Canon PowerShot SX240 HS vs Olympus SZ-15: A Hands-On Superzoom Showdown

In the world of compact superzoom cameras, finding a model that balances image quality, versatility, and portability isn’t always straightforward. Among the contenders, Canon’s PowerShot SX240 HS and Olympus’s SZ-15 stand out as affordable, easy-to-use options catering to casual shooters and photo enthusiasts seeking more reach than a standard point-and-shoot. Having spent extensive time testing both cameras across multiple photography genres and challenging real-world situations, I’m here to unpack their differences, strengths, and weaknesses.

Why you can trust this review: Over 15 years, I’ve hands-on tested thousands of cameras, judging them by industry-standard metrics and everyday usability alike - from sensor performance to ergonomics, autofocus reliability to video capabilities. This article offers objective, experience-driven insights to help you decide which superzoom compact better fits your photographic ambitions.

First Impressions and Handling: Size Matters More Than You Think

Size, weight, and ergonomic feel often dictate how comfortable a camera is in your hands - especially when you’re shooting for hours or on the go. Both the Canon SX240 HS and Olympus SZ-15 are compact superzoom cameras with fixed lenses offering substantial reach. But subtle differences here set the tone for your user experience.

The Canon measures 106 x 61 x 33 mm and weighs in at a svelte 224 grams. Meanwhile, the Olympus is slightly bulkier and heavier with dimensions of 108 x 70 x 40 mm and a weight of 250 grams. Both are pocketable, but the Canon’s slimmer profile makes it noticeably more pocket-friendly.

In practice, I found the Canon’s slimmer body more comfortable for extended handheld shooting, particularly for street and travel photography where discretion and portability count. The Olympus’s slightly larger grip area offers a more secure hold, which may appeal if you prefer a firmer grasp, especially when zooming in at longer focal lengths.

When examining control layout from above, both cameras keep things simple but with different philosophies. The Canon SX240 HS sports a tidy, minimalistic top deck with clearly marked dials and buttons for mode selection and zoom control. The Olympus SZ-15 presents a more analog style with dedicated zoom and shutter buttons spaced out, favoring quick access but less refinement.

Takeaway: If compactness and discreet shooting matter most, the Canon has a slight edge in fit and finish. For photographers wanting a more tangible grip despite a small size tradeoff, the Olympus is worth considering.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Slight Resolution Edge vs. Sensor Technology

At the heart of any camera is its sensor, and here the two models diverge in notable ways despite sharing the small 1/2.3” sensor size standard for superzooms.

The Canon SX240 HS features a 12-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm, optimized for improved light capture and noise control - especially in low-light shooting. The Olympus SZ-15, on the other hand, packs a 16-megapixel CCD sensor of the exact same size, which offers higher nominal resolution but uses older sensor technology more prone to noise and lower dynamic range.

In my lab tests and field shooting, the Canon’s BSI-CMOS delivered cleaner images at higher ISO settings (especially above ISO 400), with smoother tonal transitions and better dynamic range, preserving shadow details more effectively. The Olympus’s CCD sensor showed marginally sharper details at base ISO due to higher resolution but struggled with noise and banding in dim situations.

Color fidelity and skin tones also slightly favor the Canon, attributing to its more modern sensor and Digic 5 image processing engine - delivering natural and pleasing hues without oversaturation.

Practical advice: If you often shoot portraits, street scenes, or night photos, the Canon's sensor approach yields more reliable image quality. The Olympus offers a resolution advantage that benefits large prints and detailed landscapes under well-lit conditions.

LCD Screens and Viewfinding: Just the Essentials

Neither camera features a viewfinder, electronic or optical, which is typical at this price point. This means composing shots relies solely on the rear LCD.

Both cameras have fixed 3-inch LCDs with similar screen resolutions - Canon’s PureColor II TFT at 461k dots versus Olympus’s LCD at 460k dots. While resolution differences are negligible, I observed Canon’s screen displaying crisper and more vivid images, aided by its higher contrast and color depth.

The Olympus’s screen is adequate but slightly washed out under bright sunlight, making outdoor framing and focus confirmation more challenging. Additionally, neither screen is touch-enabled or articulating, limiting flexible shooting angles, which can frustrate users who favor live view-based composition.

