Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS45

Below is a in-depth review of the Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS45, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Canon and Panasonic. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX420 IS (20MP) and ZS45 (16MP) but they come with the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SX420 IS was brought out 13 months later than the ZS45 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX420 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SX420 IS matches up vs the ZS45 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX420 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The entire galleries are available at Canon SX420 IS Gallery and Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon SX420 IS provides external measurements of 104mm x 69mm x 85mm (4.1" x 2.7" x 3.3") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS45 has measurements of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS45 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the SX420 IS compared to the ZS45.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SX420 IS and ZS45 is 80 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by researching a spec sheet. The visual here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX420 IS and ZS45.

As you can see, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Canon SX420 IS to provide you with more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more recent SX420 IS is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.