Canon PowerShot SX540 HS vs. SX60 HS: The Ultimate Small Sensor Superzoom Face-Off

In the world of bridge cameras with superzoom capabilities, Canon’s PowerShot SX series has long been a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking a “one-camera-does-it-all” solution. Today, we're diving deep into a comparison of two canonical examples from this line: the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS and the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS. While both fit in the same small sensor superzoom category, they offer distinct features and user experiences that make selecting the right one a bit more nuanced than just zoom range or price tag.

Having put both through hours of testing across multiple photographic scenarios - from razor-sharp wildlife shots to moody nighttime landscapes - this hands-on comparison will arm you with expert insights to pick the best fit for your needs.

Hands-On First Impressions: Size, Build, and Controls

At first glance, both cameras sport the signature SLR-style bridge design, giving you a comfortable grip and a DSLR-like feel without the weight of an interchangeable lens system.

The SX540 HS, announced in early 2016, is notably more compact and lighter (442g) than the bulkier SX60 HS (650g) launched in 2014. This difference is perceptible and affects handling. The SX540 HS feels nimble - ideal for extended carry during travel or spontaneous shooting. By contrast, the SX60 HS has more heft and a robust build, which lends confidence during long telephoto use but can tire your arm faster.

Looking at the top control layouts (see below), the SX60 HS boasts a more traditional, fully SLR-style command set - including an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 922k-dot resolution - making eye-level shooting comfortable in bright daylight. The SX540 HS lacks any viewfinder and relies solely on its fixed 3-inch rear LCD, so it’s best suited for waist or eye-level framing with live view.

While both screens are 3-inch, the SX60 HS’s fully articulated design offers superior versatility for creative angles (think low-to-the-ground or overhead shots), compared to the fixed screen on the SX540 HS, which limits your flexibility.

Ergonomics Verdict: If portability and ease of use are top priorities, the SX540 HS edges out with its smaller footprint. But if you’re after a more traditional shooting experience with enhanced compositional tools, the SX60 HS takes the win.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Sensor Size, Different Results

Both cameras rely on Canon’s classic 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, with a sensor area of just 28.07mm². The SX540 HS sports a 20MP resolution, while the SX60 HS uses a 16MP sensor. Theoretically, this gives the SX540 HS a higher resolution advantage, but sensor size limits overall image quality potential.

In real-world testing, however, the difference is subtle. The SX60 HS's 16MP sensor delivers cleaner images with slightly better noise control at high ISOs up to 6400 (versus the SX540’s max native ISO 3200). This is partly due to the advanced DIGIC 6 processor and better optimized signal processing on the SX60 HS.

Moreover, the SX60 HS supports shooting in RAW format, unlocking greater post-processing flexibility - a crucial feature for enthusiasts and professionals who seek to tweak exposure and color without quality loss. The SX540 HS, on the other hand, shoots exclusively in JPEG, which constrains post-shoot edits.

Dynamic range, particularly important in landscape and twilight scenes, also favors the SX60 HS with a DxOMark score of 10.1 stops compared to the SX540’s untested but generally lower range. This translates to more recoverable detail in shadows and highlights.

My conclusion: For image quality purists and those who want editing freedom, the SX60 HS’s sensor and processing pipeline offer a more versatile foundation. The 20MP resolution advantage of the SX540 HS does not outweigh these benefits.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Action vs. Casual Shots

When it comes to autofocus, these cameras function differently than DSLRs or mirrorless systems but do their best within their class.

The SX60 HS autofocus system features 9 AF points, including subject tracking and face detection with continuous AF during burst shooting (6.4 frames per second). This performance is respectable for a bridge zoom camera and helped me nail shots of moving wildlife and kids playing - subjects that demand speed and accuracy.

Comparatively, the SX540 HS autofocus is simpler and lacks AF tracking, relying on center or selected AF point contrast detection only. It maxes out at 5.9 fps, slightly slower but adequate for general photography.