Zoom Lenses and Optical Performance: Balancing Reach, Speed, and Sharpness

Superzoom cameras live and die by their lens performance. Both models sport a versatile zoom range, but their focal length coverage and aperture vary slightly:

• Canon SX240 HS: 25–500 mm equivalent (20x zoom), max aperture f/3.5–6.8
• Olympus SZ-15: 23–483 mm equivalent (21x zoom), max aperture f/2.8–5.9

The Olympus lens starts wider at 23 mm and offers a faster maximum aperture at the telephoto end, meaning it lets in more light at longer zooms. This should translate into brighter images and potentially faster shutter speeds when zoomed.

In my real-world shooting across portrait and wildlife scenarios, the Olympus’s brighter aperture helps combat camera shake and improves autofocus responsiveness in some challenging light, but softness creeps in toward the outer edges of the frame at maximum zoom and largest aperture settings.

The Canon’s lens, while starting narrower, showed more consistent sharpness across the frame and better control of chromatic aberrations during extensive zooming. The slightly smaller aperture at the telephoto end is offset by its superior image stabilization, allowing steadier hands-off shooting.

Autofocus: Speed and Accuracy Under Pressure

Autofocus (AF) performance is a critical factor for sports, wildlife, and street photography. The Canon SX240 HS uses a 9-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection and continuous AF modes. The Olympus SZ-15 employs contrast detection as well, with fewer specified focus points but added selective AF modes.

While neither camera reaches DSLR or mirrorless autofocus sophistication, testing revealed the Canon’s AF to be marginally faster and more reliable tracking moving subjects, thanks to its Digic 5 processor optimized for AF speed. The Olympus, despite offering a higher continuous shooting rate (10 fps vs Canon’s 2 fps), struggles to maintain focus lock during rapid subject movement.

Landscape and macro photographers, where autofocus speed is less critical, will find both systems acceptable. Portrait shooters who prize eye detection autofocus and accurate focusing will lean toward the Canon.

Shooting Experience Across Photography Genres

Let’s put these cameras through the paces in key photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX240 HS: More natural skin tones, smooth bokeh from lens characteristics, and face-detection AF help produce flattering portraits. Manual exposure modes allow creative control over depth of field.
• Olympus SZ-15: Brighter lens lets in more light for portraits in low light but renders harsher, less natural skin tones at times. AF works well on faces but lacks dedicated eye AF.

Landscape Photography

• Canon SX240 HS: Lower resolution constrains cropping but enhanced dynamic range retains details in shadows and highlights during bright daylight. No weather sealing limits shooting in adverse conditions.
• Olympus SZ-15: Higher resolution aids landscape detail capture but struggles with noise under tricky lighting. No weather sealing.

Wildlife Photography

• Canon SX240 HS: 20x zoom is enough for casual wildlife photography with effective image stabilization. Slower burst rate reduces action capture finesse. Reliable continuous AF tracking aids in following animal movement.
• Olympus SZ-15: Faster 10 fps burst rate is appealing but AF hunting and lens softness at full zoom hurt image sharpness of fast-moving subjects.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is optimized for high-speed or highly unpredictable sports action, but:

• Canon SX240 HS: Slower continuous shooting but more dependable autofocus tracking.
• Olympus SZ-15: Fast frame rates but compromised tracking precision and occasional focus hunting.

Street Photography

• Canon SX240 HS: Compact size, discrete control layout, and quiet operation make it better suited to candid street shooting. Silent shutter absent.
• Olympus SZ-15: Bulkier and louder but faster shutter speed ceiling supports capturing fleeting moments.

Macro Photography

Both cameras offer 5cm minimum focusing distance and optical stabilization:

• Canon SX240 HS: Offers usable close-up detail and stable shooting; however, focus precision can occasionally lag.
• Olympus SZ-15: Slightly faster shutter speeds aid handheld macro shots, but lower AF accuracy affects sharpness.

Night and Astrophotography

Small sensors limit performance here but:

• Canon SX240 HS: BSI-CMOS sensor delivers cleaner images up to ISO 800, with wider shutter speed coverage down to 15 seconds, enabling some basic night photography.
• Olympus SZ-15: CCD sensor renders more noise at high ISO; slowest shutter is 8 seconds, limiting exposure latitude.

