Canon PowerShot SX160 IS vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2: A Deep Dive into Compact Camera Choices

When picking out compact cameras - especially in the superzoom and rugged categories - it's easy to get lost between specs, marketing buzz, and real-world usability. I’ve spent years testing everything from pro-grade mirrorless systems to pocket-friendly fixed-lens models, so let’s cut through the noise with a hands-on comparison between two intriguing options from Canon and Panasonic: the Canon PowerShot SX160 IS and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2.

Both cameras cater to specific niches within compact photography. The SX160 IS is a budget-friendly superzoom model aiming at versatility, while the TS2 is a rugged, waterproof compact designed for adventure and durability. But beyond those broad strokes, which one suits your shooting style better? Let’s unpack everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, shooting performance across diverse genres, and ultimately, who should buy what.

Pocket Realities and Handling: Size and Design Matter

Before even firing up the shutter, you’ll want to gauge how comfortable these cameras feel in your hands. This has a huge impact when you’re out shooting for extended periods, or lugging gear on travels and hikes.

Physically, the Canon SX160 IS is noticeably chunkier (111x73x44 mm) and heavier at 291 grams (using common AA batteries). This heft gives it a sturdy feel, and the moderately pronounced grip helps with single-handed shooting, but it can feel cumbersome in pockets or tight carrying cases.

By contrast, the Panasonic TS2 is far more compact and lightweight at 99x63x24 mm and just 188 grams. Designed as a rugged, waterproof shooter, it’s slim and built for portability - easy to slip into outdoor gear pockets or a daypack without weighing you down.

Ergonomically, the SX160 leans into a traditional digital camera form with clearly laid out control dials and buttons everything within thumb reach. That layout benefits users who prefer some manual control and want quick access to exposure settings without diving into menus. Meanwhile, the TS2 adopts a minimalistic straightforward top control ring and lacks manual exposure modes, prioritizing ease of use over complexity.

If you value manual adjustments and a more “camera-like” grip, the Canon edges ahead here. Panasonic’s TS2 is about simplicity and ruggedness instead, so it forfeits some ergonomic sophistication.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras sport small 1/2.3" CCD sensors - nothing groundbreaking in pixel size or sensor technology, but the way each camera handles image processing influences your results.

The Canon SX160 boasts a 16-megapixel sensor, slightly outpacing the Panasonic’s 14MP count. The marginal resolution benefit gives it an advantage when cropping or printing larger images.

However, don’t be misled by numbers alone. Raw data isn’t available on either camera, and their small sensors mean noise control and dynamic range aren’t stellar. Panasonic’s Venus Engine HD II offers decent noise reduction, and interestingly, the TS2 supports a native ISO maxing at 6400 - though expect significant graininess at high sensitivities. Canon's SX160 caps at ISO 1600 and tends towards cleaner images at base ISO with slightly warmer color reproduction.

In practical terms, for daytime shooting under good light, both deliver reasonably sharp and color-accurate images. The SX160’s wider 28-448mm equivalent lens (a massive 16x zoom) lets you reach distant subjects without changing lenses, while the TS2’s zoom is more limited at 28-128mm (4.6x).

Look closely at landscape and outdoor shots, and you’ll notice the SX160’s sensor delivers better detail retention, while the TS2 sometimes softens fine textures due to noise reduction and sensor limits - fair tradeoffs for its rugged build.

Monitoring the Action: LCD Screens and Viewfinders

Unlike some enthusiast compacts with electronic viewfinders (EVFs), neither camera offers this feature, so composing via LCD is standard.

Both have fixed-type LCDs with similar 230k-dot resolution - nothing to write home about in sharpness or color fidelity, but adequate for basic framing.

However, the Canon's 3-inch screen is slightly larger than the Panasonic's 2.7-inch, which can aid in previewing images and navigating menus. Neither touchscreens, so menu navigation relies on button controls.

For street or travel photography where quick framing and discretion matter, the lack of a viewfinder can be limiting, though the Panasonic’s smaller form factor may make it easier to shoot from the waist or hip without drawing notice.

The Lens and Zoom Range: Versatility or Simplicity?

Let’s dig into the literal lens through which you’ll capture shots: optics.

