Compact Superzoom Showdown: Panasonic Lumix ZS8 vs Sony Cyber-shot HX20V

Choosing the right superzoom compact camera can be daunting amid so many offerings, especially when comparing models like Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-ZS8 and Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. Both launched within a year of each other and offer an attractive balance of zoom range, sensor technology, and features aimed at travel enthusiasts and casual shooters who crave versatility in a pocketable form.

Having extensively tested both cameras side-by-side in diverse conditions - from urban street scenes to nature treks, and from impromptu portraits to sunset landscapes - I want to guide you through an in-depth comparison. We’ll peel back the layers - from build and ergonomics, sensor and image quality, to autofocus, video, and genre-specific performance - to reveal which camera suits which photographic styles and users best.

Let’s dive in and see how these superzoom compacts stack up!

Hands-On Feel and Ergonomics: Size Matters, but Not in the Way You Think

Anyone who’s spent hours trekking with a compact camera understands how physical size and handling affect shooting comfort and agility. The ZS8 and HX20V are neck-and-neck as small sensor superzooms, but subtle differences emerge.

The Panasonic ZS8 weighs in at a svelte 210 grams and measures 105 x 58 x 33 mm, making it slightly more pocketable than the Sony’s 254 grams and 107 x 62 x 35 mm footprint. In practice, the ZS8’s marginally smaller frame translates into a lighter carry and less fatigue on longer outings - a solid plus for travel photographers.

Ergonomically, the ZS8’s modest grip offers secure handling despite the compact shell. That said, its fixed lens design and relatively flattened control layout mean your fingers sometimes hunt for buttons. The HX20V trades some compactness for a chunkier grip and more pronounced contours, delivering an invitingly confident hold. For folks with larger hands, this could sway usability notably.

Top controls also reveal some telltale traits.

Sony’s HX20V places a more comprehensive array of dials and buttons within thumb and index-finger reach. The zoom rocker feels precise and responsive, while exposure compensation and manual exposure commands are accessible. Panasonic’s ZS8 opts for a more minimalist layout, favoring simplicity over granular manual control. Button illumination is absent on both, which doesn’t impact daylight shooting but hampers nighttime adjustments.

In the end, for pure portability, the ZS8 nudges ahead, but if handling confidence and direct control access matter more, the HX20V earns points.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolution and Raw Power Unraveled

Sensor size is a consistent given here (both 1/2.3-inch), but resolution and sensor technology substantially influence image output characteristics.

Panasonic’s ZS8 uses a 14-megapixel CCD sensor - tried and tested but now somewhat dated - coupled with the Venus Engine FHD processor. Sony’s HX20V boasts an 18-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor processed with their BIONZ engine. This combination gives Sony a clear theoretical edge in image quality, particularly in noise handling and dynamic range.

In controlled studio tests, the Sony produces cleaner images at base ISO 100 with finer details preserved. Sharpening and noise-reduction algorithms are intelligently balanced, avoiding the mushiness sometimes seen on the ZS8. Edge clarity and microcontrast credit the HX20V’s sensor design.

The Panasonic’s CCD sensor, while adequate for casual snapshots, shows early signs of grain and softening past ISO 400, and falls behind in resolving fine detail in shadows and highlights.

Panasonic’s 16x optical zoom ranges from 24-384mm (35mm equivalent) with max apertures of F3.3-5.9; Sony pushes this further with a 20x zoom 25-500mm F3.2-5.8 lens, offering more reach for distant subjects, such as wildlife or sports.

Neither supports RAW files, which restricts post-processing latitude - important for pros seeking flexible workflows.

About color rendering, Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor excels with richer, more accurate skin tones and punchier landscapes. Panasonic’s CCD leans slightly cooler, which some users might find less pleasing in portraits.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Your Window to the World

Without electronic viewfinders on either model, all framing relies on rear LCDs.

Sony’s 3-inch XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD boasts a superior 922k-dot resolution, delivering crisp live views even under bright conditions. The screen’s superior contrast and anti-reflective coating enhances visibility on sunny walks or outdoor shoots.

