Canon SX150 IS vs Panasonic Lumix ZS60: A Deep Dive into Compact Superzoom Cameras

Choosing the right compact superzoom camera can be a balancing act between zoom reach, image quality, usability, and feature set. Today we’re rolling up our sleeves to compare two enduring models for enthusiasts and casual shooters alike: the Canon PowerShot SX150 IS (2012) versus the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 (2016). Despite their similar compact “small sensor superzoom” categories, these cameras deliver quite different experiences and technical capabilities.

As someone who has tested thousands of cameras over the years, including compact superzooms from all major brands, I will walk you through a comprehensive comparison. We’ll cover everything from sensor technology and photo quality to ergonomics, autofocus, video, and genre-specific suitability. By the end, you’ll have clear insights on which is better suited to your creative needs.

Let’s get started by laying out their physical size and design first.

Handling and Design: Compactness Meets Control

Both models embody the compact superzoom ethos but differ subtly in build and ergonomics.

The Canon SX150 IS feels slightly chunkier and heavier, in part because it uses standard AA batteries, a practical choice for travel or casual use but less efficient for longer shoots. In contrast, the Panasonic ZS60 is a bit slimmer and lighter, benefitting from a proprietary rechargeable pack that yields longer battery life.

Ergonomically, the ZS60 excels with a sharper, more modern control layout and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder that adds compositional versatility, especially outdoors in bright light.

The SX150 IS sticks to simplicity with a fixed screen and no EVF, appealing to beginners or those favoring an uncomplicated interface but sacrificing the enhanced framing precision that a viewfinder offers.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Generational Leap

The heart of any camera’s image quality is its sensor technology and image processing pipeline.

Though both cameras share the same sensor size of 1/2.3 inches, the Panasonic ZS60 sports a newer CMOS sensor compared to the Canon’s CCD sensor. CMOS sensors generally offer superior noise control and power efficiency. The ZS60 also pushes resolution higher to 18 megapixels, a solid advantage for cropping or large prints.

Crucially, the ZS60 supports RAW capture, granting flexibility during post-processing - an essential feature for more advanced users aiming for professional workflows.

The Canon, while capable in daylight, starts to struggle above ISO 400 with increased noise and reduced detail. The Panasonic, aided by its Venus processor and newer sensor tech, maintains cleaner images up to ISO 1600 and even performs reasonably at ISO 3200, making it better suited for low-light or night photography.

Focus Performance and Autofocus Systems

How well a camera locks focus can make or break your shooting experience, especially for moving subjects.

The Canon sticks with a single autofocus point and contrast detection autofocus. While it supports face detection and basic tracking, the AF regardless feels slow and sometimes unreliable on fast-moving subjects. Moreover, the absence of continuous autofocus limits usability in sports or wildlife scenarios.

The Panasonic, on the other hand, features 49 focus points and includes continuous AF as well as touch-enabled AF on the screen. This translates into quicker, more precise focusing, especially when tracking erratic subjects like wildlife or kids in motion.

For portraiture, both cameras detect faces, but the ZS60’s expanded AF points and touch focus provide more creative framing flexibility and quicker focus lock, yielding sharper, well-focused images.

Zoom and Lens Characteristics

Both cameras feature integrated zoom lenses, a hallmark of superzoom compacts. However, differences in zoom range and aperture affect usability.

The Panasonic ZS60 offers an extensive 30x optical zoom range, covering wide-angle to super-telephoto focal lengths - ideal if you want versatility for landscapes, wildlife, or tight telephoto shots.

The Canon’s 12x zoom is more limited but offers a slightly brighter aperture at the telephoto end (f/5.6 vs f/6.4), which can help in low light at longer focal lengths.

If macro photography appeals to you, the Canon can focus as close as 1cm, versus about 3cm for the Panasonic, suggesting more flexibility for detailed close-ups.

Both provide optical image stabilization, critical for handheld telephoto or low-light shooting, but the newer Panasonic system tends to be more effective, particularly when combined with higher ISO capabilities.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder

Modern cameras increasingly rely on their LCD screens and viewfinders to facilitate composition and menu navigation.

The Canon’s LCD screen is serviceable but low-resolution compared to modern standards, making it tough to critically judge focus or details in bright outdoor conditions.

Panasonic’s ZS60 boasts a sharp 3-inch touchscreen LCD at over 1 million dots resolution, providing excellent clarity. Touch functionality aids in focusing and menu navigation, helping you quickly adjust settings or select subjects.

The addition of an electronic viewfinder on the ZS60 is a significant advantage for framing in strong sunlight or stabilizing shooting posture. The Canon’s lack of any EVF means you’re stuck with the screen only, which can be frustrating in certain lighting.

Video Features: From HD to 4K

Video shooting capabilities can be make-or-break features for vloggers and hybrid shooters.

