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 P7100 and Panasonic ZS8 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon P7100 has external dimensions of 116 x 77 x 48 mm (4.57 x 3.03 x 1.89″) and weighs 395 g (0.87 lb / 13.93 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 P7100 and the Panasonic ZS8. Panasonic ZS8 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 11mm narrower, 19mm shorter and 15mm thinner than Nikon P7100.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon P7100 and Panasonic ZS8.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic ZS8 is significantly lighter (185g ) than the Nikon P7100 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix P7100 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 Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Nikon P7100 and Panasonic ZS8's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
On the other hand, Nikon P7100 features a
Tilting screen where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels whereas the Panasonic ZS8 has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to P7100.