sigma DP1s, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Sigma. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the ZS8 (14MP) and DP1s (5MP) and the ZS8 (1/2.3") and DP1s (APS-C) have totally different sensor measurements.

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The ZS8 was unveiled 22 months later than the DP1s making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP1s being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going into a detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the ZS8 matches up vs the DP1s for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 and Sigma DP1s. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery and Sigma DP1s Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS8 provides outer dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP1s has proportions of 109mm x 60mm x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS8 and Sigma DP1s in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the ZS8 against the DP1s.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS8 and DP1s is 92 and 90 respectively.

Typically, its tough to envision the contrast in sensor measurements only by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS8 and DP1s.

Clearly, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZS8 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic ZS8 will result in extra detail having an extra 9MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The newer ZS8 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.