Canon PowerShot SX60 HS vs Sony SLT-A37: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Approaches to Photography

In the ever-evolving world of digital cameras, it’s fascinating to compare models that cater to such different user niches yet overlap enough to compel a side-by-side examination. Today, we pit the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS, a small sensor superzoom bridge camera, against the Sony SLT-A37, an entry-level APS-C DSLR-style mirrorless hybrid. Released around the same era (2012-2014), they represent divergent philosophies toward photography - compact versatility versus traditional interchangeable-lens performance.

Having spent weeks with both during varied shooting sessions, from crisp landscapes to fast-paced street scenes, I’m excited to walk you through the nuances of these two cameras. Our goal: unravel their core strengths and real-world weaknesses so you can confidently decide which suits your creative ambitions and practical needs.

Let’s start by understanding how each camera fits in the broader photographic landscape before diving into their build, image quality, autofocus systems, and more.

Design and Handling: Bridge vs DSLR-ish - Ergonomics in Focus

At first touch, the Canon SX60 HS immediately feels the heft and ambition of a superzoom bridge camera. Its SLR-like body, substantial zoom barrel, and pronounced grip communicate a ready-for-anything mentality. The Sony A37, in contrast, embraces a more traditional compact DSLR form factor - smaller, lighter, and designed for the lens-swapper eye.

Physically, the SX60 HS measures roughly 128×93×114 mm and weighs about 650g. This heft helps balance its monster 65x optical zoom lens, essential for long-reach shooting without cumbersome external support. The A37 tips the scales lighter at 506g with more modest dimensions (124×92×85 mm), lending itself to extended hand-held sessions and easier portability.

Ergonomics-wise, the SX60 HS opts for a simple SLR-styled grip and controls laid out prominently for ease of reach even while zooming - think of it as a “ready for adventure” stance. The A37 goes more traditional with a DSLR grip, front and rear dials, and a bulkier body contour delivering better balance when paired with heavier lenses.

Control positioning is crucial, so here’s a side-by-side visual:

The Canon offers fewer dedicated dials but compensates with flexible exposure modes and a fully articulated 3-inch screen. Sony sacrifices articulation for a tilting 2.6-inch display, a point of contention for videographers and awkward angles but keeps exposure dials handy.

For travelers or street shooters craving discretion, the Sony’s compact frame is less conspicuous. Conversely, the Canon’s bridge style attracts curiosity but gives the joy of comprehensive zoom reach - a trade-off between size and capability.

Sensor and Image Quality: Bigger Sensor Means More...?

One of the most decisive differences lies in sensor size and technology, which directly impacts image fidelity, dynamic range, and low-light prowess.

The Canon SX60 HS employs a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor measuring 6.17×4.55 mm - tiny compared to the Sony A37’s APS-C CMOS sensor at 23.5×15.6 mm. To put it in numbers, the SX60 HS sensor area is roughly 28 mm², whereas the A37 boasts 367 mm² - a massive gap impacting everything from noise control to depth-of-field rendering.

Both capture 16-megapixel stills, but the Sony’s larger pixels facilitate higher ISO sensitivity, reaching a native maximum of ISO 25,600 (versus Canon’s 6,400). This difference manifests starkly in low-light scenarios, with the A37 producing markedly cleaner images.

DxOMark’s measurements reinforce this disparity:

While the Canon’s sensor struggles beyond ISO 400, the Sony maintains usable quality up to ISO 1600 and even beyond with acceptable noise levels for enthusiasts.

Resolution-wise, the Sony has a slight edge at 4912×3264 pixels compared to Canon’s 4608×3072, yielding more detail and larger print potential.

Practically, this means landscape photographers and portrait shooters aiming for high-quality RAW captures and large-format prints will appreciate the Sony’s sensor.

However, the Canon’s small sensor paired with a stabilised 65x zoom enables far-reaching telephoto shots not possible with the A37 alone. This makes it appealing to wildlife or travel photographers needing flexibility without lugging multiple lenses.

