Canon S90 vs Panasonic ZS60

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Canon S90 and Panasonic ZS60, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Canon and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the S90 (10MP) and ZS60 (18MP) and the S90 (1/1.7") and ZS60 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The S90 was brought out 6 years earlier than the ZS60 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple view of how the S90 grades against the ZS60 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot S90 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60. The entire galleries are provided at Canon S90 Gallery & Panasonic ZS60 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera, you should factor its weight and size. The Canon S90 features exterior measurements of 100mm x 58mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS60 has specifications of 112mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 282 grams (0.62 lbs).

See the Canon S90 and Panasonic ZS60 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the S90 versus the ZS60.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the S90 and ZS60 is 92 and 88 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizes merely by checking out technical specs. The image below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the S90 and ZS60.

As you have seen, each of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S90 due to its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS60 will provide greater detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged S90 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.