Canon SX520 HS vs Panasonic LZ30

Its time to look closer at the Canon SX520 HS versus Panasonic LZ30, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SX520 HS (16MP) and the LZ30 (16MP) is very close and both cameras have the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SX520 HS was unveiled 19 months later than the LZ30 making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Canon SX520 HS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the SX520 HS matches up against the LZ30 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX520 HS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX520 HS Gallery & Panasonic LZ30 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Canon SX520 HS offers outside measurements of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") having a weight of 441 grams (0.97 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LZ30 has sizing of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

Check the Canon SX520 HS versus Panasonic LZ30 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the SX520 HS against the LZ30.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX520 HS and LZ30 is 69 and 66 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements simply by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SX520 HS and LZ30.

Clearly, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same MP so you can expect comparable quality of images although you might want to take the age of the cameras into account. The fresher SX520 HS should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.