Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5
80 Imaging
46 Features
34 Overall
41
![Canon PowerShot SX420 IS front Canon PowerShot SX420 IS front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Canon-PowerShot-SX420-IS/Canon-SX420-IS-front.jpg)
![Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 front Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS5/Panasonic-ZS5-front.jpg)
92 Imaging
35 Features
30 Overall
33
Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 20MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 24-1008mm (F3.5-6.6) lens
- 325g - 104 x 69 x 85mm
- Revealed January 2016
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-300mm (F3.3-4.9) lens
- 214g - 103 x 60 x 32mm
- Announced June 2010
- Also referred to as Lumix DMC-TZ8
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 Overview
Here, we will be reviewing the Canon SX420 IS versus Panasonic ZS5, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Canon and Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap among the sensor resolutions of the SX420 IS (20MP) and ZS5 (12MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
The SX420 IS was announced 5 years after the ZS5 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX420 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.
Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a short summation of how the SX420 IS grades against the ZS5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX420 IS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX420 IS Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SX420 IS over the Panasonic ZS5
SX420 IS | ZS5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | January 2016 | ![]() | June 2010 | More modern by 68 months |
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial exact focus | ||
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS5 over the Canon SX420 IS
ZS5 | SX420 IS |
---|
Common features in the Canon SX420 IS and Panasonic ZS5
SX420 IS | ZS5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither has selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Lack of Touch friendly screen |
Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Canon SX420 IS has outer measurements of 104mm x 69mm x 85mm (4.1" x 2.7" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS5 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).
Contrast the Canon SX420 IS versus Panasonic ZS5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using at that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the SX420 IS and the ZS5.
![Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 size comparison Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Canon-PowerShot-SX420-IS-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS5-size-comparison.jpg)
Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX420 IS and ZS5 is 80 and 92 respectively.
![Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 top view buttons comparison Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Canon-PowerShot-SX420-IS-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS5-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it's difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizes simply by viewing a spec sheet. The picture here might provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX420 IS and ZS5.
As you can see, each of the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You can count on the Canon SX420 IS to provide you with extra detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more modern SX420 IS should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.
![Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 sensor size comparison Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Canon-PowerShot-SX420-IS-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS5-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 Screen and ViewFinder
![Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Canon-PowerShot-SX420-IS-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS5-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Canon SX420 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SX420 IS | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Canon | Panasonic |
Model type | Canon PowerShot SX420 IS | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 |
Also called | - | Lumix DMC-TZ8 |
Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Revealed | 2016-01-05 | 2010-06-16 |
Physical type | SLR-like (bridge) | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | DIGIC 4+ | Venus Engine HD II |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 20 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 5152 x 3864 | 4000 x 3000 |
Highest native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Total focus points | - | 11 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 24-1008mm (42.0x) | 25-300mm (12.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/3.5-6.6 | f/3.3-4.9 |
Macro focusing distance | 0cm | 3cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3 inch | 2.7 inch |
Resolution of display | 230 thousand dots | 230 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 15s | 60s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/1300s |
Continuous shooting rate | 0.5 frames/s | 2.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.00 m | 5.30 m |
Flash modes | Auto, flash on, slow synchro, flash off | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (25p), 640 x 480 (30p) | 1280 x 720 (30fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 325g (0.72 lbs) | 214g (0.47 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 104 x 69 x 85mm (4.1" x 2.7" x 3.3") | 103 x 60 x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") |
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 life | 195 photos | - |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | NB-11LH | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at launch | $299 | $300 |