Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Nikon 1 S1 and Panasonic ZS8 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon 1 S1 has external dimensions of 102 x 61 x 30 mm (4.02 x 2.4 x 1.18″) and weighs 197 g (0.43 lb / 6.95 oz) (including batteries). Panasonic ZS8 has external dimensions of 105 x 58 x 33 mm (4.13 x 2.28 x 1.3″) and weighs 210 g (0.46 lb / 7.41 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon 1 S1 and the Panasonic ZS8. Nikon 1 S1 is 3mm narrower and 3mm thinner than Panasonic ZS8 but it is also 3mm taller. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Panasonic ZS8 has a built-in lens but Nikon 1 S1 doesn't. Once you put a lens on 1 S1, its thickness will increase significantly.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon 1 S1 and Panasonic ZS8.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon 1 S1 and Panasonic ZS8.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Nikon 1 S1 is 13g lighter than the Panasonic ZS8 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on 1 S1, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Nikon 1 S1 nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 (Lumix DMC-TZ18) provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Nikon 1 S1 and Panasonic ZS8's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.