Canon SX30 IS vs Panasonic ZS45

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Canon SX30 IS and Panasonic ZS45, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SX30 IS (14MP) and the ZS45 (16MP) is fairly well matched and they enjoy the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SX30 IS was revealed 5 years prior to the ZS45 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX30 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SX30 IS scores vs the ZS45 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX30 IS Gallery and Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon SX30 IS enjoys outside measurements 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 ZS45 has measurements of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check out the Canon SX30 IS and Panasonic ZS45 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the SX30 IS and the ZS45.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX30 IS and ZS45 is 64 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing purely by checking technical specs. The graphic below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX30 IS and ZS45.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS45 to give you more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop pics far more aggressively. The older SX30 IS is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.