Canon SX1 IS vs Panasonic ZS80

Following is a in-depth assessment of the Canon SX1 IS and Panasonic ZS80, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Canon and Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the SX1 IS (10MP) and ZS80 (20MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SX1 IS was revealed 10 years before the ZS80 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX1 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a concise view of how the SX1 IS matches up vs the ZS80 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX1 IS & Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The full galleries are available at Canon SX1 IS Gallery & Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and volume. The Canon SX1 IS has outside measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 88mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 615 grams (1.36 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS80 has sizing of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") along with a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX1 IS and Panasonic ZS80 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the SX1 IS vs the ZS80.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX1 IS and ZS80 is 64 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizes only by seeing specs. The pic below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SX1 IS and ZS80.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same megapixels. You can anticipate the Panasonic ZS80 to produce greater detail because of its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images way more aggressively. The more aged SX1 IS will be behind with regard to sensor technology.