Canon SX20 IS vs Panasonic ZS15
65 Imaging
35 Features
40 Overall
37


92 Imaging
36 Features
37 Overall
36
Canon SX20 IS vs Panasonic ZS15 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.5" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-560mm (F2.8-5.7) lens
- 600g - 128 x 88 x 87mm
- Released July 2010
- Old Model is Canon SX10 IS
- Refreshed by Canon SX30 IS
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-384mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
- 208g - 105 x 58 x 33mm
- Released June 2012
- Other Name is Lumix DMC-TZ25
- New Model is Panasonic ZS20

Canon SX20 IS vs Panasonic ZS15 Overview
Below is a in-depth comparison of the Canon SX20 IS and Panasonic ZS15, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Canon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SX20 IS (12MP) and the ZS15 (12MP) is relatively close and they enjoy the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

The SX20 IS was unveiled 24 months prior to the ZS15 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera.
Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SX20 IS matches up versus the ZS15 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Canon SX20 IS vs Panasonic ZS15 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The full galleries are available at Canon SX20 IS Gallery & Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SX20 IS over the Panasonic ZS15
SX20 IS | ZS15 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Very accurate focus | ||
Screen type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Fixed | Fully Articulating screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Easy selfies |
Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS15 over the Canon SX20 IS
ZS15 | SX20 IS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | June 2012 | ![]() | July 2010 | More recent by 24 months |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.5") |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer screen (+230k dot) |
Common features in the Canon SX20 IS and Panasonic ZS15
SX20 IS | ZS15 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Lack of Touch friendly screen |
Canon SX20 IS vs Panasonic ZS15 Physical Comparison
When you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon SX20 IS has exterior measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") having a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS15 has proportions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).
Analyze the Canon SX20 IS and Panasonic ZS15 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the SX20 IS vs the ZS15.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX20 IS and ZS15 is 65 and 92 respectively.

Canon SX20 IS vs Panasonic ZS15 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it's hard to envision the contrast in sensor measurements simply by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SX20 IS and ZS15.
As you can see, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the identical megapixels therefore you can expect comparable quality of files although you should factor the launch date of the cameras into account. The older SX20 IS will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.

Canon SX20 IS vs Panasonic ZS15 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SX20 IS vs Panasonic ZS15 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SX20 IS | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Canon | Panasonic |
Model | Canon PowerShot SX20 IS | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 |
Also called as | - | Lumix DMC-TZ25 |
Category | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Released | 2010-07-06 | 2012-06-29 |
Body design | SLR-like (bridge) | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Digic 4 | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4000 x 3000 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 23 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-560mm (20.0x) | 24-384mm (16.0x) |
Maximal aperture | f/2.8-5.7 | f/3.3-5.9 |
Macro focus range | 0cm | 3cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fully Articulated | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 2.5 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 230k dot | 460k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 15 secs | 15 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/3200 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 1.0 frames per second | 2.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 6.80 m | 6.40 m |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Fill-in | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Fastest flash sync | 1/500 secs | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 600g (1.32 pounds) | 208g (0.46 pounds) |
Dimensions | 128 x 88 x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") | 105 x 58 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") |
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 | - | 260 photographs |
Type of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | 4 x AA | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD / SDHC / MMC / MMC Plus / HC MMC Plus | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | One | One |
Pricing at release | $500 | $279 |