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 Sony NEX-C3 and Panasonic ZS8 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Sony NEX-C3 has external dimensions of 110 x 60 x 33 mm (4.33 x 2.36 x 1.3″) and weighs 225 g (0.50 lb / 7.94 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 Sony NEX-C3 and the Panasonic ZS8. Panasonic ZS8 is 5mm narrower and 2mm shorter than Sony NEX-C3 but they have the same thickness of 33mm. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Panasonic ZS8 has a built-in lens but Sony NEX-C3 doesn't. Once you put a lens on NEX-C3, its thickness will increase significantly.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Sony NEX-C3 and Panasonic ZS8.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Sony NEX-C3 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 15g lighter than the Sony NEX-C3 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 NEX-C3, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Sony Alpha NEX-C3 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
Sony NEX-C3 and Panasonic ZS8's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
On the other hand, Sony NEX-C3 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 NEX-C3.