Canon SX30 IS vs Panasonic FZ40
64 Imaging
37 Features
42 Overall
39


68 Imaging
36 Features
40 Overall
37
Canon SX30 IS vs Panasonic FZ40 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fully Articulated Display
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 24-840mm (F2.7-5.8) lens
- 601g - 123 x 92 x 108mm
- Introduced September 2010
- Superseded the Canon SX20 IS
- Replacement is Canon SX40 HS
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-600mm (F2.8-5.2) lens
- 494g - 120 x 80 x 92mm
- Revealed July 2010
- Other Name is Lumix DMC-FZ45

Canon SX30 IS vs Panasonic FZ40 Overview
Here, we will be matching up the Canon SX30 IS vs Panasonic FZ40, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SX30 IS (14MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is relatively close and both cameras boast the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

The SX30 IS was released 2 months later than the FZ40 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (SLR-like (bridge)).
Before diving into a detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the SX30 IS matches up versus the FZ40 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Canon SX30 IS vs Panasonic FZ40 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX30 IS Gallery and Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SX30 IS over the Panasonic FZ40
SX30 IS | FZ40 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Fixed | Fully Articulating screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies |
Reasons to pick Panasonic FZ40 over the Canon SX30 IS
FZ40 | SX30 IS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Common features in the Canon SX30 IS and Panasonic FZ40
SX30 IS | FZ40 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | September 2010 | ![]() | July 2010 | Same generation |
Focus manually | ![]() | Very exact focusing | ||
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | The same screen resolution |
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither includes Touch screen |
Canon SX30 IS vs Panasonic FZ40 Physical Comparison
If you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and volume. The Canon SX30 IS features external dimensions of 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") accompanied by a weight of 601 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ40 has sizing of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).
Contrast the Canon SX30 IS vs Panasonic FZ40 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the SX30 IS versus the FZ40.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SX30 IS and FZ40 is 64 and 68 respectively.

Canon SX30 IS vs Panasonic FZ40 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it's difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizing just by researching technical specs. The graphic here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX30 IS and FZ40.
As you can tell, both cameras come with the identical sensor size and the same exact MP therefore you should expect comparable quality of photographs though you may want to consider the production date of the cameras into account.

Canon SX30 IS vs Panasonic FZ40 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SX30 IS vs Panasonic FZ40 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SX30 IS | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Canon | Panasonic |
Model type | Canon PowerShot SX30 IS | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 |
Also referred to as | - | Lumix DMC-FZ45 |
Type | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Introduced | 2010-09-14 | 2010-07-21 |
Body design | SLR-like (bridge) | SLR-like (bridge) |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Digic 4 | Venus Engine HD II |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 4320 x 3240 | 4320 x 3240 |
Highest native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Total focus points | 9 | - |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 24-840mm (35.0x) | 25-600mm (24.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/2.7-5.8 | f/2.8-5.2 |
Macro focusing range | 0cm | 1cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fully Articulated | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 2.7 inch | 3 inch |
Display resolution | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic | Electronic |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 15 secs | 60 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/3200 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 1.0 frames/s | 2.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 6.80 m | 9.50 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Fill-in | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
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) | 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | AVCHD Lite |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 601 grams (1.32 lb) | 494 grams (1.09 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 123 x 92 x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") | 120 x 80 x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery ID | NB-7L | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 pictures)) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at launch | $400 | $420 |