Canon G12 vs Panasonic SZ1: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Contenders

As someone who has tested thousands of cameras spanning decades and genres, I find that comparing compact cameras is often nuanced - especially when they target slightly different user priorities. Today I’m sharing an in-depth comparison of two popular small-sensor compacts from the early 2010s: Canon PowerShot G12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. I’ll break down their technical capabilities, real-world handling, and image quality, then zero in on use-case recommendations for everything from casual travel to specialized photography.

I’ve personally used and benchmarked both cameras extensively, so this is a from-the-field analysis based on hands-on shooting with varied subjects, lighting, and environments. The goal is to help you determine which might better fit your photographic style and practical demands.

Getting Acquainted: Body, Ergonomics, and Controls

When choosing a compact camera, the physicality matters a lot - especially if you carry it all day or shoot handheld in tricky conditions.

Size and Feel

The Canon G12 is a classic “advanced compact” with a robust, boxy design. Measuring 112 x 76 x 48 mm and weighing 401g, it feels substantial and reassuring in hand. The fixed lens barrel features notable grip contours, and the round, tactile control dials give direct access to settings - a boon when speed is key.

In contrast, the Panasonic SZ1 is smaller and lighter at 99 x 59 x 21 mm and only 131g. It’s slim, pocketable, and discreet, optimized for grab-and-go shooting rather than extensive manual control.

Here’s a side-by-side to visualize the difference:

The G12’s heft and layout better support prolonged shooting sessions, while the SZ1’s compact frame caters well to casual photographers emphasizing portability.

Control Layout and Screen

Canon’s top dials and buttons let you shift shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation fast without diving into menus. Despite the lack of touchscreen, the G12’s fully articulated 2.8-inch 461k-dot LCD allows shooting at odd angles - a feature still rare in compact cameras of its era.

By comparison, the Panasonic SZ1 employs a simpler interface with fewer physical controls and a fixed 3-inch 230k-dot TFT LCD. No touchscreen and no viewfinder require you to rely solely on the rear screen for composing and reviewing images.

Here’s how the two stack up from a top-down control perspective:

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Image quality is paramount, and the sensor specs offer clues about potential performance.

Sensor Type and Size

Both cameras use CCD sensors, which were common in early 2010s compacts and favored for decent color rendition but lagging behind evolving CMOS tech in noise control and speed.

The Canon G12 employs a larger 1/1.7" sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm (~41.52 mm²) with a 10MP resolution. The Panasonic SZ1 features a smaller 1/2.3" sensor at 6.08 x 4.56 mm (~27.72 mm²) but pushes 16MP resolution.

Here’s a graphic comparison to illustrate area and resolution:

The G12’s larger sensor size generally translates to bigger photodiodes, better dynamic range, and cleaner images at higher ISOs. Conversely, the SZ1’s higher megapixel count on a smaller sensor risks reduced pixel pitch, which can increase noise and decrease overall image sharpness, especially in low light.

Image Processing and Noise Performance

The Canon G12’s DIGIC 4 processor, while aging by today’s standards, was a dependable performer with solid color accuracy and noise handling up to ISO 800–1600 with grain kept in check. Its maximum native ISO sits at 3200, usable only in well-lit or high-contrast scenes.

Panasonic’s SZ1 reaches ISO 6400 but with heavier noise starting from ISO 400. Its processing compromises cleaner exposure but tends toward softer images due to noise reduction.

Scores from DxOMark (note: the SZ1 was not tested here) back these findings:

• Canon G12
  • Overall: 47
  • Color Depth: 20.4 bits
  • Dynamic Range: 11.2 EV
  • Low Light ISO: 161

While these tests are several years old, I’ve observed similar real-world outcomes in my field tests - especially in dynamic range and shadow detail. Landscape shooters often appreciate the G12’s sensor advantages for richer tonal gradations.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

Speed and focus accuracy often determine whether you get the shot, especially for wildlife and sports.

The G12 features a 9-point contrast-detection autofocus system enhanced with face detection and live view. It supports manual focus via a dedicated ring on the lens barrel - a rare but welcome feature in compact cameras, especially valuable for macro or tricky lighting.

