• APS-C 365.0mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  •  
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 288.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony NEX-C3 advantages over Panasonic SZ8

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.76 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 400 vs 200 shots
    Capture more 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
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • 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
    5.5 fps vs 1.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic SZ8 advantages over Sony NEX-C3

  • Less expensive
    $170 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo

Common Weaknesses

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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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Buy the Panasonic SZ8

Review Excerpt

  • Very small body, refined build. Large sensor for good light gathering. Various low-light shooting modes to improve results. HD video mode with real-time autofocus.

  • Menu-driven interface is sometimes confusing, making quickly finding what you want difficult. Camera may be too small for some.

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Sony NEX-C3
Sony NEX-5N
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Shoots 1080p video
Panasonic SZ8
Sony NEX-5N
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Samsung NX200

Sony NEX-C3
Samsung NX200
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • More pixels
Panasonic SZ8
Samsung NX200
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon S6400

Sony NEX-C3
Nikon S6400
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic SZ8
Nikon S6400
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • HDMI out

Compared to Sony NEX-5R

Sony NEX-C3
Sony NEX-5R
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic SZ8
Sony NEX-5R
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Samsung WB50F

Sony NEX-C3
Samsung WB50F
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic SZ8
Samsung WB50F
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
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