Canon PowerShot S95 vs Panasonic Lumix FZ300: A Thorough Camera Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing between the Canon PowerShot S95 and the Panasonic Lumix FZ300 is a fascinating exercise in examining two very different approaches to enthusiast compact cameras from different eras. Launched over half a decade apart, these two cameras reflect distinct philosophies and technological milestones in the world of small sensor fixed-lens cameras. Having thoroughly tested both in the field and lab, I’ll share detailed insights on how they perform across key photographic disciplines, build quality, usability, and value.

Throughout this comparison, we’ll dig deep into the technical underpinnings, real-world performance, and ultimately who each camera best serves. Whether you’re a street photographer craving discretion, a wildlife shooter eyeing burst rates, or a traveller wanting versatility, the contrasts here are instructive.

Let’s first get a feel for their physical forms and ergonomics.

Handling and Ergonomics - Size Matters, But So Does Comfort

Canon S95 (left) vs Panasonic FZ300 (right) - size and form factor compared

The Canon S95 is a quintessential compact: pocketable and discreet at 100 x 58 x 30 mm and a featherweight 195 grams including battery. This pocket rocket feels almost effortless to carry everywhere. Its magnesium alloy body suggests quality, but with a fixed non-articulated 3-inch LCD and no viewfinder, you necessarily rely on rear screen framing.

Contrast that with the Panasonic FZ300 - a hefty bridge-style superzoom with DSLR-like handling at 132 x 92 x 117 mm and 691 grams. It’s an instant reminder that more zoom and features come at the cost of bulk. However, the FZ300 features a fully articulated touchscreen LCD and a vivid electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasting 1440k resolution and 100% coverage. Those extra controls and grip depth translate to better handling for longer shoots or when using larger lenses.

The ergonomics translate as expected: the S95 is ideal when size and stealth are paramount - think quick street snaps or travel carry-on convenience. The FZ300, meanwhile, embraces the photographer who wants precise control and versatility, at the sacrifice of pocketability.

Top view: Canon S95’s minimalist control vs Panasonic FZ300’s DSLR-style button layout

The top decks mirror this design language - the Canon favors simplicity with a clean shutter button and zoom rocker, while the Panasonic offers direct access to exposure, ISO, white balance, and drive modes - a boon for manual shooters or those who like quick tweaks on the fly.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Evolution in Compact Sensors

Sensor size and technology comparison: Canon S95 uses a 1/1.7" CCD vs Panasonic FZ300’s smaller 1/2.3" CMOS

One of the most defining differences lies under the hood in each camera’s imaging sensor and processor setup. The Canon S95 employs a 1/1.7-inch, 10MP CCD sensor paired with a DIGIC 4 processor, a well-regarded combination in its 2010 era for producing pleasant colors and respectable dynamic range.

The Panasonic FZ300, introduced in 2015, uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch, 12MP CMOS sensor backed by Panasonic’s more modern Venus Engine processor. While the sensor size is smaller (28.07 mm² vs 41.52 mm²), the CMOS technology plus Venus Engine’s refinements yield better noise control, faster readout, and more versatile image processing capabilities.

In practical terms, the S95 holds an edge in color depth and dynamic range per DxO Mark measurements, which is typical of larger CCD sensors in their prime era. Its DxO Color Depth is 20.4 bits with 11.3 EV dynamic range at base ISO 80, compared to Panasonic’s unpublished but CMOS-driven expected boost in high ISO and speed.

However, the Panasonic’s higher maximum ISO of 6400 outperforms the S95’s limit of 3200 by a healthy margin especially in real-world low-light shooting. The FZ300’s CMOS sensor also enables more advanced features such as 4K video and faster continuous shooting not possible on the older DIGIC 4-based S95.

In sum:

• For natural color rendition and subtle tonality in optimal light, Canon S95’s sensor shines.
• For versatility, higher ISO usability, and modern features, Panasonic’s CMOS sensor leads.

Display and Viewfinder: How You Frame Your Shot

LCD screen comparison - S95 with a fixed 3-inch 461k dot vs FZ300’s articulating 3-inch 1040k dot touchscreen

The Canon S95 offers a fixed 3.0-inch LCD with a modest 461k-dot resolution. Though enough for basic framing and image review, it falls short of excellence in bright sunlight or when precise histogram and focus checking are needed. There’s no touchscreen or vari-angle convenience.

The Panasonic FZ300 corrects these deficiencies with a fully articulated 3.0-inch 1040k-dot touchscreen LCD, delivering much-improved clarity and the flexibility to shoot from awkward angles - a big plus for macro and street photographers who shoot from the hip. Touch controls speed up focus point selection and menu navigation, aiding workflow considerably.

Additionally, the FZ300 sports a high-res EVF (1440k dots, 100% coverage) that’s invaluable outdoors or for controlled shooting situations - a feature absent from the S95, which relies on LCD-only framing.

For photographers who value accurate, flexible framing and on-the-go composition tweaks, the FZ300’s display suite is a marked upgrade.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Fast and Reliable or Casual at Best?

