Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony NEX-C3

Below is a detailed analysis of the Panasonic ZS8 versus Sony NEX-C3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZS8 (14MP) and the NEX-C3 (16MP) is very similar but the ZS8 (1/2.3") and NEX-C3 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The ZS8 was released around the same time to the NEX-C3 and they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise overview of how the ZS8 grades vs the NEX-C3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 and Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery and Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS8 has outside measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Sony NEX-C3 has specifications of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS8 versus Sony NEX-C3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the ZS8 and the NEX-C3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS8 and NEX-C3 is 92 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reading a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS8 and NEX-C3.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS8 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-C3 will offer extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images a little more aggressively.