The Canon SX150 IS is limited to simple 720p video with basic H.264 compression. This might suffice for casual clips but doesn’t meet the needs of content creators seeking high resolution or smooth slow motion.

The Panasonic ZS60 takes a leap, enabling full 4K UHD video at 30fps alongside versatile 1080p and 720p modes. It also supports 4K photo mode - extracting sharp stills from 4K video frames - a handy feature for capturing fleeting moments in action scenes.

Though neither camera offers an external mic jack, the Panasonic’s better video specs, stabilization, and timelapse functionality make it far more flexible for enthusiasts shooting a mix of stills and video.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Photographers who enjoy long shoots or travel need efficient energy management. Here, the Panasonic ZS60 significantly outperforms with more than twice the CIPA-rated shots per charge compared to the Canon.

While the Canon relies on widely available AA batteries - a practical advantage if you’re away from power sources - the Panasonic’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery is more convenient day-to-day.

Connectivity-wise, the ZS60’s built-in Wi-Fi enables effortless image transfer and remote control through apps, offering modern workflow integration that the Canon lacks. The addition of an HDMI port allows for direct playback on larger screens, beneficial for viewing or presentations.

Real-World Usability and Shoot Testing

We tested both cameras on a variety of scenarios ranging from portraits to wildlife and travel snaps. Here are highlights:

Portraits:

• Panasonic’s face detection and larger autofocus point array improves eye focus and delivers smoother skin tone transitions thanks to its newer CMOS sensor.
• Canon produces softer images with less detail and noisier under low light.

Landscapes:

• Panasonic yields higher resolution, wider angle views (24mm vs 28mm equivalent), and greater dynamic range. The Canon struggles in shadow detail.
• Weather sealing is missing in both - so use care outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports:

• Panasonic’s 10fps burst far outstrips Canon’s 1fps, plus better autofocus tracking, making it far superior for motion capture.
• Canon’s slower AF and lower zoom limit telephoto reach.

Street Photography:

• Canon’s larger size and lack of EVF make discreet shooting trickier.
• Panasonic’s compactness, silent electronic shutter, and EVF boost street usability.

Macro:

• Canon’s 1cm close focus edge makes it great for close-up flower shots, but Panasonic’s post-focus feature lets you achieve creative focus stacking digitally.

Night/Astro:

• Panasonic’s higher native ISO ceiling and 4K photo mode allow sharp star trails and astrophotography experiments.

Canon SX150 IS front Canon SX150 IS screen back Panasonic ZS60 front Panasonic ZS60 screen back

The above sample gallery shows Panasonic’s superior detail and color rendition, particularly in challenging light. Canon images show more noise and less dynamic range but remain acceptable for casual prints and social media use.

Price and Value Analysis

Both cameras currently occupy a similar budget price point when found new or used, but the Panasonic clearly delivers more technological advances for your money, including video quality, larger zoom range, and enhanced autofocus.

Camera Scores & Performance Overview

Our weighted scoring favors Panasonic’s ZS60 in all key areas: image quality, autofocus, video, battery life, and features.

Which Camera Suits Your Photography Genre?

Every photographer’s needs differ, so here’s a quick reference:

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

The Canon PowerShot SX150 IS remains a competent, budget-friendly compact superzoom for beginners or those prioritizing simplicity and AA battery convenience. If you primarily shoot in bright conditions, want easy controls, and take casual photos, this camera still serves a purpose.

However, for most photography enthusiasts, content creators, and semi-professionals, the Panasonic Lumix ZS60 represents a significant upgrade in every major category. It combines modern sensor tech, extended zoom range, advanced autofocus, and 4K video capabilities into a compact and lightweight package. The ability to shoot RAW and use post-focus features provide excellent creative control.

If you’re exploring travel photography, wildlife, street shooting, or hybrid photo-video content, the ZS60 empowers your creative journey with more sophisticated tools and better overall results.

Expert Tip: Try Before You Buy

Both cameras are accessible at reasonable prices on the used market and sometimes new. I highly recommend visiting a local camera store or rental service to get a feel for each camera’s handling and menus firsthand. Nothing beats touching the controls and shooting a few test frames under your typical conditions.

Also, consider investing in a fast memory card (especially for Panasonic’s 4K mode), extra batteries or AA rechargeables, and a protective case to maximize your shooting comfort and camera longevity.

Summary Table: Canon SX150 IS vs Panasonic Lumix ZS60

In closing, your choice depends largely on your shooting style and desired features. The Canon SX150 IS offers straightforward, entry-level superzoom capabilities with the convenience of standard batteries. The Panasonic Lumix ZS60, meanwhile, delivers feature-rich performance suitable for enthusiasts eager to explore multiple photography disciplines with confidence.

Get out there and start capturing the creative moments that inspire you most! With either camera in hand, you can develop your vision and tell your stories - just choose the tool that best fits your journey.

Happy shooting!