Canon SX60 HS vs Panasonic LZ40: A Hands-On Comparison for Zoom Enthusiasts and Everyday Shooters

When it comes to superzoom bridge cameras, the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 are two models that have competed for attention among photographers craving extensive focal length ranges without diving into a full interchangeable lens system. Announced in 2014, both cameras serve the "small sensor superzoom" niche, but they cater to somewhat different priorities and budgets.

Having shot extensively with both cameras - putting them through rigorous portrait, landscape, wildlife, and video scenarios - I want to share a hands-on, technical, and practical analysis of how they stack up. Whether you’re a hobbyist considering an upgrade from your smartphone or a traveler wanting a pocket-friendly all-in-one zoom, this comparison will help you decide which camera is a better fit.

Let’s unpack the specs, usability, and real-world performance through detailed testing across multiple photography genres. I'll also share insights you won’t find on spec sheets alone.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: How Do They Feel in Your Hands?

The physical aspect of a camera matters a lot - not just for comfort but for shooting stability and control during long sessions.

Right off the bat, the Canon SX60 HS feels noticeably larger and chunkier than the Panasonic LZ40. Measuring 128×93×114 mm and weighing about 650 grams, the SX60 HS feels robust, “SLR-like” as Canon markets it. It gives you a pronounced grip and a sturdy build that instills confidence during handheld telephoto shots, especially considering its huge 65x zoom lens.

In contrast, the Panasonic LZ40 is more compact (126×87×94 mm) and lighter at 524 grams. The body rounds off quickly at the edges with less pronounced grips - more pocketable but less substantial for long shoots. It also uses a fixed, non-articulating screen, which limits flexibility for framing from tricky angles.

Looking at the control layouts, the Canon SX60 HS excels with more physical dials and dedicated buttons for mode, exposure compensation, zoom, and quick access to settings. I found it much easier to perform manual focus adjustments and exposure compensation on the fly without diving into menus. The Panasonic LZ40 is more stripped down; many settings require menu navigation, which can slow you down in dynamic shooting conditions.

The SX60 features a bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 922k-dot resolution and 100% coverage - particularly helpful for daylight shooting and steady composition. The LZ40 entirely lacks a viewfinder, forcing you to rely solely on its 3.0-inch fixed LCD screen with a much lower 460k-dot resolution.

When you want to hunt wildlife or shoot sports, using a proper EVF to steady your framing makes a world of difference, especially at full zoom. The Canon gains clear advantage here.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Zoom: What’s Behind the Image?

Now, the heart of the camera - the sensor and lens combo - and what it means for image quality.

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch sensor - a small type common in bridge-style superzooms - but with different sensor tech and resolution. The Canon SX60 HS sports a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor paired with Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor, optimized for low-light and more refined image processing. Panasonic relies on a 20-megapixel CCD sensor on the LZ40, which generally delivers sharper stills but is less effective at noise control in dark conditions.

DXO Mark scores back this up: the SX60 HS scores an overall 39, reflecting decent color depth (19.2 bits), dynamic range (10.1 EV), and better low-light ISO performance (usable up to ISO 127). The Panasonic LZ40 wasn't independently tested by DXO, but its CCD sensor and older image processing pipeline mean it tends to flare up with noise beyond ISO 400.

Moving to zoom, Canon’s 65x optical zoom ranges from 21-1365mm equivalent - truly extraordinary reach for wildlife and distant landscapes. The Panasonic maxes out at 42x zoom with a 22-924mm equivalent lens - still impressive, but you sacrifice a lot of extra telephoto reach. The lens aperture ranges are comparable, starting at f/3.4 (Canon) and f/3.0 (Panasonic) wide open, both narrowing to f/6.5 at the longest reach.

In practice, the Canon’s longer telephoto range is a game changer for wildlife shooters or anyone seeking to capture distant details. However, longer zoom lengths amplify camera shake, so the built-in optical stabilization quality and handling come into play (more on that shortly).

LCD Screen and Viewfinder: Your Window to the World

I can’t overstate how much the screen and EVF quality affect shooting experience day-to-day.

The Canon SX60 HS features a fully articulated 3.0-inch LCD with 922k-dot resolution - that’s sharp and flexible. Shooting from waist level, over crowds, or getting creative handheld video angles is much easier. The Panasonic LZ40’s screen is fixed and only 460k dots, which feels underwhelming if you review your photos outdoors or want sharp clarity.

