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Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Z981

Portability
69
Imaging
41
Features
48
Overall
43
Canon PowerShot SX530 HS front
 
Kodak EasyShare Z981 front
Portability
66
Imaging
37
Features
37
Overall
37

Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Z981 Key Specs

Canon SX530 HS
(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
Kodak Z981
(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
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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").

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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.

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Reasons to pick Canon SX530 HS over the Kodak Z981

 SX530 HS Z981 
ReleasedJanuary 2015July 2010Newer by 55 months
Screen resolution461k201kClearer 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 typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen sizing3"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. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

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.

Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Z981 size comparison

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

Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Z981 top view buttons comparison

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 sensor size comparison

Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Z981 Screen and ViewFinder

Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Z981 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Canon SX530 HS as a Portrait photography camera
Kodak Z981 as a Portrait photography camera
44
you can focus manually
MP count good (16 megapixels)
offers face detection focus
can't use external flash
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
46
has manual focus
decent sensor resolution (14MP)
supports RAW formats
cannot use external flash
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
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Street Comparison

Canon SX530 HS Street photography advice
Kodak Z981 Street photography advice
47
image stabilization (Optical)
screen is fixed
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
50
built in image stabilization (Optical)
supports RAW formats
fixed screen
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
heavier than others (540g)
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Sports Comparison

Canon SX530 HS Sports photography factors
Kodak Z981 Sports photography factors
51
incredible zoom range (24-1200mm 50.0 x zoom)
image stabilization (Optical)
MP count good (16MP)
offers tracking autofocus
sensor has phase detect auto focus
max frames per second low (1.6 frames/s)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
not so great battery pack (210 shots)
43
incredible zoom range (26-676mm 26.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
decent sensor resolution (14 megapixels)
max frames per second very slow (1.0 frames/s)
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
has no phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Canon SX530 HS Travel photography info
Kodak Z981 Travel photography info
55
MP count good (16MP)
built-in flash
quite wide (24mm)
long zoom (1200mm)
does not have Timelapse recording
not so great battery pack (210 per charge)
does not feature selfie friendly display
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.4)
53
decent sensor resolution (14 megapixels)
flash built-in
really wide (26mm)
great reach (676mm)
does not have Time Lapse mode
heavier than others (540g)
does not feature selfie friendly screen
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Canon SX530 HS
Landscape photography with Kodak Z981
46
you can focus manually
quite wide (24mm)
nice screen size (3 inch)
image stabilization (Optical)
MP count good (16MP)
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.4)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
not so great battery pack (210 per charge)
does not have Timelapse recording
51
has manual focus
really wide (26mm)
screen size is good (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
decent sensor resolution (14 megapixels)
supports RAW formats
can't switch lenses (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have Time Lapse mode
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Canon SX530 HS
Vlogging with Kodak Z981
29
quite wide (24mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
offers face detection focus
high res video (1920 x 1080 pixels)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.4)
does not feature selfie friendly display
does not have external microphone port
22
really wide (26mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
does not feature selfie friendly screen
low quality video (1280 x 720 pixels)
does not have external mic jack
heavier than others (540g)
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Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Z981 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Canon SX530 HS and Kodak Z981
 Canon PowerShot SX530 HSKodak 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