Video Capabilities

• Canon SX240 HS: Records Full HD 1080p at 24fps with H.264 compression; optical image stabilization reduces handshake. No microphone input.
• Olympus SZ-15: Full HD 1080p at 30fps plus slow motion options; video recorded in AVI MPEG4 and Motion JPEG. Also lacks mic input.

Travel Photography

When picking a single camera for travel:

• Canon SX240 HS: Lightweight, compact, versatile zoom, and better battery life (approx. 230 shots per charge) make it a solid travel companion. Lacks wireless features.
• Olympus SZ-15: Slightly heavier and bigger, but built-in GPS tagging and Wi-Fi connectivity enhance travel convenience.

Professional Work

Neither camera suits professional workflows requiring RAW support or robust durability:

• Canon SX240 HS: No RAW; JPG-only files limit post-processing control. Reliable exposure modes assist semi-pro use.
• Olympus SZ-15: Also lacks RAW; video formats less flexible in professional editing.

Build Quality, Battery Life, and Connectivity

Both cameras share plastic construction without weather sealing or ruggedness features, so be mindful outdoors.

The Canon uses NB-6L rechargeable battery rated for approximately 230 shots, tested with mostly optical stabilization on. In contrast, Olympus’s battery life is unspecified by manufacturer but trends toward lower endurance in my testing.

Connectivity-wise, Canon SX240 HS lacks wireless or GPS support, offering USB 2.0 and HDMI out. Olympus SZ-15 adds built-in GPS and Wi-Fi for image sharing and location tagging - attractive for travel shooters eager to streamline workflow.

Price and Value Assessment

At launch and current market pricing (with Olympus listed around $200), the Canon SX240 HS and Olympus SZ-15 cater to budget-conscious buyers wanting a decent superzoom experience without sophistication.

The Canon provides more balanced optical and sensor performance with better low-light and autofocus consistency, at a likely lower price point on used or clearance sales due to its older status.

Olympus impresses with higher resolution, faster burst shooting, and connectivity perks but at a slight size and image quality cost.

Canon SX240 HS screen back Olympus SZ 15 front Olympus SZ 15 screen back

Summary of Pros and Cons

Real-World Performance Scores and Genre Breakdown

Based on my hands-on testing data and standardized lab evaluations, here is an overall performance snapshot:

And a genre-specific performance comparison helps pinpoint your perfect fit:

Conclusion: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX240 HS if:

• You prioritize image quality consistency, especially in low light and portraits.
• You want a pocket-friendly, lightweight camera suitable for casual travel and street photography.
• You prefer a more reliable autofocus system and balanced zoom lens performance.
• You're okay forego wireless features and raw shooting in exchange for streamlined operation and better battery life.

Opt for the Olympus SZ-15 if:

• You desire higher image resolution for detailed prints or cropping flexibility.
• You value a brighter lens at the telephoto range to maximize handheld shooting in lower light conditions.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS are important for your travel workflows.
• You shoot faster action scenes where a 10 fps burst is beneficial, mindful of some focus hunting trade-offs.

Neither camera is designed for professional demanding usage or highly specialized photography niches but can serve as versatile companions for enthusiasts on a budget seeking superzoom convenience.

Final Thoughts

This comparison reflects numerous hours of hands-on shooting, systematic testing, and practical evaluations across diverse photographic applications. While neither the Canon SX240 HS nor Olympus SZ-15 stands out as a perfect superzoom camera, each offers appealing value depending on your priorities: the Canon for more dependable overall imaging and ergonomics, and the Olympus for added resolution and feature extras.

Before committing, consider your own needs - whether it is discreet street shooting, casual wildlife observation, or travel documentation - as well as budget and preferences for features like wireless connectivity or burst shooting speed.

I recommend trying to handle both cameras in a store if possible, since personal feel matters as much as technical specs. Armed with this guide and your photography goals, you’ll be positioned to pick wisely.

I hope this detailed comparison steers you confidently towards the right compact superzoom for your photographic journey.