Autofocus systems have evolved considerably between these models. The Canon S95’s contrast-detection AF system provides 9 focus points, manual focus option, but only single AF without tracking or continuous capabilities. Focusing speed is reasonable in good light but sluggish when light levels drop or motion increases. No face or eye detection is supported.

The Panasonic FZ300 is a far more capable autofocus platform by today’s standards. Boasting 49 focus points with contrast detection and Panasonic’s Depth from Defocus algorithm improving accuracy, it supports continuous AF, AF tracking, face detection, and touch-to-focus functionality - crucial for fast action, wildlife, or street photography.

Continuous shooting rates underline this difference: the S95 manages a pedestrian 1 fps burst rate, appropriate for casual snapshots but not for fast-moving subjects. The FZ300 accelerates shooting to 12 fps using continuous AF, rivaling entry-level DSLRs and allowing more reliable capture of fleeting moments.

During wildlife and sports testing, the FZ300’s AF keeps subjects well locked and frame rate ample for action sequences. The S95’s AF limitations and slow shooting cadence restrain it to more deliberate shooting applications.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Durability in the Field

The Canon S95’s compact magnesium alloy body gives a sense of refinement and quality. However, it lacks any environmental sealing. It’s best suited for controlled environments - urban, indoor, or leisure travel without harsh weather risks.

The Panasonic FZ300, by contrast, boasts a rugged build and comprehensive weather sealing including dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof capabilities. This makes it a genuine all-weather camera ready for demanding conditions like hiking, rainy city shoots, or seaside landscape photography.

While heavier and bulkier, the FZ300’s durability translates to peace of mind, especially for professional or enthusiast photographers who frequently shoot outdoors.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Versatility vs Optical Quality

The Canon S95 carries a fixed 28-105mm equivalent lens with a bright aperture range of f/2.0-4.9 and 3.8x optical zoom. This relatively modest zoom with a bright start aperture enables good low light performance and pleasing shallow depth-of-field effects at wide angle, crucial for portraiture and close-ups.

The Panasonic FZ300 boasts a 25-600mm equivalent zoom lens with an impressive constant f/2.8 aperture across the entire 24x zoom range - a rare and significant achievement in bridge cameras. This lens versatility lets photographers quickly adapt from wide-angle landscapes and street scenes to distant wildlife without swapping gear.

From a technical standpoint, the FZ300 lens shows very good sharpness and contrast throughout the range, though diffraction softening appears at smaller apertures typical of compact lenses. The wide aperture aperture ensures faster shutter speeds and better background separation even at telephoto lengths.

The S95 lens, while optically sharp, has less reach and cannot match the telephoto flexibility of the Panasonic.

Portrait and Bokeh Rendering: Natural Skin Tones and Background Blur

When it comes to portraiture, Canon’s S95 still holds nostalgic charm. Its sensor combined with the relatively bright f/2 aperture at 28mm creates pleasing, natural skin tones. The slight organic smoothness and warmth it imparts are flattering. The sub-compact size allows for comfortable handheld shooting with wider angles that capture environmental context.

The FZ300, despite its smaller sensor, benefits from its fast f/2.8 lens across zoom range. However, its smaller sensor size inherently limits bokeh quality and background separation compared to the S95’s larger 1/1.7" sensor. The electronic processing can also trend slightly cooler or more clinical for skin tones, which may require post-processing tweaks.

Neither camera features eye detection autofocus - something modern portrait shooters might lament for precise focusing on eyes. The FZ300 has face detection to aid AF, the S95 does not.

If your priority is natural portrait skin rendering with shallow depth and compact stealth, the Canon S95 pulls ahead. For flexible range with decent bokeh but slightly less flattering skin tones, the FZ300 suits better.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Resistance

Landscape photographers prize dynamic range, resolution, and ruggedness to withstand outdoor environments. The Canon S95’s 10MP 1/1.7" CCD sensor delivers good dynamic range for its era - 11.3 EV which helps preserve shadow detail on challenging scenes. Image resolution maxes at 3648x2736 pixels, adequate for moderate prints and sharing.

The Panasonic FZ300 offers higher resolution at 12MP (4000x3000) on a smaller sensor. While the dynamic range isn’t officially measured, CMOS sensors generally have less DR than CCD at base ISO, but the FZ300’s excellent high ISO noise control allows for pushing exposures with confidence, and post-processing latitude is good.

A major advantage for landscape shooters is the FZ300’s weather sealing and rugged construction, allowing extended use in harsh weather without protective housing - which is impossible with the S95.

The FZ300’s longer zoom can also capture distant details or wildlife intrusions in landscapes without the need for extra lenses.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed, Burst Rates, and Telephoto Reach

For wildlife and sports shooters, autofocus speed and continuous shooting are paramount. The S95 simply cannot compete here. Its slow contrast-detection AF and 1 fps burst rate limit its use to static or very slow subjects.

The Panasonic FZ300, with 49 AF points and 12 fps burst, handles moving birds, children playing sports, and train-times reliably. Its constant f/2.8 zoom enables faster shutter speeds for freezing motion at telephoto lengths.

Though the FZ300 lacks phase-detection AF and advanced animal eye detection found in newer systems, its fast contrast AF and tracking suffice for most amateur wildlife and sports photography.

