• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 288.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SX280 HS advantages over Panasonic SZ8

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    500 mm vs 288 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    14.0 fps vs 1.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/3200 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic SZ8 advantages over Canon SX280 HS

  • Less expensive
    $170 vs $330 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Lighter weight
    159g vs 233g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Canon SX280 HS
Canon SX280

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Buy the Panasonic SZ8
Panasonic SZ8

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S9100

Canon SX280 HS
Nikon S9100
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SX280 HS vs Nikon S9100

Panasonic SZ8
Nikon S9100
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic SZ8 vs Nikon S9100

Compared to Panasonic ZS15

Canon SX280 HS
Panasonic ZS15
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $273
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SX280 HS vs Panasonic ZS15

Panasonic SZ8
Panasonic ZS15
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $273
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic SZ8 vs Panasonic ZS15

Compared to Canon SX260 HS

Canon SX280 HS
Canon SX260 HS
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Slow-motion videos

Compare Canon SX280 HS vs Canon SX260 HS

Panasonic SZ8
Canon SX260 HS
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic SZ8 vs Canon SX260 HS

Compared to Nikon S6400

Canon SX280 HS
Nikon S6400
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compare Canon SX280 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 SX280 HS
Samsung WB50F
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon SX280 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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