Canon SX400 IS vs. Pentax P80: An Expert’s Take on Two Compact Superzooms

When it comes to compact cameras, especially those sporting significant zoom ranges, the market from a few years back still offers some intriguing options for photographers balancing budget, portability, and versatility. Today, I’m diving deep into a nuanced comparison between two such cameras: the Canon PowerShot SX400 IS (hereafter SX400 IS) announced in 2014, and the Pentax Optio P80 from 2009.

At first glance, both are compact superzoom cameras equipped with fixed lenses and modest sensor sizes, yet they differ substantially in ergonomics, image quality potential, autofocus tech, and general usability. Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, I’ll walk you through their respective strengths and weaknesses across a broad range of photography scenarios, covering everything from portraits to travel, and provide recommendations on who might benefit from which model.

Let’s embark on this detailed walkthrough, starting with the basics: physical build and handling.

Size and Handling: Compactness Meets Ergonomics

One of the first considerations in choosing a compact camera is how it feels in your hand - ergonomy affects how comfortably and reliably you can shoot, especially during longer outings.

The Canon SX400 IS is noticeably chunkier, weighing in at 313g with dimensions of 104 x 69 x 80 mm. The Pentax P80 is smaller and lighter at 125g and measures 102 x 59 x 25 mm, quite slim for a superzoom (though its zoom range is shorter; more on that later).

In practical use, I found the Canon’s heft provides a reassuring grip, which is helpful when aiming its commanding 30x zoom lens (24-720mm equivalent). The Pentax, while pocketable, feels more fragile and less balanced, especially at long focal lengths where hand shake often plagues results.

Another ergonomic note: the Canon’s deep grip and protruding lens barrel provide extra handling security, but it also makes the camera bulkier in pockets. The Pentax slips into slimmer bags effortlessly but trades off stability for size.

If you prioritize portability and minimal footprint - ideal for street or travel photographers careful with weight - the Pentax will appeal. Conversely, if you want more lens reach and a secure, though larger, grip, the Canon takes the win here.

Design and Controls: Intuitive or Underwhelming?

Handling also boils down to controls. How do these cameras’ buttons and dials facilitate your shooting?

Canon’s SX400 IS has a straightforward top layout, featuring a detailed zoom toggle ring that feels responsive and smooth, plus direct access to video mode and flash settings. While it lacks manual modes (more on that later), it provides useful modes and a custom self-timer setting, which photographers appreciating speed and flexibility will find handy.

The Pentax opts for minimal controls; with no dedicated exposure mode dials and simpler physical buttons, its interface feels a bit dated and less immersive. Its manual focus capability is rare among compacts of this kind, though the absence of exposure control big enough for more advanced users limits creative freedom.

From a usability standpoint, the Canon feels more refined and beginner-friendly, while the Pentax offers a niche advantage in manual focus but falls short in overall control sophistication.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors, Big Differences

Both cameras use 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a sensor area of approximately 28 mm², but their resolutions and image processing differ notably.

The Canon SX400 IS packs 16 megapixels, compared to the Pentax P80’s 12 megapixels. At face value, the increase seems modest, but it translates into higher native resolution - 4608 x 3456 pixels versus 4000 x 3000 - which better preserves detail, especially when cropping or printing larger.

On testing, Canon’s sensor produces cleaner images with less noise at base ISO 100, and the DIGIC 4+ processor provides respectable color reproduction and exposure accuracy for its class. The Pentax's sensor, while acceptable in good light, shows more noise creeping in at ISO 400 and above. Its ISO ceiling of 6400 is largely theoretical, with usable images limited to ISO 400 or below for practical purposes.

Neither camera supports RAW output, which immediately restricts your post-processing latitude - important for professional workflows or advanced hobbyists wanting maximum dynamic range punch and noise control.

Given their limited sensor sizes and CCD designs, I wouldn’t expect stellar low-light or high dynamic range performance from either, but Canon’s newer sensor and processor edge the image quality battle in both resolution and noise handling.

LCD and Interface: Framing and Reviewing Your Shots

Moving around the camera’s rear, both models feature fixed 3-inch (Canon) or 2.7-inch (Pentax) LCD screens with 230k dot resolution - far from modern Retina-like sharpness.

The Canon’s slightly larger screen offers a better brightness range and visibility in outdoor daylight, which is crucial for composing shots in direct sun. The Pentax's smaller LCD can feel cramped, making finer focus checks or menu navigation more tedious. Neither screen supports touchscreen input, which seems quaint in today’s era.

If you need an electronic viewfinder, neither offers one - a notable omission for telephoto framing, where LCD glare might impair accurate compositions.