The Panasonic SZ1 boasts a 23-point contrast-detection AF with face and tracking capabilities, including continuous AF during burst shooting. Manual focus isn’t available. The higher number of AF points sounds impressive but keep in mind both lack phase-detection sensors, which affects speed and tracking in fast action.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds

Both cameras support 1 fps continuous shooting, limiting their suitability for fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife. The G12 offers faster shutter speeds up to 1/4000 sec compared to the SZ1’s maximum 1/1600 sec, easing freeze-frame capture under bright daylight.

Canon’s longer minimum shutter speed of 15 sec (versus SZ1’s 8 sec) supports long exposures for night or astro photography, though the absence of bulb mode limits extreme exposures.

In sum, neither is ideal for dedicated sports photography but the G12’s manual focus and faster shutter offer more creative control.

Building for the Outdoors: Durability and Ergonomics

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized, so neither is suited for harsh environments or demanding professional use without protection.

However, the Canon G12’s robust body offers a more assured grip and durability feel, helping when shooting outdoors or in less-than-ideal conditions. It’s much closer to a prosumer tool than the lightweight, more fragile Panasonic SZ1.

Battery life shows a similar trade-off: G12 provides around 370 shots per charge using the NB-7L battery pack, while the SZ1 lags at approximately 250 shots. This difference means longer shoots are better supported on the Canon.

Video Capabilities: Modest but Serviceable

Both cameras offer HD video up to 1280x720 resolution; however, their target audience and capabilities differ.

• Canon G12 records at 24fps in H.264 and supports manual exposure modes during video - a boon for creative control. However, no external microphone port limits audio quality.
• Panasonic SZ1 delivers slightly smoother 30fps at 720p in MPEG-4, but offers no manual exposure and no audio input.

Neither camera supports 4K or advanced video features. Stabilization during video is optical on both, providing some benefit for handheld recording.

Exploring Genre Performance: From Portraits to Night Skies

Now, let’s put these cameras through real-world genre-specific paces based on my direct shooting experience.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The Canon G12’s brighter maximum aperture range (f/2.8–4.5) combined with a larger sensor enables better subject isolation and smoother bokeh. Its face detection autofocus is reliable, and manual focus lets you fine-tune for sharp eyes.

Panasonic SZ1’s smaller sensor and slower lens (f/3.1–5.9) produce sharper backgrounds but less pleasing blur, limiting creative control over separation. Autofocus is decent, if basic.

For those prioritizing flattering skin tones and artistic portraiture, G12 shines.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

The SZ1’s 16MP sensor offers higher resolution images great for cropping or large prints, but the small sensor struggles with dynamic range. Shadows can clip quickly, especially in backlit scenes.

The G12’s combination of 10MP and superior sensor area delivers better tonal gradations and contrast retention in RAW files. Coupled with its articulated screen and manual controls, it’s the more versatile landscape tool.

Neither camera offers weather sealing - so pack a rain cover when shooting outdoors.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus and Burst Rates

Both cameras’ single fps burst rates limit action capture. The SZ1’s more extensive AF points and tracking blur the lines slightly, but in practice, the slower sensor readout and contrast AF prevent confident high-speed tracking.

The G12’s manual focus ring can help if you anticipate fixed subjects (like bird nests). Neither camera competes with dedicated wildlife DSLRs or mirrorless models, but for casual snapping in close proximity, both suffice.

Sports Photography: Tracking Accuracy and Low Light

With continuous AF on the SZ1, you get minor advantages for moving subjects over the G12’s absence of this mode - still limited by 1 fps capture speed.

Low light sensitivity favors the Canon slightly, owing to its sensor’s better high ISO performance and faster lenses.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

Despite its size, the Canon G12 can be unobtrusive, especially with the lens pointed downward and its quiet shutter. Its articulated screen helps for shooting from the hip or at unconventional angles.

The Panasonic SZ1’s notably lighter, thinner profile makes it easier to slip into a pocket and carry all day. The lack of a viewfinder, however, can hamper shooting in bright sunlight.

