Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS1

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Canon SX420 IS versus Panasonic ZS1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Canon and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the SX420 IS (20MP) and ZS1 (10MP) and the SX420 IS (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") possess different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SX420 IS was introduced 6 years after the ZS1 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX420 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SX420 IS grades versus the ZS1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX420 IS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX420 IS Gallery & Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX420 IS offers external measurements of 104mm x 69mm x 85mm (4.1" x 2.7" x 3.3") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS1 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Canon SX420 IS versus Panasonic ZS1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the SX420 IS and the ZS1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX420 IS and ZS1 is 80 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizes purely by viewing specifications. The picture here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SX420 IS and ZS1.

Plainly, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SX420 IS with its larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Canon SX420 IS will render greater detail using its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The newer SX420 IS provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.