Canon SX510 HS vs Panasonic ZS1

Let's examine more in depth at the Canon SX510 HS vs Panasonic ZS1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Canon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SX510 HS (12MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is pretty comparable but the SX510 HS (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") come with different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SX510 HS was announced 4 years later than the ZS1 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SX510 HS scores vs the ZS1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SX510 HS Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Canon SX510 HS enjoys physical dimensions of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") having a weight of 349 grams (0.77 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS1 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX510 HS vs Panasonic ZS1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SX510 HS and the ZS1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SX510 HS and ZS1 is 80 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualize the gap in sensor measurements merely by going through specifications. The visual below should give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX510 HS and ZS1.

To sum up, each of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SX510 HS having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Canon SX510 HS will produce greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The younger SX510 HS should have a benefit in sensor tech.