Neither camera boasts phase-detection AF, so their speed in low light and fast-moving subjects is limited compared to recent mirrorless offerings.

For wildlife, sports, or any fast-action photography, the SX60 HS is noticeably better at preserving focus and anticipating subject movement. The SX540 HS leans more toward static scenes or casual snapshots.

Zoom Range and Lens: Stretching the Field of View

The headline feature on any superzoom is, of course, the zoom range.

• SX540 HS: 24-1200mm equivalent (50x optical zoom)
• SX60 HS: 21-1365mm equivalent (65x optical zoom)

At maximum telephoto, the SX60 HS reaches farther, which can be a game-changer for wildlife or distant sports. Image stabilization on both cameras works well – optical IS helps mitigate handshake even at long focal lengths, but the longer reach of the SX60 HS is a compelling advantage. In hands-on use, I was more comfortable framing tight shots of birds perched on far branches with the SX60 HS.

Macro focusing distance for both is effectively zero cm, enabling you to get physically close to subjects for detailed photography, but the SX60 HS’s articulation aids composition here.

Lens speed (maximum aperture f/3.4–6.5) is essentially identical, so low-light telephoto performance is similarly challenged. Neither camera excels in very dark conditions when zoomed in.

If maximum zoom reach is paramount, the SX60 HS wins hands down as a dedicated super-telephoto powerhouse in the small sensor segment.

User Interface and Rear Screen: Touch and Viewfinder Features Matter

Both cameras omit touchscreens, which is a drawback in today’s era of intuitive touch control - but understandable, given their age.

The SX60 HS’s electronic viewfinder (922k dots, 100% coverage) sets itself apart, allowing eye-level shooting in bright environments where glare overwhelms the rear LCD. The EVF’s real-time live view helps in controlled compositions and wildlife stalking, a non-negotiable feature for many serious users.

The SX540 HS depends solely on its fixed 3-inch, 461k-dot LCD, which is bright and sufficient for casual framing but limited outdoors. The lack of articulation or touch compounds the usability gap.

The SX60 HS’s fully articulated screen makes it invaluable for street photography or videography, where unconventional angles elevate the creative effect.

Video Performance: Full HD, But Not 4K

Both cameras offer 1080p Full HD video at 60 or 30 fps, with H.264 encoding in MPEG-4 containers. While their movie modes are competent for casual video, there’s no 4K option, nor advanced video tools like log profiles or advanced audio inputs (though the SX60 HS includes a microphone port, attracting vloggers who want better sound).

Neither model supports in-body stabilization for video; you rely on the lens-based optical stabilization, which works reasonably well. However, rolling shutter effects and autofocus hunting can be noticeable in fast-moving scenes.

Given the lack of modern video features, these cameras are best suited for casual shooting rather than professional filmmaking.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected

The SX60 HS offers a generous 340 shots per charge, notably better than the SX540 HS’s 205 shots, a significant factor for travel and extended shooting days.

Both models use proprietary battery packs (NB-10L for SX60 HS, NB-6LH for SX540 HS), so carrying spares is essential for heavy users.

Wireless connectivity is similar: integrated Wi-Fi and NFC for seamless pairing with smartphones via Canon’s app. Bluetooth is absent in both, limiting constant background connectivity.

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Real-World Photography Scenarios

Portrait Photography

Both deliver decent portraits considering sensor constraints. Skin tones rendered by the SX60 HS benefit from its RAW support, giving you more latitude to tweak hues and smooth skin textures without degradation. Facial detection works well on both, but the SX60 HS’s continuous AF tracking yields more keepers in dynamic portraits.

Bokeh quality (background blur) is limited by small sensor size and slower apertures, but longer focal lengths near 1200mm equivalent help isolate the subject.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are critical here. The SX60 HS’s better noise control and 10.1 stops dynamic range mean cleaner files with more detail in shadow-dense scenes. The articulated screen is also a boon on uneven terrain.

Weather sealing is nonexistent on both, so be cautious shooting in inclement conditions.

