PCMag Editors did not test the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. We did, however, test and review the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 (2.5 stars).
A 14.1 megapixel digital camera with a 24 millimeter lens, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 ($299.99 list) offers a maximum zoom of up to 33.8x and 340 shots per battery charge. The shooter also sports Panasonic's Venus Engine, optical image stabilization and HD video capture among other features.
Design and Features
This Panasonic camera comes in a compact, consumer-friendly design encased in a sleek black plastic. The back of this model is where users will find a 3-inch Intelligent LCD accompanied by a simple series of controls and a single radial menu. The Lumix DMC-ZS8 packs one USB port, a component video output, an SD memory card slot and more.
This shooter's Venus Engine is what powers its optical image stabilization, but more importantly its Intelligent Resolution feature. This takes outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas and performs optimal signal processes to each area for clearer images. The Venus Engine also contributes to the camera's image noise reduction methods, which helps reproduce images at as high as 1,600 ISO.
The Lumix DMC-ZS8 is also capable of burst shooting at a rate of up to 1.9 frames per second at full, 14.1 megapixel resolution. The camera also features Intelligent Auto Mode, which adjusts shooting settings automatically depending upon what fills the frame. An auto focus and face detection feature along with subject tracking are also included. The Lumix DMC-ZS8 can display photos on an HDTV through an SD card and Panasonic's Viera Image Viewer.