The Canon’s interface is simpler and more logically structured, with clearer icons and easier menu navigation. The Pentax menu system feels more cluttered and less intuitive, and I noticed more button presses to accomplish common adjustments like ISO or shooting modes.

For casual users or those accustomed to modern DSLR/Mirrorless interfaces, the Canon’s layout will feel less frustrating and more straightforward.

Autofocus Performance: Speed Versus Precision

Regarding autofocus (AF), the Canon employs a 9-point contrast-detection system with face detection and tracking modes, whereas the Pentax also uses a 9-point contrast-detection AF but lacks face detection capabilities.

In real-world use, the Canon’s autofocus is noticeably quicker and more reliable, especially in good lighting conditions. Tracking moving subjects benefits from its face detection and continuous AF support, though not exceptionally fast by today’s standards.

The Pentax autofocus is slower to lock focus and struggles more often under low light or with moving subjects. Its manual focus feature can help salvage tricky scenarios but isn’t a perfect substitute for a snappy AF system.

Neither camera has phase-detection AF, which limits AF tracking performance, especially for fast action such as wildlife or sports.

If you’re shooting portraits or street photography where speed and accuracy matter, the Canon is the smarter choice. The Pentax may appeal if you enjoy manually fine-tuning focus or don’t need quick lock speeds.

Lens Zoom and Image Stabilization: Versatility Wins Here

One standout feature of the Canon SX400 IS is its monumental 30x optical zoom, spanning 24-720mm equivalent focal lengths - a versatile range from wide landscapes to distant wildlife or sports shots.

Meanwhile, the Pentax P80 offers a more modest 4x zoom from 28-110mm, which covers classic walk-around focal lengths but won't reach much beyond standard portrait or street shooting.

Both have built-in optical image stabilization, but only the Canon SX400 IS sports optical stabilization capable of significantly reducing blur at longer focal lengths. The Pentax lacks any stabilization feature - a critical drawback for handheld telephoto shooting.

Given this, the Canon confidently takes the edge for telephoto versatility and image stability, making it effective for wildlife, sports, or travel photographers needing one-camera portability.

Video Capabilities: Modest But Serviceable

Both cameras capture video at 720p HD resolution, with the Canon recording at 25fps using MPEG-4/H.264 formats and the Pentax at 30fps but using older Motion JPEG compression.

Neither supports 4K video or microphone/headphone input jacks. Audio is recorded via built-in mics, with no stereo enhancement.

The Canon’s video quality is slightly better, benefiting from a newer processor and compression scheme that yields cleaner files at similar resolutions.

For casual video or basic family moments, both suffice, but if video is a priority beyond short clips, neither will satisfy serious shooters.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

The Canon uses a rechargeable NB-11LH battery with an advertised life of approximately 190 shots per charge. This is on the lower side but typical for compact superzooms with powerful zoom motors.

The Pentax’s battery info is less clear, but it uses the D-LI68 Li-ion battery, which in my experience delivers comparable shot counts, albeit with more variability due to the older design.

Each camera supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with the Pentax adding internal storage - helpful for emergency shots but limited in capacity.

If you plan extended outings or travel, carrying spare batteries is a must for both. The Canon’s higher battery drain due to its zoom and processor will require more frequent swaps.

Build Quality and Durability: Everyday Use and Reliability

Neither model offers environmental sealing - no dustproof, waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof features - so handle with care in challenging conditions.

The Canon’s larger body is sturdier feeling due to more solid plastics and ergonomics, likely benefiting durability in daily use.

The slimness and lighter weight of the Pentax come with tradeoffs in perceived toughness. For occasional shooters handling carefully, it’s fine; professionals or outdoor adventurers might find it too delicate.

Price and Value: Does Bigger Zoom and Resolution Justify the Premium?

Currently priced around $230 for the Canon SX400 IS and roughly $200 for the Pentax P80, the two cameras target budget-conscious buyers looking for easy-to-use compacts.

Given the Canon offers significantly better zoom reach, image resolution, image stabilization, and autofocus, its slight price premium feels justified for most users.

The Pentax P80 may appeal if you’re after ultra-portability and simpler controls, but the tradeoffs in zoom range, image quality, and features mean it serves a narrower niche.

Photography Genres Explored: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let’s now examine both cameras across typical photography disciplines to help you envision their practical suitability:

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX400 IS: Face detection AF aids focus on eyes and faces, providing pleasing skin tone rendition with its 16MP sensor. The lens max aperture of f/3.4-5.8 limits background blur potential but offers decent separation at longer focal lengths.
• Pentax P80: Lacking face detection and with slower AF mean portraits can be more hit or miss. Slightly faster aperture at wide end (f/2.6) helps in low light but shorter zoom limits bang-for-bokeh.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras use small 1/2.3” sensors, so dynamic range and noise performance are limited compared to larger-sensor models. Canon’s higher resolution helps extract more detail in landscapes, while wider native focal lengths on Canon (24mm vs 28mm) capture more expansive scenes. Neither has weather sealing for rough outdoor use.

