• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 336.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 288.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon 510 HS advantages over Panasonic SZ8

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • More telephoto lens reach
    336 mm vs 288 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • 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
    3.3 fps vs 1.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic SZ8 advantages over Canon 510 HS

  • Less expensive
    $170 vs $350 (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 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

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
  • 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

User reviews

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Buy the Canon 510 HS

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Buy the Panasonic SZ8
Panasonic SZ8
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Review Excerpt

  • Slim and stylish camera body; Extremely versatile 12x lens; Gorgeous 3.2-inch screen; Good image quality overall.

  • Not everyone will like the touchscreen; Glossy camera body attracts smudges; Below-average battery life.

  • Read our Canon 510 HS Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-HX5V

Canon 510 HS
Sony DSC-HX5V
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Canon 510 HS vs Sony DSC-HX5V

Panasonic SZ8
Sony DSC-HX5V
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony DSC-HX5V

Compared to Canon SD4500 IS

Canon 510 HS
Canon SD4500 IS
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More dots on screen
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Canon 510 HS vs Canon SD4500 IS

Panasonic SZ8
Canon SD4500 IS
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic SZ8 vs Canon SD4500 IS

Compared to Sony DSC-HX7V

Canon 510 HS
Sony DSC-HX7V
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $294
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon 510 HS vs Sony DSC-HX7V

Panasonic SZ8
Sony DSC-HX7V
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $294
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • HDMI out

Compare Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony DSC-HX7V

Compared to Nikon S6400

Canon 510 HS
Nikon S6400
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon 510 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 WB50F

Canon 510 HS
Samsung WB50F
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon 510 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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