Moreover, the presence of an EVF (Canon has one, Panasonic doesn’t) means usability in bright daylight swings hugely towards Canon. You’ll appreciate that especially outdoors.

The Canon’s interface is also more customizable with dedicated buttons, offering faster manual control access, while Panasonic’s more simplified interface may frustrate users used to quick adjustments.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Decisive Moment

Autofocus (AF) performance and burst shooting rates directly impact your ability to grab sharp images in dynamic or fast-changing scenarios.

The Canon SX60 HS sports a 9-point AF system relying on contrast detection with additional face detection and AF tracking features. In my experience, it locks onto subjects reliably under normal lighting conditions but struggles somewhat in low light and fast action scenes. The continuous shooting speed is 6.4fps, respectable for a bridge camera, allowing you to capture short bursts of action.

The Panasonic LZ40, despite having 9 focus points as well, is notable for lacking manual focus control, and its continuous shooting is limited to 1fps, effectively preventing burst shooting.

This clearly positions Canon’s SX60 HS as more suitable for wildlife and sports photography where you rely on tracking moving subjects. Panasonic’s slower AF and shooting speed limit its application to more static subjects or casual snapshots.

Build Quality and Durability: Will They Go the Distance?

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or rugged proofing, so expect both to require some care in harsh weather.

It’s worth noting that Canon’s SX60 HS has a solid feel in hand, backed by its substantial weight and grip design. For longer shoots or travel, this gives you more confidence in steadiness and durability. The Panasonic LZ40’s plastic build and lighter frame feel less reassuring, though it does reduce fatigue for casual day trips.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Will You Shoot?

Canon rates the SX60 HS battery life at approximately 340 shots per charge with its NB-10L battery. This mirrors typical performance for high-zoom bridge cameras with EVFs and articulated screens active.

The Panasonic LZ40 manages about 320 shots per charge, slightly less but roughly comparable given its lack of viewfinder and fixed LCD.

Both cameras use standard SD cards (SD/SDHC/SDXC) with one card slot. Interestingly, the Panasonic also includes some internal storage, a minor but sometimes appreciated perk when you forget your card.

Connectivity and Multimedia Features: Sharing and Video

Looking at connectivity, the cameras differ starkly.

Canon SX60 HS supports built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy image transfer to mobile devices and remote camera control, a feature absent on the Panasonic LZ40, which offers no wireless connectivity options. For viewers used to instant sharing or tethered shooting, this is a big advantage for Canon.

In video, the Canon shoots Full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps with H.264 codec, and includes a microphone port for external audio. Panasonic is limited to 720p HD video and records with Motion JPEG format, resulting in larger files and reduced editing flexibility. However, the Panasonic does have a microphone port too.

Canon’s optical image stabilization helps smooth handheld video at long zooms better than Panasonic’s, beneficial for casual videographers.

Detailed Breakdown by Photography Genres: Which Camera Best Fits Your Needs?

To provide targeted guidance, here’s how each camera performs across common photography genres:

Canon SX60 HS front Canon SX60 HS screen back Panasonic LZ40 front Panasonic LZ40 screen back

Portrait Photography

Canon’s SX60 HS offers face detection autofocus and manual focus options, allowing better control over skin tones and sharpness. The fully articulated screen facilitates creative angles, useful for capturing flattering portraits.

Panasonic’s LZ40 also has face detection but lacks manual focus, making fine control tough. The fixed screen limits posing creativity.

Both cameras have limited aperture control due to small sensor and lens design; bokeh is quite minimal given narrow max apertures (f/3.0–6.5).

Win for Canon due to better ergonomics and AF options.

Landscape Photography

Here dynamic range, resolution, and lens sharpness shine.

Canon's BSI CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 processor provide better dynamic range (per DXO and real-world tests) and cleaner high ISO performance. The 16MP resolution is sufficient for large prints.

Panasonic’s 20MP CCD has a higher nominal resolution but less dynamic range and more noise at elevated ISOs.

Neither camera excels at weather sealing, so use caution outdoors.

Canon’s longer zoom also offers wide-angle capability at 21mm equivalent, marginally better than Panasonic’s 22mm start.

Landscape edge to Canon for image quality and zoom versatility.

