Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Z981
69 Imaging
40 Features
48 Overall
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66 Imaging
36 Features
37 Overall
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Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Z981 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-1200mm (F3.4-6.5) lens
- 442g - 120 x 82 x 92mm
- Announced January 2015
- Older Model is Canon SX520 HS
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 64 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-676mm (F2.8-5.0) lens
- 540g - 124 x 85 x 105mm
- Released July 2010

Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Z981 Overview
In this write-up, we will be comparing the Canon SX530 HS versus Kodak Z981, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Kodak. The image resolution of the SX530 HS (16MP) and the Z981 (14MP) is pretty well matched and they come with the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

The SX530 HS was launched 4 years after the Z981 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-like (bridge)).
Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise view of how the SX530 HS grades against the Z981 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Z981 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX530 HS and Kodak EasyShare Z981. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX530 HS Gallery and Kodak Z981 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SX530 HS over the Kodak Z981
SX530 HS | Z981 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | January 2015 | ![]() | July 2010 | Newer by 55 months |
Screen resolution | 461k | ![]() | 201k | Clearer screen (+260k dot) |
Reasons to pick Kodak Z981 over the Canon SX530 HS
Z981 | SX530 HS |
---|
Common features in the Canon SX530 HS and Kodak Z981
SX530 HS | Z981 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More accurate focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen dimensions |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither comes with selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither comes with Touch friendly screen |
Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Z981 Physical Comparison
If you are intending to travel with your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Canon SX530 HS comes with outside dimensions of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") having a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) whilst the Kodak Z981 has specifications of 124mm x 85mm x 105mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.1") along with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).
Examine the Canon SX530 HS versus Kodak Z981 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the SX530 HS vs the Z981.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SX530 HS and Z981 is 69 and 66 respectively.

Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Z981 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, its hard to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by looking at a spec sheet. The image underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX530 HS and Z981.
Clearly, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Canon SX530 HS to resolve extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The newer SX530 HS provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.

Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Z981 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Z981 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SX530 HS | Kodak EasyShare Z981 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Canon | Kodak |
Model type | Canon PowerShot SX530 HS | Kodak EasyShare Z981 |
Type | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Announced | 2015-01-06 | 2010-07-06 |
Body design | SLR-like (bridge) | SLR-like (bridge) |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | DIGIC 4+ | - |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16MP | 14MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4288 x 3216 |
Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 64 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Total focus points | 9 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 24-1200mm (50.0x) | 26-676mm (26.0x) |
Maximal aperture | f/3.4-6.5 | f/2.8-5.0 |
Macro focusing range | 0cm | 10cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Screen resolution | 461 thousand dot | 201 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 15 seconds | 16 seconds |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/2000 seconds |
Continuous shutter speed | 1.6 frames/s | 1.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.50 m | 6.20 m |
Flash options | Auto, on, off, slow synchro | Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Off |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | H.264 |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
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 seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 442g (0.97 pounds) | 540g (1.19 pounds) |
Dimensions | 120 x 82 x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") | 124 x 85 x 105mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall 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 | 210 photographs | - |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | NB-6LH | 4 x AA |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC card, Internal |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at release | $379 | $299 |