Wildlife Photography

• Canon’s 30x zoom and optical stabilization provide a clear advantage for wildlife photography, pushing reach to 720mm and enabling hand-held shots in many conditions.
• Pentax’s shorter zoom amps up difficulty spotting distant animals and requires more cropping or approach.

Sports Photography

• The Canon’s slow continuous shooting rate of 1 fps limits action versatility, but its AF tracking function offers a slight leg up over the Pentax’s 3 fps burst without tracking.
• Neither camera optimally suits fast sports photography; enthusiasts will be frustrated by limited frame rates and AF speed.

Street Photography

• Pentax’s compactness favors discrete shooting, but lack of quick AF and stabilization affect performance in rapidly changing street scenes.
• Canon bulk and longer zoom are less stealthy but useful for candid shots from afar.

Macro Photography

• Pentax macro focusing starts at 10 cm - decent for close-ups though not true macro (1:1 magnification unavailable).
• Canon doesn’t specify macro range, but superzoom lenses typically struggle in close focus; handheld macro will be tricky for both.

Night and Astro Photography

• Both cameras suffer from noise at high ISO due to small sensors and CCD tech. Maximum usable ISO is much more limited on Pentax, despite its higher maximum ISO rating.
• Absence of manual exposure modes and bulb mode limit astrophotography flexibility.

Video Work

• Both limited to 720p; Canon’s newer codec preferred but neither suited for videographers requiring high resolution or audio control.
• Image stabilization helps Canon video steadiness.

Travel Photography

• If weight and portability are paramount, Pentax wins; if exploration requires versatility - especially that extended zoom - Canon is preferred.
• Neither offers GPS tagging; neither supports wireless connectivity.

Professional Work

• Both cameras lack RAW and advanced control, limiting professional utility.
• Canon’s better image quality and ergonomics make it a backup camera option at best, not a primary tool in professional workflows.

Unique Insights and Testing Reflections

In my controlled lab testing and field shoots, I observed Canon’s superior image stabilization makes a noticeable difference longer than 200mm equivalent, hand-held - something many users underestimate. Many small-sensor superzooms without IS yield unusable slow shutter shots at longer focal lengths. Canon’s DIGIC 4+ processor also handles exposure smoothing and color rendition better, especially for skin tones, making casual portraiture more flattering.

Pentax’s manual focus is surprisingly effective, especially for macro enthusiasts or still-life shooters comfortable with precise focusing. If you enjoy that tactile interaction, Pentax offers a rare small sensor compact choice with manual focus - a commendable feature few rivals matched back then.

Summary Table: Key Specs and Features

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

If you’re a photography enthusiast or budget traveler seeking maximum zoom, better autofocus, image stabilization, and image quality improvements, choose the Canon PowerShot SX400 IS. Its versatility shines for wildlife, travel, and everyday shooting, especially when you want extended reach without carrying bulky lenses.

If you prioritize portability, slimness, an ultra-compact form factor, and manual focusing for close-ups or still life, and don’t mind sacrificing zoom range and image stabilization, the Pentax Optio P80 remains an interesting, if dated, option.

For professional photographers, neither camera replaces interchangeable lens systems or larger sensors needed for extensive control and quality. However, the Canon SX400 IS can serve as a convenient backup or casual camera when weight, size, and budget matter.

Showcasing Real Samples

Here’s where I demonstrate how these cameras perform with actual captured images.

Canon SX400 IS front Canon SX400 IS screen back Pentax P80 front Pentax P80 screen back

Note the Canon’s sharper detail and color vibrancy in daylight scenes, while the Pentax images reveal slightly muted tones and less fine detail, especially in shadows.

Performance Scores by Genre

The following image summarizes my scoring based on hands-on testing and use case performance:

Canon leads in wildlife, travel, and portraits, while Pentax performs moderately in street and macro due to compactness and manual focus.

Wrapping It Up

Between these two venerable compact superzooms, the Canon SX400 IS clearly offers superior versatility, handling, and performance for most photography pursuits, especially for enthusiasts wanting a one-camera solution. The Pentax P80 caters to niche users valuing compactness and manual focus, but its compromised features and dated tech limit its appeal today.

I hope this comprehensive breakdown helps you understand which camera aligns best with your photography ambitions and shooting style. Feel free to dive deeper with hands-on trials - nothing substitutes touching and shooting for real! And dear Canon, if you read this: how about a next-gen superzoom successor with RAW please?

Happy shooting!