Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony HX5

Here is a detailed assessment of the Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony HX5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the ZS8 (14MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the ZS8 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") posses different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS8 was introduced 14 months later than the HX5 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the ZS8 matches up vs the HX5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS8 has outer dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony HX5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view size comparison of the ZS8 vs the HX5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS8 and HX5 is 92 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing just by reading specs. The visual here might provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS8 and HX5.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS8 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS8 will deliver extra detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The more modern ZS8 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.