Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony NEX-5N

Below, we will be looking at the Panasonic ZS8 and Sony NEX-5N, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS8 (14MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is relatively close but the ZS8 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

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The ZS8 was brought out 2 months earlier than the NEX-5N which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple overview of how the ZS8 scores vs the NEX-5N with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you 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") and a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5N has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS8 and Sony NEX-5N in the all 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. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS8 vs the NEX-5N.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS8 and NEX-5N is 92 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by looking through specifications. The picture underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS8 and NEX-5N.

To sum up, each of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS8 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony NEX-5N will provide you with greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs much more aggressively.