Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony NEX-5R

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Panasonic ZS8 versus Sony NEX-5R, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZS8 (14MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is pretty similar but the ZS8 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZS8 was manufactured 13 months prior to the NEX-5R which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the ZS8 matches up vs the NEX-5R in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS8 features external measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5R has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS8 versus Sony NEX-5R in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the ZS8 against the NEX-5R.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS8 and NEX-5R is 92 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions only by reading specifications. The image here will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS8 and NEX-5R.

Plainly, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZS8 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-5R will deliver extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged ZS8 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.