Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony RX100 IV

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony RX100 IV, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Sony. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the ZS8 (14MP) and RX100 IV (20MP) and the ZS8 (1/2.3") and RX100 IV (1") come with totally different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The ZS8 was introduced 4 years earlier than the RX100 IV which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a short summary of how the ZS8 matches up vs the RX100 IV with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery and Sony RX100 IV Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS8 comes with outer 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 RX100 IV has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") along with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony RX100 IV in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the ZS8 versus the RX100 IV.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS8 and RX100 IV is 92 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizes only by reading technical specs. The pic underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS8 and RX100 IV.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS8 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony RX100 IV will deliver extra detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged ZS8 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.