Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony RX1

On this page, we are evaluating the Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony RX1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the ZS8 (14MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the ZS8 (1/2.3") and RX1 (Full frame) offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS8 was brought out 19 months prior to the RX1 making them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a short summary of how the ZS8 scores vs the RX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS8 has external 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) whilst the Sony RX1 has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") with a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony RX1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with during that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the ZS8 and the RX1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS8 and RX1 is 92 and 79 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to picture the gap between sensor dimensions simply by going over specs. The picture below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS8 and RX1.

As you can plainly see, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZS8 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony RX1 will deliver more detail having its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics more aggressively. The more aged ZS8 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.