I often found myself reaching for the SZ1 for casual street walks when packing light, and the G12 when seeking more control.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focusing

The G12 boasts a macro focus distance of 1cm and manual focus ring - perfect for detailed close-ups and creative macro work. The Panasonic SZ1’s macro minimum focusing distance is 4cm, with limited fine focus control.

If macro shooting is a major interest, the Canon clearly prevails here.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure

Thanks to longer exposure capabilities and better noise control, I had more success capturing star fields and night scenes without excessive grain on the G12. The SZ1’s ISO noise and shutter speed limits restricted such uses.

My Testing Methodology: What You Should Know

I undertook standardized tests in controlled studio lighting combined with field shoots over several weeks, cycling through typical situations: daylight landscapes, concert venues (low light), street photography walks, and family portraits.

Each camera’s JPEG and RAW files (where available) were evaluated for clarity, noise, dynamic range, and color fidelity. Autofocus speed and reliability were timed using moving and stationary targets.

When possible, I compared identical scenes taken side-by-side for direct visual analysis, which you can see below.

Canon G12 screen back Panasonic SZ1 front Panasonic SZ1 screen back

User Interface and Connectivity

The Canon G12, though lacking touchscreen, features clearly labeled buttons with backlighting and a responsive menu system. Its Eye-Fi wireless connectivity permits image transfer, providing some modern convenience.

The Panasonic SZ1 has a simpler interface but no wireless features. It lacks an HDMI port found on the Canon, restricting direct output options.

USB 2.0 support exists on both for data transfer.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility on the Go

Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses, but their ranges differ notably:

• Canon G12: 28-140 mm equivalent (5x zoom)
• Panasonic SZ1: 25-250 mm equivalent (10x zoom)

The SZ1’s 10x zoom offers greater reach for telephoto shots but with a slower maximum aperture - meaning more reliance on good light or stabilization.

The G12’s shorter zoom and brighter optics strike a balance better suited to general walk-around photography and low-light scenarios.

Battery, Storage, and Durability

Battery life favors the Canon’s NB-7L pack at 370 shots per charge on CIPA standards over the SZ1’s approximate 250 shots. This means longer shooting sessions without recharge for serious outings.

Both accept SD cards, with the Canon supporting SDHC and SDXC formats. Panasonic allows internal storage as well, helpful if cards run out.

Neither offers environmental sealing, so avoid extreme conditions or consider protective gear.

Pricing and Value: What Your Investment Buys

At launch, the G12 was positioned as a premium compact at around $600, reflecting its advanced controls, articulated screen, and sensor quality.

The SZ1 targeted the budget-conscious casual user at roughly $180, offering increased zoom but with compromises in image and build quality.

Today’s used market values reflect this gap. For enthusiast photographers valuing control and image quality, the G12 remains a compelling option. Buyers wanting a lightweight everyday camera may prefer the SZ1.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Should You Choose?

Having tested these cameras across multiple disciplines and conditions, here's my take:

• If you’re a photography enthusiast or semi-pro who values manual control, image quality, and a rugged hand-feel, the Canon G12 is the no-brainer. It excels at portraits with beautiful skin tones, landscapes with dynamic range, and macro close-ups thanks to its manual focus ring and articulated viewing. Its sensor technology and processing remain commendable, making it a versatile all-rounder even by today’s standards.

• If you want a lightweight, convenient travel or street camera at a low cost with powerful zoom reach and decent image quality for snapshots, the Panasonic SZ1 fits well. Its weaker sensor and simplified controls limit creative control and low light performance, but it rewards those who prioritize ease of carry and casual use.

Genre-Specific Ratings and Performance Recap

To help clarify the above, I’ve compiled a genre-specific visual rating based on hands-on testing:

Overall Performance Ratings at a Glance

The Canon G12’s superior sensor and manual control edge give it a higher score in overall capability, balanced against the SZ1’s focused advantages:

I hope this detailed comparison provides a clear, honest view of these two compact cameras. For enthusiasts, the Canon PowerShot G12 remains an excellent choice for creative photography, while the Panasonic Lumix SZ1 suits casual shooting with an emphasis on zoom reach and portability.

If you have questions about specific scenarios or want insights on related cameras, I’m happy to help - your photographic journeys deserve equipment that fits like a glove.

Happy shooting!