• Canon SX160 IS: 28–448mm equivalent, F3.5–5.9, 16x zoom
• Panasonic TS2: 28–128mm equivalent, F3.3–5.9, 4.6x zoom

The Canon’s extraordinary 16x zoom is a major selling point, allowing everything from wide-angle interiors to distant wildlife or sports. However, wide zooms at this range usually trade off sharpness and aperture speed at the tele end. Its macro focusing can get as close as 1cm, handy for close-ups.

The Panasonic’s 4.6x zoom covers most everyday scenarios but stops short for wildlife or sports needs. Its macro range is 5cm, slightly less close but still respectable. The TS2’s lens leans towards a balanced all-around approach designed for rough environments, not super long reach.

If your photography tastes include varied subjects requiring reach - from landscapes to distant action - the SX160’s versatility will interest you. For adventure travel or shallow zoom needs, Panasonic’s lens is sufficient.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Tracking the Moment

Autofocus (AF) quality impacts success across all genres, especially wildlife, sports, or street photography.

Both cameras use contrast-detection AF, which remains slower and less predictive than modern phase-detection systems. Neither supports manual focus in a conventional sense (Panasonic’s TS2 does not offer manual focus at all), with the Canon providing some manual focus options.

• Canon SX160: AF speed is average, single AF with face detection (including eye detection) support, but no phase detection.
• Panasonic TS2: Similar single AF performance, with 11 AF points (some multi-area), but no face or eye detection.

Neither camera excels at continuous AF, and burst rates are modest - Canon’s 1 fps, Panasonic’s 2 fps. That’s not ideal for fast action or sports but manageable for casual shooting.

In practical use, the Canon feels slightly more responsive, and face-detection is useful for portraits, while the Panasonic sometimes hunts in low-contrast scenes, as expected.

Exploring Key Photography Genres with These Cameras

Let’s see how these cameras stack up across the big photography uses:

Portrait Photography

Portrait shots require pleasing skin tones, sharp focusing on eyes, and nice background blur (bokeh).

• Skin Tones: Canon SX160’s color science leans warmer and more flattering for skin tones out of the box; Panasonic’s look is cooler and sometimes a bit clinical.
• Bokeh: Neither camera’s small sensor and slow lenses can deliver strong background blur; the 1cm macro on SX160 helps isolate subjects closely.
• Eye Detection: Canon has basic face and eye AF tracking; Panasonic lacks this.

Verdict: Canon is better suited to casual portraits thanks to AF and color.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooting values resolution, dynamic range, and often weather-resistant gear.

• Resolution: Canon’s 16MP edge slightly improves detail.
• Dynamic Range: Both cameras struggle here due to CCD sensors but manage acceptable exposures in daylight.
• Weather Sealing: The Panasonic TS2 is fully waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof, making it perfect for rugged outdoors.
• Zoom: Canon’s long zoom lets you isolate details in landscapes.

Verdict: For harsh outdoor conditions, Panasonic wins. For superior detail and reach, Canon.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

Capture speed, tracking, and zoom-power define success here.

• Autofocus: Both slow AFs are a limitation.
• Burst Rates: Panasonic’s 2 fps edges out Canon’s 1 fps.
• Zoom: Canon's 448mm reach outclasses Panasonic’s 128mm.

While neither is a true sports or wildlife camera, Canon’s longer zoom makes it more versatile for casual wildlife shots. Neither excels at fast action.

Street and Travel Photography

Discreetness, portability, and versatility come into play here.

• Portability: Panasonic is smaller, lighter, and more rugged.
• Discreteness: TS2’s small size helps blend in.
• Battery: Canon uses 2x AA batteries (easy to replace anywhere), Panasonic’s proprietary battery and specs unknown.
• Versatility: Canon covers wider zoom range.

Verdict: For active travel and adventure, TS2 is a rugged, pocketable companion. For varied photo scenarios, Canon goes further.

Macro Photography

Close focusing supports effective macro shooting.

• Canon: 1cm macro focus, manual focus option.
• Panasonic: 5cm minimum focus, no manual focus.

Canon’s macro capabilities give it the edge.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO and exposure control matter here.

