Canon SX20 IS vs Panasonic ZS40

Here, we are evaluating the Canon SX20 IS versus Panasonic ZS40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and ZS40 (18MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SX20 IS was launched 4 years before the ZS40 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short introduction of how the SX20 IS matches up versus the ZS40 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The complete galleries are provided at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX20 IS offers outside measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") and a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS40 has dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX20 IS versus Panasonic ZS40 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the SX20 IS compared to the ZS40.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SX20 IS and ZS40 is 65 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements just by reading through technical specs. The photograph below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX20 IS and ZS40.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras feature the identical sensor size but different resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic ZS40 to give you extra detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics way more aggressively. The older SX20 IS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.