M8 and M12 refer to the mount size types used for small camera lenses.

M12 lenses, also known as S-mount lenses or board lenses, are used in cameras and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems.The term M12 refers to the mounting thread diameter, which is 12 mm.M12 lenses are known for delivering high-resolution images and are used in a wide range of applications, including security surveillance, automotive, drones, robotics, and more. They are compatible with various camera sensors and can cover large sensor sizes.

On the other hand, M8 lenses are smaller lenses with a mounting thread diameter of 8 mm.Similar to M12 lenses, M8 lenses are mainly used in compact cameras and CCTV systems.Due to their compact size, they are ideal for size-constrained applications such as mini drones or compact surveillance systems.However, the smaller size of M8 lenses means they may not cover as large a sensor size or provide as wide a field of view as M12 lenses.

M8 and M12 lenses are commonly used in applications such as CCTV cameras, dashcams, or drone cameras.

The differences between them are as follows:

1. Size

The most obvious difference between M8 and M12 lenses is their physical size.M8 lenses are smaller, with an 8 mm mounting diameter, while M12 lenses have a 12 mm mount diameter.

2. Compatibility

M12 lenses are more common than M8 lenses and offer better compatibility with more types of camera sensors.Compared with M8, M12 lenses can cover larger sensor sizes.

3. Field of View

Due to their size, M12 lenses can provide a wider field of view than M8 lenses.Depending on the specific application, a wider field of view can be beneficial.

4. Imaging Performance

With the same sensor, M12 lenses can generally provide higher image quality than M8 lenses due to their larger size, which allows for more complex optical designs.

5. Weight

M8 lenses are usually lighter than M12 lenses due to their smaller size.

6. Availability and Selection

Overall, there is a wider selection of M12 lenses on the market due to their popularity and greater compatibility with different types of sensors.

The choice between M8 and M12 lenses depends on the specific needs of your application, whether it is size, weight, field of view, compatibility, availability, or performance.