Canon SX160 IS vs Panasonic SZ7
86 Imaging
39 Features
45 Overall
41


95 Imaging
37 Features
41 Overall
38
Canon SX160 IS vs Panasonic SZ7 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-448mm (F3.5-5.9) lens
- 291g - 111 x 73 x 44mm
- Launched June 2013
- Replaced the Canon SX150 IS
- New Model is Canon SX170 IS
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-250mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 133g - 99 x 59 x 21mm
- Launched January 2012

Canon SX160 IS vs Panasonic SZ7 Overview
Here, we will be reviewing the Canon SX160 IS vs Panasonic SZ7, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SX160 IS (16MP) and the SZ7 (14MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras offer the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

The SX160 IS was announced 18 months later than the SZ7 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summation of how the SX160 IS scores versus the SZ7 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Canon SX160 IS vs Panasonic SZ7 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX160 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX160 IS Gallery and Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SX160 IS over the Panasonic SZ7
SX160 IS | SZ7 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | June 2013 | ![]() | January 2012 | Fresher by 18 months |
Manual focus | ![]() | More precise focus |
Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ7 over the Canon SX160 IS
SZ7 | SX160 IS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper screen (+230k dot) |
Common features in the Canon SX160 IS and Panasonic SZ7
SX160 IS | SZ7 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen size |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | No Touch friendly screen |
Canon SX160 IS vs Panasonic SZ7 Physical Comparison
When you are looking to carry your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Canon SX160 IS enjoys physical dimensions of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ7 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).
Take a look at the Canon SX160 IS vs Panasonic SZ7 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the SX160 IS vs the SZ7.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX160 IS and SZ7 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Canon SX160 IS vs Panasonic SZ7 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it can be difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing only by looking at specs. The graphic underneath may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX160 IS and SZ7.
All in all, the 2 cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Canon SX160 IS to give you more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The newer SX160 IS is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.

Canon SX160 IS vs Panasonic SZ7 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SX160 IS vs Panasonic SZ7 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SX160 IS | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Canon | Panasonic |
Model | Canon PowerShot SX160 IS | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7 |
Category | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Compact |
Launched | 2013-06-21 | 2012-01-09 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Digic 4 | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4320 x 3240 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Number of focus points | - | 23 |
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-448mm (16.0x) | 25-250mm (10.0x) |
Max aperture | f/3.5-5.9 | f/3.1-5.9 |
Macro focus distance | 1cm | 4cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of screen | 230k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Screen tech | TFT Color LCD | TFT Color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 15s | 8s |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/3200s | 1/1600s |
Continuous shutter rate | 1.0 frames per second | 10.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 3.00 m | 5.60 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Fastest flash synchronize | 1/2000s | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30, 25 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 291 grams (0.64 lbs) | 133 grams (0.29 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 111 x 73 x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") | 99 x 59 x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 380 shots | 220 shots |
Battery style | AA | Battery Pack |
Battery model | 2 x AA | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Price at release | $199 | $199 |