• APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 384.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D3000 advantages over Panasonic ZS8

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.10 vs 1.42 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Fast startup
    ~0.70 vs 1.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 550 vs 340 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.0 fps vs 1.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    16 vs 3 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Panasonic ZS8 advantages over Nikon D3000

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 64 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    210g vs 800g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    14.1 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 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

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A230

Nikon D3000
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • HDMI out

Compare Nikon D3000 vs Sony DSLR-A230

Panasonic ZS8
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony DSLR-A230

Compared to Sony DSLR-A330

Nikon D3000
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Nikon D3000 vs Sony DSLR-A330

Panasonic ZS8
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony DSLR-A330

Compared to Pentax K-r

Nikon D3000
Pentax K-r
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup

Compare Nikon D3000 vs Pentax K-r

Panasonic ZS8
Pentax K-r
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax K-r

Compared to Panasonic ZS10

Nikon D3000
Panasonic ZS10
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D3000 vs Panasonic ZS10

Panasonic ZS8
Panasonic ZS10
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Panasonic ZS8 vs Panasonic ZS10

Compared to Panasonic ZS15

Nikon D3000
Panasonic ZS15
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $273
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D3000 vs Panasonic ZS15

Panasonic ZS8
Panasonic ZS15
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels
  • $273
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen

Compare Panasonic ZS8 vs Panasonic ZS15

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