Wildlife Photography

Here, the SX60 HS pulls away with superior autofocus tracking, a longer zoom, higher burst rate, and EVF for precise framing. The SX540 HS can handle casual wildlife shots but struggles with fast action or distant animals.

Sports Photography

Fast-moving subjects and variable lighting favor the SX60 HS again due to faster AF, 6.4 fps shooting, and eye-level EVF use. The SX540 HS’s 5.9 fps and contrast-detection autofocus are less optimal.

Street Photography

If discretion and portability are key, the SX540 HS offers lighter weight and a smaller profile - it’s easier to carry inconspicuously. However, the lack of a viewfinder on the SX540 HS forces you to rely on the LCD, which can be cumbersome in bright daylight.

Macro Photography

Close focusing performance is similar, but the SX60 HS’s articulated screen allows better creative angles. Stabilization assists steady handheld close-ups on both.

Night and Astrophotography

The SX60 HS’s higher max ISO (6400) and cleaner images help capture dark scenes with less noise. No special long-exposure or intervalometer support limits star trails or timelapse work beyond basic functionality.

Video and Vlogging

The SX60 HS, equipped with a mic input and articulating screen, is more vlog-friendly. The SX540 HS is more basic with only standard mic-internal audio.

Travel Photography

Portability and battery life are crucial here - advantages lie with the smaller, lighter SX540 HS and its Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity. Yet the SX60 HS’s extended battery life compensates somewhat for its bulk.

Professional Use

Neither camera replaces a DSLR or mirrorless for high-end professional output due to sensor size and limited RAW capabilities on the SX540 HS. The SX60 HS is slightly more versatile thanks to RAW support and better controls but still best suited as a secondary or travel camera.

Canon SX540 HS front Canon SX540 HS screen back Canon SX60 HS front Canon SX60 HS screen back

Technical Summary and Value Assessment

Which One Should You Buy?

• For casual travel and everyday photography enthusiasts who prioritize compactness and ease of use, the Canon SX540 HS is an excellent pick. It’s lighter, more pocketable, and still delivers a powerful 50x zoom with good image stabilization. Perfect for vacation snapshots, family events, and zoom-happy beginners on a budget.

• If you’re a serious hobbyist or enthusiast seeking more control, longer zoom reach, and better image quality - and especially if tracking fast-moving subjects or shooting RAW matters - the Canon SX60 HS is the clear choice. Although larger and pricier, it rewards you with higher flexibility, superior autofocus, an EVF, and more robust performance in challenging conditions.

• Wildlife and sports photographers on a budget will also appreciate the SX60 HS’s tracking autofocus and extended reach. For these genres, the SX540 HS simply falls short.

Final Thoughts: The Small Sensor Superzoom Trade-Off

The Canon SX540 HS and SX60 HS are excellent examples of how small sensor bridge cameras can serve a wide range of shooting needs, from leisure to semi-professional. Neither will rival larger sensor mirrorless systems in image quality or low-light prowess, but each carves out useful niches within its class.

The SX540 HS impresses with its portability and user-friendliness, while the SX60 HS goes deeper technically, rewarding users willing to navigate its more complex interface and heft.

In my hands-on experience - conducted in varied lighting, subject, and environmental conditions - the SX60 HS inevitably emerges as the superior imaging tool due to its RAW capabilities, electronic viewfinder, superior autofocus, and longer zoom. But the SX540 HS remains compelling for those constrained by budget, size, or simplicity.

I hope this detailed comparison clarifies the strengths and compromises of both cameras based on real-world usage and thorough technical evaluation. Your choice ultimately depends on what photographic adventures you plan to pursue and how much camera you want to carry in your bag.

If you'd like to see sample images or examine handling firsthand, please refer to the gallery above and remember my testing methods prioritize practical shooting scenarios to uncover the subtle performance differences that specs alone can’t reveal.

Happy shooting!

Article images source: Canon official specs & extensive hands-on photo testing