• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 224.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 288.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon 310 HS advantages over Panasonic SZ8

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.5 fps vs 1.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Panasonic SZ8 advantages over Canon 310 HS

  • Less expensive
    $170 vs $260 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    288 mm vs 224 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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Panasonic SZ8

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent 28-224mm zoom range; 3-inch LCD with 461K-dots; Full HD movie mode; Good print quality; Fun to shoot.

  • Odd button/switch positions; Moderate chromatic aberration; Soft corners; Dim flash results; Below-average battery life.

  • Read our Canon 310 HS Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Olympus Stylus-7040

Canon 310 HS
Olympus Stylus-7040
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • More dots on screen
  • $206
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels

Compare Canon 310 HS vs Olympus Stylus-7040

Panasonic SZ8
Olympus Stylus-7040
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $206
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out

Compare Panasonic SZ8 vs Olympus Stylus-7040

Compared to Samsung ST200F

Canon 310 HS
Samsung ST200F
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • HDMI out
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon 310 HS vs Samsung ST200F

Panasonic SZ8
Samsung ST200F
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner

Compare Panasonic SZ8 vs Samsung ST200F

Compared to Nikon S6400

Canon 310 HS
Nikon S6400
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon 310 HS vs Nikon S6400

Panasonic SZ8
Nikon S6400
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • HDMI out

Compare Panasonic SZ8 vs Nikon S6400

Compared to Samsung WB30F

Canon 310 HS
Samsung WB30F
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • HDMI out
  • $265
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon 310 HS vs Samsung WB30F

Panasonic SZ8
Samsung WB30F
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $265
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner

Compare Panasonic SZ8 vs Samsung WB30F

Compared to Samsung WB50F

Canon 310 HS
Samsung WB50F
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • HDMI out
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon 310 HS vs Samsung WB50F

Panasonic SZ8
Samsung WB50F
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus

Compare Panasonic SZ8 vs Samsung WB50F

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