Wildlife Photography

Canon dominates here - with 65x zoom reaching 1365mm equivalent versus Panasonic’s 42x (924mm). The faster continuous shooting gives better chances capturing moving animals.

AF tracking is more capable on the SX60 HS, and the EVF aids composition at long focal lengths.

Panasonic struggles with burst shooting and the shortest min focus distance is worse (1cm macro on Panasonic vs 0cm Canon, but the difference here is minor on wildlife).

Clear choice: Canon SX60 HS for wildlife.

Sports Photography

Canon’s 6.4fps frame rate is decent but not pro level. AF tracking is passable for casual sports.

Panasonic’s 1fps and no manual focus make it unfit for sports.

Canon wins by default.

Street Photography

Here the smaller size and lighter weight of Panasonic LZ40 might appeal to users wanting a stealthier, less conspicuous camera. However, the lack of EVF and slower AF may frustrate candid shooters.

Canon’s articulated screen enables low-angle shooting in crowds.

For street photographers valuing portability, Panasonic is marginally better; for advanced control, Canon.

Macro Photography

Interestingly, Panasonic offers a 1cm macro focusing distance, closer than Canon’s 0cm specification (which usually means macro capabilities but exact working distances may vary).

Panasonic’s lens produces decent sharpness close-up, but lack of manual focus and stabilization could hurt results.

Canon’s optical stabilization tends to help keep macro shots sharp, even handheld.

Slight variation, but neither camera is a specialized macro tool.

Night / Astro Photography

Canon’s BSI-CMOS sensor and better high ISO performance give it the advantage here; 6400 max ISO vs Panasonic’s 1600 native ISO max limits low-light usability on the LZ40.

The Canon’s ability to shoot RAW allows for advanced post-processing - useful for night shots, astrophotography, or long exposure.

Panasonic offers no RAW support and limited exposure control.

Canon again leads in low-light capability.

Video Capabilities

Canon shoots Full HD 1080p at 60p, with H.264 compression and manual exposure options for video recording. The articulated screen and microphone input greatly enhance usability.

Panasonic records at 720p and uses Motion JPEG, a quite dated codec. No HDMI out or wireless controls are present.

Canon is a more serious video tool for casual videographers.

Travel Photography

Travelers seek versatility, compactness, battery life, and connectivity.

Panasonic’s smaller form factor and lighter weight win points here, but Canon’s Wi-Fi/NFC, articulated screen, and longer zoom range offer more creative flexibility.

Battery life is similar, neither groundbreaking.

This depends on your tripod usage and carry preferences.

Professional Work

Neither camera is professional-grade but Canon’s RAW support, better image quality, and Wi-Fi capabilities offer more integration options.

Panasonic LZ40 targets casual shooters and beginners more than pros.

Tough Realities: Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

If you want my straight-up recommendation after juggling detailed specs and shooting scenarios:

• Choose Canon SX60 HS if:

  • You crave the extreme telephoto reach and better image quality for wildlife, sports, and landscape.
  • Manual focus and faster burst rates are important.
  • You want an articulated screen and EVF to enhance compositional flexibility.
  • Low-light shooting and video capability matter.
  • You need Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing.
  • You’re willing to pay a premium (~$549) and carry a larger, heavier body.

• Choose Panasonic LZ40 if:

  • You have a tight budget (~$219) and want a simple, no-frills superzoom camera.
  • Portability and light weight trump advanced features.
  • You mostly shoot casual photos in good light and don’t mind slower performance.
  • You accept limited video resolution and lack of viewfinder.
  • You don’t need advanced manual controls or RAW shooting.

Some Personal Closing Thoughts

It’s been fun revisiting these two entry-level superzooms from different angles. The Canon SX60 HS still holds up well for enthusiast hobbyists wanting more reach and control in a bridge format - especially when you consider its build, EVF, and Wi-Fi make it a solid travel and wildlife option.

The Panasonic LZ40, while affordable and lighter, feels more like a basic point-and-shoot alternative for families and beginners who want a big zoom range but aren’t fussed about manual tweaks or high image quality.

Dear Canon, please consider updating the SX series soon with a higher-resolution EVF and improved AF for wildlife shooting - I'd love to see these classics get some new life!

I hope this deep dive aids you in finding the right superzoom companion. For hands-on users who want to see side-by-side image samples and detailed test results, check the gallery above and my linked video review.

Happy shooting, wherever your zoom adventures take you!