Panasonic ZS8 Review – Is This Pocket Camera Lacking in Features
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Our Panasonic ZS8 review should be one of the easier reviews we've done at the site, and frankly we see this as something that is going to become fairly regular soon. The reasons this review will be so easy is because we've already reviewed the Panasonic ZS10, and frankly the Panasonic ZS8 camera is the same camera as its higher numbered brother but with a lower price and just a handful of features in difference. More on the differences later in our ZS8 review, though, and we'll start with what this camera brings to the table to make it a good buy.
Panasonic Lumix ZS8 Camera for Sale at Amazon
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 16x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black)
List Price: Sale Price: $180.99 You save: $99.00 (35%)  |
What makes the Panasonic ZS series and thus the Panasonic ZS8 camera such a big deal is the zoom level available to the cameras. In the ZS8 camera's case, the zoom is a whopping 12x and frankly would have been seen as almost undo-able in such a small package as this pocket, point-and-shoot camera. Yet that and the range of the camera (rated between 24 and 384 millimeters) leave you wondering just how a pocket camera can create such great photos.
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Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS8/DMC-TZ18 14.1 MP Digital Camera - Black / New
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 14.1 MP Digital Camera w/ 16x Wide Angle Optical Image
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 Digital Camera (Black)
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The answer in most cases, and probably almost definitely in the case of the Panasonic Lumix ZS8 camera is the internal software or hardware is taking care of the noise typically associated with taking a camera to its extremes. In the case of the ZS8, image cleanup is performed by the Venus Image VI processor. The Venus processor locates the most prominent noise in the images and uses its reduction mechanisms to clean up each photo (and video).
Add the 14.1 megapixel resolution sensor to the mix, and the Panasonic Lumix ZS8 has the capability to be not just a pocket camera with above average picture quality, but a camera that could potentially replace very camera in your bag, including the bag itself. Well, except for your expensive DSLR cameras, of course!
To get into the differences, we'll start with the sensor. The Panasonic ZS8 has the older, yet still capable CCD sensor typically found in other pocket cameras. The ZS10 carries a CMOS sensor, and carries with it the ability to generate higher quality HD videos. The Lumix ZS8 maxxes out its capability at 720p, but honestly the difference in 720p and 1080i just isn't enough for me to pay the higher price.
What does cause me to think the higher priced camera might be the better bargain is in continuous shooting. The Panasonic ZS8 camera is only capable of 2 frames per second, a very low number compared to the 10 and its 10 frames per second.
Panasonic ZS8 Camera Photos
We like that the company chose to increase the size of the LCD to 3-inches, from one of the older Lumix cameras and their 2.7 inch LCD's. And it's a bright screen too, easily seen in most lights, aside from the brightest lights. But its more expensive cousin has doulble the amount of pixels on its LCD screen, comparing 230,000 to 460,000. Much clearer picture in the LCD with the pricier camera, and the pricier camera's LCD is also touch screen. LCD comparisons are likely to point this Panasonic ZS8 review in the direction of the pricier camera.
In the end however, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 is as of this writing at least $60 more in price than the ZS10. And in the end, I'm about finding the best bargain I can find. Touch screens might be great, but honestly, I don't particularly need one to take photos. And continuous shooting isn't exactly my forte either, as I would rather focus my attention on landscapes or slow moving objects. This makes the Panasonic Lumix ZS8 more "bargain priced" for my needs than the costlier offering.
Panasonic Lumix ZS8 Camera Specs
* Model / ASIN: DMC-ZS8 / (B004KKZ0HE, B004KKZ0H4)
* Colors Available: Black (most popular) and Silver
* Resolution: 14.1 megapixels using a CCD sensor
* Lens: 16x optical zoom, wide angle Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens
* Digital Zoom: 4x digital zoom
* Video Recording: 720p HD video recording capable
* Minimum Focus Range: 3 centimeters in macro mode; 50 centimeters in normal mode; 200 centimeters in telephoto mode
* Continuous Shooting: 2 frames per second for a maximum of 5 images; can be changed to 10 frames per second but with lower quality images
* Shutter Speed: 60 seconds (night mode) down to 1/4,000 of a second
* Aperture: F/3.3 to F/5.9
* ISO: Auto ISO between 100 and 1600; high sensitivity ISO 1600 to 6400
* LCD Display: 3.0-inch LCD display with 230,000 points
* Viewfinder: None
* Flash: Flash built into the camera
* File Format: JPEG for still photos; Quicktime Motion JPEG for HD video
* File Storage: 70 megabytes of internal memory; compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards
* Outputs: USB (x1); A/V (x1)
* Power: Rechargeable Li-ion battery pack (see our page for ZS8 Batteries) capable of taking up to 340 photos on a single charge
* Dimensions: 4 1/10" x 2 1/5" x 1 3/10" (W x H x D) and weighs less than half a pound with the battery and memory card installed
* Release Date: January 2011
Reference
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ18 / ZS8 vs TZ20 / ZS10 | Cameralabs
Looking for a Panasonic TZ18 / ZS8 review? We've tested it head-to-head ...
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 information from Consumer Reports
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Panasonic Lumix ZS8 Camera - Youtube Video Review
Aprendiendo de fotografia Panasonic DMC-ZS8 -HD-
8 May 2012 at 1:38am
B. Daniels is the lead review expert with Find Cheap Bargains. B. was more than likely the person responsible for the hands-on review of every product on the site. He also spends time searching for sale bargains when not conducting and writing the reviews.
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