Canon G15 vs Panasonic SZ1
86 Imaging
37 Features
58 Overall
45


95 Imaging
39 Features
34 Overall
37
Canon G15 vs Panasonic SZ1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-250mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 131g - 99 x 59 x 21mm
- Revealed January 2012

Canon G15 vs Panasonic SZ1 Overview
Here is a in-depth analysis of the Canon G15 and Panasonic SZ1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Canon and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the G15 (12MP) and SZ1 (16MP) and the G15 (1/1.7") and SZ1 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

The G15 was brought out 9 months later than the SZ1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the G15 scores against the SZ1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Canon G15 vs Panasonic SZ1 Gallery
Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot G15 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon G15 Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon G15 over the Panasonic SZ1
G15 | SZ1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | September 2012 | ![]() | January 2012 | Fresher by 9 months |
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial exact focusing | ||
Display resolution | 922k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper display (+692k dot) |
Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ1 over the Canon G15
SZ1 | G15 |
---|
Common features in the Canon G15 and Panasonic SZ1
G15 | SZ1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal display dimensions |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither offers selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Neither offers Touch display |
Canon G15 vs Panasonic SZ1 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Canon G15 offers outside measurements of 107mm x 76mm x 40mm (4.2" x 3.0" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 352 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ1 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).
See the Canon G15 and Panasonic SZ1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the G15 against the SZ1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the G15 and SZ1 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Canon G15 vs Panasonic SZ1 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it can be tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reviewing specifications. The visual below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the G15 and SZ1.
To sum up, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The G15 because of its larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic SZ1 will deliver more detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a bit more aggressively. The younger G15 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.

Canon G15 vs Panasonic SZ1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon G15 vs Panasonic SZ1 Specifications
Canon PowerShot G15 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Canon | Panasonic |
Model type | Canon PowerShot G15 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Launched | 2012-09-17 | 2012-01-09 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Digic 5 | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/1.7" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 7.44 x 5.58mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 41.5mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 9 | 23 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 28-140mm (5.0x) | 25-250mm (10.0x) |
Maximal aperture | f/1.8-2.8 | f/3.1-5.9 |
Macro focusing distance | 1cm | 4cm |
Focal length multiplier | 4.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 922k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Screen technology | TFT PureColor II G LCD | TFT Color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (tunnel) | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 15 secs | 8 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/1600 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 2.0 frames/s | 1.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 7.00 m | 5.60 m |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Second Curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Highest flash sync | 1/2000 secs | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | H.264 | MPEG-4 |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 352 grams (0.78 pounds) | 131 grams (0.29 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 107 x 76 x 40mm (4.2" x 3.0" x 1.6") | 99 x 59 x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 46 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | 19.9 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 11.5 | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | 165 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 350 images | 250 images |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | NB-10L | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | One | One |
Launch price | $499 | $179 |