Panasonic’s ZS8 sports a lower resolution 230k-dot fixed TFT screen. Viewing details and manual focus accuracy under strong sunlight proved difficult during my field testing. You’ll rely on positioning your body or shade to get clear framing.

Touch capabilities aren’t present on either, which is expected given their era, but the lack of a tilting or articulating screen reduces compositional flexibility, especially for low or high angle shots.

Overall, Sony gains an edge for a better visual interface during live preview and playback.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: How Quick Are These Zoom Guns?

Autofocus (AF) precision and speed are critical for snapping fleeting moments - street candids, sports action, or wildlife movement.

The Panasonic ZS8 uses contrast-detection AF with 11 focus points, supporting continuous AF and tracking. However, the AF hunting was noticeable under low-contrast or low-light conditions. The maximum burst rate clocks at a sluggish 2 frames per second (fps), limiting its use in fast-action sequences.

Sony’s HX20V, despite having fewer AF points (9), employs a refined contrast-detection system with face detection and tracking. It does not offer continuous AF during burst but achieves a blazing 10 fps burst rate with AF locked at first frame. While this design sacrifices AF tracking during burst, it supports capturing fast sequences effectively if pre-focused.

Practically, during wildlife and sports testing, Sony’s rapid-fire capability allowed more keeper shots, with reasonably sharp focus if initial AF was dialed in. Panasonic's slower 2 fps continuous shooting feels cumbersome for action photography, sometimes missing critical moments.

Manual focus: Sony supports it, making fine adjustments possible - a plus for macro or landscape enthusiasts wanting precise control. Panasonic lacks manual focus, which is a limitation for creative users.

Flash and Stabilization: Keeping It Sharp and Lit

Both cameras pack optical image stabilization (OIS), which is invaluable when shooting at full zoom to minimize shakes.

In field tests, both were comparably effective at stabilizing handheld shots around 1/30s shutter speeds at telephoto focal lengths. Panasonic’s system felt slightly more conservative, while Sony’s was marginally more responsive.

Built-in flashes differ slightly: Panasonic offers a 5-meter effective flash range and five modes, including red-eye reduction. Sony’s 7.1-meter flash range surpasses the ZS8, more useful in dim interiors or night scenes. Both lack external flash ports, so expanding lighting capabilities is limited.

Video Quality and Features: Stepping Beyond Still Imaging

While primarily stills-focused, both cameras offer HD video, but there’s a meaningful difference:

Panasonic ZS8 shoots up to 720p at 30 fps using MPEG-4 format - adequate for casual sharing but hardly high-end.

Sony HX20V offers full 1080p at 60 fps, along with 1440x1080 and 720p options, recorded in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. This versatility and higher resolution give Sony an edge for vloggers or videographers seeking decent quality for moderate projects.

Neither model provides microphone input or headphone output, limiting audio control - expected for their class.

Neither supports 4K photo modes or advanced video-centric features, reflecting technology standards at their release.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Endurance and Flexibility

Panasonic claims a battery life of 340 shots, slightly edging Sony’s 320 shots per charge - both respectable for point-and-shoots.

In real-world conditions with aggressive zoom use, image review, and some video recording, both lasted around 250-300 shots per battery.

Storage-wise, both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; Sony also supports Memory Stick Duo variants, which may appeal to existing Sony DSLR users with card investment.

Neither supports dual card slots, nor offer USB charging - a minor inconvenience for travel shooting.

Connectivity and Extras: What’s Onboard?

Sony features built-in GPS for geotagging photos. For travelers keen on mapping their photo journeys, this is a great plus.

Panasonic offers no wireless connectivity. Sony supports Eye-Fi card wireless transfer compatibility, which allows some wireless image transfer but depends on separate hardware.

Neither supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, reflecting early-2010s technology limits.

Durability and Weather Sealing: How Tough Are These?

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or cold resistance. Both are designed for casual outdoor use under normal conditions but require protection against moisture and dirt.

For rugged adventurers or serious landscape shooters in harsh environments, these cameras are less suited.

Price and Value: What’s Your Budget Telling You?

At launch, Panasonic’s ZS8 retailed around $275, while Sony’s HX20V was priced near $397.

