Canon SX540 HS vs Panasonic ZS80

Let's look a little more closely at the Canon SX540 HS and Panasonic ZS80, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SX540 HS (20MP) and the ZS80 (20MP) is very similar and both cameras boast the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX540 HS was manufactured 3 years before the ZS80 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SX540 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the SX540 HS scores versus the ZS80 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX540 HS and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The entire galleries are available at Canon SX540 HS Gallery and Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SX540 HS comes with exterior dimensions of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") having a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS80 has measurements of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") having a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX540 HS and Panasonic ZS80 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using during that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the SX540 HS vs the ZS80.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SX540 HS and ZS80 is 69 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reading specifications. The visual here might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SX540 HS and ZS80.

Plainly, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the same exact megapixels so you should expect similar quality of photos however you should always factor the production date of the products into consideration. The older SX540 HS is going to be behind in sensor tech.