Canon SX20 IS vs Panasonic FZ80

Lets examine more in depth at the Canon SX20 IS versus Panasonic FZ80, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Canon and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and FZ80 (18MP) but they come with the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SX20 IS was manufactured 7 years before the FZ80 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SX20 IS grades against the FZ80 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. The entire galleries are provided at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Panasonic FZ80 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon SX20 IS comes with external measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ80 has measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") accompanied by a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs).

Check the Canon SX20 IS versus Panasonic FZ80 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the SX20 IS against the FZ80.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX20 IS and FZ80 is 65 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizing just by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX20 IS and FZ80.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should expect the Panasonic FZ80 to provide you with more detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older SX20 IS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.