Canon SX540 HS vs Panasonic ZS5

Below is a thorough analysis of the Canon SX540 HS and Panasonic ZS5, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Canon and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX540 HS (20MP) and ZS5 (12MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX540 HS was launched 5 years later than the ZS5 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera 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 ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short highlight of how the SX540 HS grades against the ZS5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX540 HS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The complete galleries are provided at Canon SX540 HS Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera, you should consider its weight and size. The Canon SX540 HS has got outside dimensions of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS5 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX540 HS and Panasonic ZS5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the SX540 HS compared to the ZS5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SX540 HS and ZS5 is 69 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to envision the difference in sensor measurements merely by looking through specifications. The photograph underneath may give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX540 HS and ZS5.

Plainly, both of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Canon SX540 HS to render greater detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots more aggressively. The more modern SX540 HS is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.