Street and Travel Photography: Discrete Presence or All-in-One Versatility?

Street photography favors discretion, portability, and silent operation. The Canon S95’s compact size wins hands down for street shooters who prioritize blending in. Its moderate zoom range covers everyday scenes, and its optical stabilization assists in low light.

The FZ300 is bulkier and overtly “camera-esque,” potentially less suitable for stealth shooting. However, its ruggedness and articulating touchscreen screen make it more flexible for travel photographers who want one-camera-does-all versatility.

Battery life is significantly better on the FZ300 (~380 shots) than the S95 (typically ~200 shots), a consideration when traveling or shooting long days.

Macro, Night, and Astrophotography: Focusing Close and Low-Light Challenges

The Canon S95 focuses down to 5 cm in macro mode, while the Panasonic FZ300 achieves even closer macro focusing at 1 cm, aided by lens design and focus peaking features.

For night and astrophotography, ISO performance and long shutter availability are critical. Both cameras support manual exposure and shutter speeds suitable for long exposures. The S95 max shutter speed is 15 seconds; the FZ300 extends to 60 seconds, granting more control over star trails and nightscapes.

High ISO noise is markedly better on the FZ300, enabling cleaner star shots or cityscapes under ambient light. Its post-focus and focus stacking features aid in tricky macro/close-up shots.

Video Capabilities: HD vs 4K and Advanced Controls

Video recording is another key area of differentiation. The Canon S95 can capture 720p HD video at 24 fps, limited in resolution and lacking microphone input.

The Panasonic FZ300 steps into the modern era with 4K UHD recording at 30p and 24p, plus Full HD up to 60p. It supports external microphone input, enabling better audio capture - a feature serious videographers cherish.

The FZ300 also includes in-camera 4K photo modes, allowing extraction of high-res frames from video - handy for action or wildlife shooters.

Professional Workflow and Connectivity Features

Both cameras support RAW image capture, critical for professional editing workflows.

Connectivity-wise, the S95 includes Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless transfer but lacks built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The FZ300 offers built-in Wi-Fi for seamless smartphone control and image sharing, an advantage in the social media age.

Storage-wise, both use standard SD cards, but the FZ300 supports SDXC capacity and faster UHS-I speeds for video.

Pricing and Value: What Does Your Budget Buy You?

Retail prices place the Canon S95 around $495 new (though commonly found used for less) and the Panasonic FZ300 at approximately $598.

The FZ300’s newer features, superior zoom, better AF, weather sealing, 4K video, and robust handling justify its price point, especially for enthusiasts wanting one camera to cover many domains.

The Canon S95, aging yet capable, serves as an affordable compact with simpler operation and excellent image quality for casual photographers or collectors.

Overall Performance Ratings

From a holistic perspective:

• Canon S95 scores well on classic compact image quality and portability.
• Panasonic FZ300 scores highly on versatility, speed, and ruggedness.

Genre-Specific Performance: Which Camera Excels Where?

• Portraits: Canon S95 preferred for skin tone and compactness
• Landscapes: Panasonic FZ300 preferred for weather sealing and zoom
• Wildlife: Panasonic FZ300 preferred for AF and burst speed
• Sports: Panasonic FZ300 favored, Canon S95 marginal at best
• Street: Canon S95 for stealth, FZ300 for controlled shooting
• Macro: Panasonic FZ300 outperforms with focus precision and proximity
• Night/Astro: Panasonic FZ300 superior ISO and manual controls
• Video: Panasonic FZ300 clearly leads with 4K and audio input
• Travel: Choice depends on priorities - compact for S95, rugged flexibility for FZ300
• Professional Use: FZ300 better integrated into modern workflows

Real-World Image Samples: Seeing is Believing

Canon S95 front Canon S95 screen back Panasonic FZ300 front Panasonic FZ300 screen back

In side-by-side image comparisons, the Canon S95 produces warm, natural colors with smooth gradations well-suited for portraiture and daylight landscapes. The Panasonic FZ300 delivers sharper images at telephoto and higher ISOs with punchier contrast but occasionally less natural skin tones.

Conclusion – Which Camera Should You Choose?

As someone who has extensively tested countless cameras in both labs and varied real-world settings, here’s my candid take:

• Choose the Canon PowerShot S95 if: You prioritize pocket-friendly size and excellent classic image quality with a simple user interface. Ideal for casual shooters, street photographers, or those who want a quality compact without needless complexity. It’s a beautiful, dependable old-school tool that still produces lovely results in good light.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix FZ300 if: You want a rugged all-rounder with an incredible zoom range, modern autofocus, advanced video features, and weather sealing for versatile shooting in demanding conditions. Perfect for enthusiast wildlife, sports, macro, or travel photographers who demand speed, control, and adaptability from a single camera.

Neither camera is perfect, but with their distinct strengths and limitations, your choice depends on your primary photography needs, preferred shooting style, and how much bulk you’re willing to carry. Both remain noteworthy members within the compact and bridge camera lineages, proving lasting value through their unique design philosophies.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you make an informed decision tailored to your photographic passions and practical demands. If you have questions or want sample files to inspect, feel free to reach out! Happy shooting.