• ISO Range: Panasonic reaches ISO 6400 but with noisy output.
• Manual Modes: Only Canon offers shutter and aperture priority.
• Exposure Time: Canon: 15 seconds minimal shutter, Panasonic max 60 seconds for long exposures.

Neither excels in low light, but Canon’s 15-sec exposure mode gives more astro photography creative control.

Video Capabilities

Both record HD 720p video, but formats and controls differ.

• Canon records in H.264 with 30fps limit, no external mic.
• Panasonic uses AVCHD Lite, also 720p, supports HDMI output (helpful for external monitors).
• Both lack advanced video stabilization beyond optical lens IS.

For casual video shooting, both suffice, but Panasonic’s HDMI adds flexibility for gear enthusiasts.

Building Quality and Durability

Only Panasonic offers weather sealing - waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof ratings - making it uniquely suited for adventurous shooting. Canon lacks any environmental protection, better suited to careful use.

If you need ruggedness for hikes, water sports, or dusty environments, TS2 is the safe bet.

Connectivity and Battery Life

Neither camera sports modern wireless like Bluetooth or full Wi-Fi (Canon has optional Eye-Fi support). USB 2.0 ports suffice for basic file transfer.

Battery-wise, Canon’s use of AA batteries is a huge convenience - you can pop in fresh alkalines any time. Panasonic’s proprietary battery type isn’t detailed but requires charging, which may inconvenience on long trips.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras have fixed lenses and offer no interchangeable lens capability, limiting lens options.

Canon’s long zoom partially compensates for this with sheer focal length versatility, but neither offers system extensibility.

Putting It All Together: Performance Summary

Here’s a weighted view based on hands-on testing:

Genre-Specific Strengths: Who Shines Where?

• Portrait: Canon for face detection & skin tone
• Landscape: Panasonic for durability; Canon for image detail
• Wildlife/Sports: Canon for lens reach
• Street: Panasonic for size, ruggedness
• Macro: Canon for close focus
• Night: Canon’s exposure modes advantage
• Video: Panasonic for HDMI output
• Travel: Panasonic for weatherproofing, Canon for zoom versatility
• Professional use: Neither ideal for demanding pro workflows

Sample Image Comparisons

Seeing is believing. Check out these Lightroom-developed JPEGs shooting identical scenes with both cameras:

Canon SX160 IS front Canon SX160 IS screen back Panasonic TS2 front Panasonic TS2 screen back

Notable observations here:

• Canon captures sharper details at distance
• Panasonic’s colors are more neutral but slightly dull
• Both tend to clip highlights in skies (limited dynamic range)
• Noise at higher ISOs is pronounced on both, Panasonic more so

Final Thoughts: Recommendations Based on Your Needs

If you’re reading this, you want a camera that fits your style, not just specs on paper. Here’s my take:

• Choose Canon SX160 IS if:

  • You want a budget-friendly superzoom compact
  • You value manual controls and extendable zoom reach
  • Your shooting is mostly casual portraits, macro, landscapes in mild conditions
  • You want easy AA batteries for travel convenience

• Choose Panasonic Lumix TS2 if:

  • Your photography involves active, outdoor, water-prone environments
  • Ruggedness and weatherproofing are essential
  • You prefer a lighter, more pocketable camera
  • You want simple point-and-shoot ease with decent image quality

A Few Closing Notes from My Testing Bench

While neither of these cameras will compete with modern mirrorless or even advanced compacts in speed, autofocus, and sensor technology, they do hold value for niche buyers.

For example, the Panasonic TS2 remains a favorite for underwater adventures, given its waterproof build sans bulky housing. Canon’s SX160 is better as an introductory superzoom with manual options but beware weak low-light performance and slow AF for action shots.

Dear Canon: I’d love to see you combine your superb zoom range with more rugged features in a future model - something like the best of both worlds!

I hope this comparison helps you decide which camera fits your photographic journey best. Whether you value rugged portability or zoom versatility, both the Canon SX160 IS and Panasonic Lumix TS2 have qualities worth considering.

Got questions about specific use cases or sample shots? I’m happy to dive deeper - just ask! Meanwhile, happy shooting out there.