Canon SX160 IS vs Panasonic LF1

Lets take a deeper look at the Canon SX160 IS and Panasonic LF1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Canon and Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the SX160 IS (16MP) and LF1 (12MP) and the SX160 IS (1/2.3") and LF1 (1/1.7") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SX160 IS was released 5 months before the LF1 so they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SX160 IS grades versus the LF1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX160 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX160 IS Gallery and Panasonic LF1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX160 IS offers outside dimensions of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") along with a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs) and the Panasonic LF1 has dimensions of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Examine the Canon SX160 IS and Panasonic LF1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the SX160 IS against the LF1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SX160 IS and LF1 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Often, it is hard to see the difference between sensor dimensions only by reading through technical specs. The pic here will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX160 IS and LF1.

As you have seen, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SX160 IS due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Canon SX160 IS will give you extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a little more aggressively.