Canon SX540 HS vs Panasonic ZS1

Below is a extended overview of the Canon SX540 HS versus Panasonic ZS1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Canon and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the SX540 HS (20MP) and ZS1 (10MP) and the SX540 HS (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The SX540 HS was released 6 years later than the ZS1 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX540 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the SX540 HS scores vs the ZS1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX540 HS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX540 HS Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Canon SX540 HS has outer dimensions of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS1 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX540 HS versus Panasonic ZS1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the SX540 HS vs the ZS1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SX540 HS and ZS1 is 69 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements simply by viewing a spec sheet. The visual here should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SX540 HS and ZS1.

As you can see, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SX540 HS because of its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Canon SX540 HS will render more detail as a result of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The younger SX540 HS will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.