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Panasonic ZS8

 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 front
 
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 24-384mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 210g - 105 x 58 x 33mm
  • Announced July 2011
  • Alternate Name is Lumix DMC-TZ18
  • Earlier Model is Panasonic ZS7
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
92
Imaging
37
Features
39
Overall
37

Panasonic ZS8 overview

Panasonic ZS8 is Panasonic's Small Sensor Superzoom camera first released on July of 2011. It has got a 14 MegaPixel, CCD 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a peak resolution of 4320 x 3240. The camera is also known as "Lumix DMC-TZ18" in other markets.

Panasonic introduced this camera in an effort to upgrade the previous Panasonic ZS7 (Read Full Comparison)

The ZS8 is rated #180 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and all around #844 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. You can use our Advanced camera finder to find camera ratings based on your personal requirements.

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The following is a diagram of various criteria used in the scoring system.

Panasonic ZS8 family

The Panasonic ZS8 is part of a family of digital cameras. You can see the full range below.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Panasonic-Lumix-DC-ZS80 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS80
ZS8 vs ZS80
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2018
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS70 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS70
ZS8 vs ZS70
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2017
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS60 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS60
ZS8 vs ZS60
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2016
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS50 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS50
ZS8 vs ZS50
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
12MP1/2.3"2015
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS45 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS45
ZS8 vs ZS45
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2015
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS35 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS35
ZS8 vs ZS35
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2014
Photography Glossary
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS40 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS40
ZS8 vs ZS40
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2014
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS25 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS25
ZS8 vs ZS25
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS30 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS30
ZS8 vs ZS30
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS15 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS15
ZS8 vs ZS15
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS20 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS20
ZS8 vs ZS20
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
14MP1/2.3"2012
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS8 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS824-384mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS7 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS7
ZS8 vs ZS7
25-300mm
F3.3-4.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS10 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS10
ZS8 vs ZS10
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS5 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS5
ZS8 vs ZS5
25-300mm
F3.3-4.9
12MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZR3 front thumbnailPanasonic ZR3
ZS8 vs ZR3
25-200mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZR1 front thumbnailPanasonic ZR1
ZS8 vs ZR1
25-200mm
F3.3-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2009
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS3 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS3
ZS8 vs ZS3
25-300mm
F3.3-4.9
10MP1/2.3"2009

Panasonic ZS8 Pros and Cons

Below is a list of pros and cons of the Panasonic ZS8 based on things that are often seen as necessary in a camera.

above average min ISO (100)
flash built-in
image stabilization (Optical)
includes HDMI socket
lighter than competition in class (210g)
long zoom range (24-384mm 16.0 x zoom)
MP count good (14MP)
offers tracking autofocus
quite wide (24mm)
screen is a good size (3 inch)
very long reach (384mm)
display is not selfie friendly
does not have phase detect auto focus
does not have RAW support
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
low resolution screen (230 thousand dots)
low res video (1280 x 720 pixels)
max zoom aperture not good (f5.9)
missing external microphone socket
missing headphone socket
missing Timelapse function
no external flash support
no manual focus
no moving screen
sensor is small (1/2.3")
slow frames per second (2.0 frames/s)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
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Panasonic ZS8 Sensor info

The Panasonic ZS8 features the Venus Engine FHD processor chip. The sensor spec in the Panasonic ZS8 is 6.08mm x 4.56mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the ability to resolve 4320 x 3240 pixels and aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera has got Image Stabilization (Optical). Sensor stabilization is superior than digital stabilization as the latter may lead to cropping.

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The CCD sensor boasts 14MP and provides a native ISO range of 100 - 6400. Unfortunately, RAW files are not supported which means that the user has less room to maneuver in post.

The picture below illustrates the ZS8's sensor dimensions compared to other common sizes. The ZS8 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.9 and is showcased in green.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 sensor size Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

To get a sense of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Panasonic ZS8 dimensions

Panasonic ZS8 weighs about 0.46 lb (210 gr / 7.41 oz) and the volume of the camera is 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3"). The weight of general Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 gr so the Panasonic ZS8 is lighter in comparison with various competitors.

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The following is a visual of the Panasonic ZS8 next to a soft drink to help you have a sense of its scale.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 dimensions scale

The top view directly below will illustrate the button layout on the ZS8.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 topview buttons dials

Panasonic ZS8 Lens info

The ZS8 houses a fixed lens and it has a focal range of 24-384mm making it a 16.0 x zoom which is outstanding and would let you zoom right in.

At the widest 24mm, the lens provides an aperture of f3.3 making it quite slow and not ideal in low light occasions and you will find it difficult to capture good bokeh. You will also have to raise the ISO setting resulting in noisy pictures. With the tele end, 384mm is exceptional zoom and comes with f5.9 which is very slow and you will need to go with slow shutter speeds.

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Panasonic ZS8 Connectivity

The ZS8 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that contain NFC or Bluetooth compatibility can be used wirelessly by smartphones. You are able to copy pictures and usually change camera settings without connecting physically to the camera.

Some applications even provide a Liveview and press the shutter in case you aren't near the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI out, it can be connected to an external monitor. Most cameras will allow you to recharge the battery with the USB socket.

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Panasonic ZS8 Video info

The highest video resolution in the Panasonic ZS8 is 1280 x 720 and it can shoot in MPEG-4 format. 720p is low by today's requirements. You should really go for a minimum FUll HD resolution for good video. The camera doesn't include a mic or headphone socket which means you get little control over your sound. It is perhaps best to shop for an alternative camera if you require decent sound in your video clips.