The price delta reflects sensor resolution, zoom reach, video capabilities, and feature set differences.

Today, both models are considered older and often acquired used or discounted. Buyers should weigh their priorities against current alternatives.

Putting It All Together: Which Camera Wins and For Whom?

Panasonic ZS8 front Panasonic ZS8 screen back Sony HX20V front Sony HX20V screen back

Nothing beats analyzing real-world image samples side by side. The Sony HX20V delivers sharper, richer, higher resolution photos, particularly in varied lighting. Its longer zoom, superior screen, faster burst, and video capabilities offer a more versatile package for enthusiasts seeking all-round compact performance.

The Panasonic ZS8 appeals for its smaller, lighter body and simpler controls, suiting casual photographers prioritizing portability over advanced features.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor and face detection autofocus produce more natural skin tones and reliable eye focusing, resulting in pleasing portraits even in natural light. The wider zoom range lets you isolate subjects with softer backgrounds, albeit both cameras’ small sensors limit true bokeh effects.

Panasonic fares adequately but with less color fidelity and slower AF response, making candid portraits more challenging.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Sony’s higher resolution sensor captures finer detail and wider tonal range, enhancing landscape shots. Panasonic’s CCD sensor may clip highlights and underperform in shadows. None feature weather sealing, so caution is advised in rugged environments.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Reach Matter Most

Sony’s 20x zoom extending to 500mm outdistances Panasonic’s 16x range. Its 10 fps burst allows capturing fleeting moments better, although AF during burst is locked, requiring pre-focusing strategy.

Panasonic’s slower 2 fps and shorter zoom limit usability for fast or distant subjects.

Street and Travel: Discreetness and Portability

Panasonic’s lighter and smaller ZS8 is preferable for street photographers valuing discretion. Sony’s bigger footprint and higher burst speed benefit those needing versatility over stealth.

Battery life is comparable, but Sony’s GPS may appeal to travel bloggers.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

Sony’s 1cm macro focusing beats Panasonic’s 3cm closest focus distance, and superior low-light ISO 12800 capability gives Sony a substantial advantage in dim scenarios, including starfields and night shots.

Video and Professional Use

Sony’s 1080p60 video with AVCHD format supports more professional workflows than Panasonic’s limited 720p offerings and MPEG-4.

Neither supports RAW or tethering, limiting professional appeal.

To further clarify, here’s an overall rating summary across key camera traits:

Breaking it down by photographic genre confirms Sony’s advantage in wildlife, sports, and low-light scenarios, with Panasonic fitting best for casual portraits, travel, and street photography where size and simplicity are paramount.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose Panasonic Lumix ZS8 if:

• You need a genuinely pocketable superzoom that won’t weigh you down.
• You prefer intuitive controls and simplicity over extensive manual settings.
• Mostly casual usage and moderate zoom reach suffice.
• Budget constraints steer you toward a more affordable compact camera.
• Portability trumps burst speed or advanced video.

Opt for Sony Cyber-shot HX20V if:

• You want higher resolution images with better low-light performance.
• Extended zoom reach and fast burst shooting are critical for your subjects.
• Video quality (full HD 60fps) is a must-have.
• Features like face detection AF, GPS tagging, and superior LCD screen matter.
• You are willing to trade pocketability for enhanced functionality.

Closing Thoughts

While both the Panasonic ZS8 and Sony HX20V reflect early 2010s superzoom tech, Sony’s sensor innovations and richer feature set make it the stronger all-rounder for photography enthusiasts seeking versatility in a compact package.

Panasonic’s lighter, simpler camera may still charm casual shooters prioritizing ease of use and portability.

When investing in legacy compacts like these, test them in person to ensure their ergonomics and output meet your expectations, given the age and evolving standards.

After extensively shooting and experimenting with both, I recommend Sony’s HX20V for those wanting the best blend of zoom, speed, and image quality without sacrificing compactness too much.

Panasonic’s ZS8, meanwhile, remains a kind, gentle companion for travelers and hobbyists focused on lightness and basic functionality.

Happy shooting!

End of comparison article.