• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 288.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon S3600 advantages over Panasonic SZ8

  • Less expensive
    $140 vs $170 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    19 mm vs 26 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Panasonic SZ8 advantages over Nikon S3600

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/3.1 vs f/3.7
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    288 mm vs 200 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 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

  • 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
  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review 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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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S6400

Nikon S3600
Nikon S6400
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Larger lens aperture
Panasonic SZ8
Nikon S6400
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • HDMI out

Compared to Nikon S5200

Nikon S3600
Nikon S5200
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $369
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More dots on screen
Panasonic SZ8
Nikon S5200
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $369
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • Shoots 60p video

Compared to Nikon S5300

Nikon S3600
Nikon S5300
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Panasonic SZ8
Nikon S5300
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compared to Samsung WB50F

Nikon S3600
Samsung WB50F
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Larger lens aperture
Panasonic SZ8
Samsung WB50F
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus

Compared to Canon 170 IS

Nikon S3600
Canon 170 IS
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure
Panasonic SZ8
Canon 170 IS
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
Compare Other Cameras?