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Panasonic ZS8 Weather Sealing

There is no weather sealing on the Panasonic ZS8 so you need to be cautious in rainy or dusty situations.

Panasonic ZS8 Display and Viewfinder

The Panasonic ZS8 has got a 3 inch fixed display screen supporting a resolution of 230 thousand dots.

Please be aware that the display offers no touch support.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 screen and viewfinder Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The View Finder specs regarding Panasonic ZS8 are below:

  • ViewFinder None

In those bright outdoor situations which make the camera screens washed out and challenging to view, viewfinders will be very helpful.

Panasonic ZS8 Shutter info

Panasonic ZS8 has the ability to shoot continuously at 2.0 frames/s. The max shutter speed is 1/4000 seconds.

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Panasonic ZS8 Flash and Hot shoe info

Panasonic ZS8 has got only integrated flash without external flash ability.

Panasonic ZS8 Autofocusing info

Panasonic ZS8 has got just Contrast Based AF and doesn't have Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection focusing is a lot more snappier & exact in comparison with Contrast Based focusing.

It has got 11 focus points to select from. It also features Tracking AF for moving subjects. Panasonic ZS8 has no manual focusing. Manual focusing option is useful for low light or you want more accurate depth of field control.

Photography Glossary

Panasonic ZS8 Battery life

The battery power on the Panasonic ZS8 is built to last for 340 pictures based on the CIPA standards making it about average when compared to its competitors. The typical Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR offers the highest (600) battery life for this range of cameras.

Listed below is a listing of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras which have the best battery life:

Panasonic ZS8 for various types of photography

The following graph indicates a analysis of the Panasonic ZS8 for various types of photography. To look at more, go to the specific paragraph below.

Panasonic ZS8 Portrait photography highlights

The Panasonic ZS8 has a points total of 30 which is low, and means the camera is not appropriate to use for portraits. Photographing portrait images favors greatly towards sensor specs, RAW support together with the flexibility to utilize external lighting.

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megapixel count decent (14 megapixels)
manual focus not available
can't use external flash
small sensor (1/2.3")
has no RAW support

Panasonic ZS8 Street photography info

Coming in at a above average score of 61, the Panasonic ZS8 is a very decent option for street photography. A decent street photography camera features a perfect balance of image quality and portability.

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image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competitors (210 grams)
screen is fixed
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
has no RAW files

Sports photography with Panasonic ZS8

A moderate sports photography points total of 47 means the Panasonic ZS8 is reasonably adequate for taking photos of sports. A camera really should have excellent tracking plus fast shutter speeds for sports photography.

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incredible zoom range (24-384mm 16.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count decent (14 megapixels)
includes tracking autofocus
low fps (2.0 frames per second)
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of phase detect auto focus

Panasonic ZS8 Travel photography highlights

Size is extremely crucial in buying a camera for travel. All things considered, the Panasonic ZS8 gets a above average 69 for a travelling camera which makes it a fine pick for your holidays.

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lighter than others in class (210g)
sensor resolution is decent (14MP)
has built in flash
pretty wide (24mm)
great reach (384mm)
missing Timelapse function
screen is not selfie friendly
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)

Panasonic ZS8 Landscape photography information

If you are looking to buy a digital camera for landscape photographs, the most essential factor is going to be image quality. The Panasonic ZS8 and it's low score of 44 as a landscape camera is not appropriate among its competition.

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reasonably wide (24mm)
screen size is decent (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
MP count decent (14 megapixels)
focusing manually not possible
cannot change lenses (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f3.3)
very small sensor (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
no Time Lapse function

Panasonic ZS8 Vlogging info

A camera for vlogging should really come with a moving screen, microphone port and ideally IBIS. Taking everything into account, the Panasonic ZS8 is not appropriate as a vlog camera as it comes to a low rating of 30.

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rather wide (24mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competition (210g)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
does not have selfie friendly screen
video quality not great (1280 x 720 pxls)
doesn't have external mic jack

Panasonic ZS8 Alternatives

If you are searching for replacements to the ZS8, here is a range of the top scored cameras which fall under the category of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The line chart down below shows you a bird's eye view of the ZS8 compared to it's top ranking competitors shown earlier.

Here are a few more cameras you might have a look at as alternative options. To see a full comparison, simply click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Make
Panasonic
Model type
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8
Also called
Lumix DMC-TZ18
Category
Small Sensor Superzoom
Announced
2011-07-19
Physical type
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Chip
Venus Engine FHD
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area
27.7mm²
Sensor resolution
14 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Maximum resolution
4320 x 3240
RAW pictures
Maximum native ISO
6400
Min native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Total focus points
11
Lens
Lens mount type
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
24-384mm (16.0x)
Max aperture
f/3.3-5.9
Macro focusing distance
3cm
Focal length multiplier
5.9
Screen
Type of display
Fixed Type
Display size
3 inch
Display resolution
230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Display tech
TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
None
DXO scores
DXO All around rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Lowest shutter speed
60s
Highest shutter speed
1/4000s
Continuous shooting rate
2.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance
5.00 m
Flash options
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution
1280x720
Video file format
MPEG-4
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
210 grams (0.46 pounds)
Dimensions
105 x 58 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3")
Other
Battery life
340 photos
Form of battery
Battery Pack
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Storage type
SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots
Single
Retail cost
$275