Focusing Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking in Real-World Use

Autofocus performance distinguishes practical shooting experience more than specs alone. The two cameras employ different autofocus architectures reflecting their design philosophies:

• Canon SX60 HS: Contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points; face detection included but lacks phase-detection.
• Sony A37: Uses hybrid phase-detection and contrast-detection AF via 15 focus points (3 cross-type), enabling quicker, more reliable focusing particularly in continuous mode.

I tested both extensively in various scenarios: portrait headshots, wildlife subjects in motion, and bustling street scenes.

Sony’s autofocus consistently locks faster and with better tracking at a brisk continuous shooting rate of 6 fps. The phase-detection module helps maintain focus on moving subjects - a boon for sports and wildlife photographers. The A37 lacked eye tracking or animal eye detection, but its responsive AF points compensated well.

Canon’s SX60 HS, despite slower contrast detection and fewer focus points, delivered surprisingly competent autofocus for static or slow-moving subjects. Face-detection autofocus was robust, aiding portraits. However, the 6.4 fps burst speed felt hampered by slower focusing transitions and buffer limits.

Neither camera incorporates advanced eye or animal eye AF, typical for their release-era positioning.

For wildlife and sports shooters prioritizing quick autofocus and tracking reliability, the Sony clearly surpasses the Canon. Portrait and casual hobbyist photographers comfortable with less frantic AF may find the Canon adequate and simplified.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: How You See Matters

Both models feature electronic viewfinders (EVF) and rear LCDs but with key differences impacting usability, especially in bright or dynamic shooting environments.

Canon SX60 HS:

• 3.0-inch fully articulated LCD with 922k-dot resolution.
• Electronic viewfinder with 922k-dot resolution and 100% coverage.
• Articulated screen is a significant advantage for low/high angle shots and self-portraits.
• No touchscreen functionality.

Sony A37:

• 2.6-inch tilting LCD with 230k-dot resolution, noticeably lower in clarity.
• EVF with higher resolution at 1,440k dots and 100% coverage.
• Screen tilt aids awkward angles but less versatile than articulation.
• No touchscreen.

In practice, the Canon’s larger, articulated, and higher resolution screen makes composing and reviewing images more comfortable, particularly in creative or awkward positions. The Sony’s sharper EVF delivers excellent clarity for precise manual focus and exposure checks, helpful in bright daylight.

However, limitations like no touchscreen on either hamper quick menu navigation and focus point selection compared to modern cameras.

Lens Systems and Zoom Reach: Fixed Extra Mile vs Interchangeables

The Canon SX60 HS’s hallmark feature is its extraordinary 65x optical zoom lens (21-1365mm equivalent, f/3.4-6.5). This fixed superzoom is stabilized optically and covers almost any photographic focal length photographers might want in one package - from wide landscapes to distant wildlife.

By contrast, the Sony A37’s strength is its compatibility with Sony’s Alpha and Minolta A-mount lenses - a sizeable library exceeding 140 lenses as of the camera’s era. This ecosystem includes prime lenses, fast zooms, specialized macro optics, and professional-grade telephoto glass.

While the Canon excels in convenience and unobtainable zoom reach, lens speed is limited at telephoto ends, impacting low-light use or creative depth-of-field effects. The Sony’s ability to mount faster, higher quality, and specialized lenses offers more opportunities for creative control and professional image quality, albeit with the cost and bulk of carrying multiple lenses.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and How Much?

Battery life is a practical concern, especially for travel or all-day shooting.

• Canon SX60 HS: Rated for approximately 340 shots per charge using the NB-10L battery.
• Sony A37: Rated substantially higher at 500 shots per charge with the NP-FW50 battery.

My real-world usage confirmed these figures: the Sony has the stamina for longer sessions without swapping batteries, while the Canon may require spares for extended trips.

Regarding storage, both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. Sony additionally offers compatibility with Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo, providing some flexibility.

Video Capabilities: Who Films Best?

Video is often an afterthought on cameras of this generation, but both models have respectable Full HD offerings.

Canon’s fully articulated screen combined with optical stabilisation makes it excellent for handheld video and vlogging. Sony complements this with sensor-based stabilization offering smooth footage but a smaller non-articulated screen limits creative framing flexibility.

Neither supports 4K or advanced video features seen today, so they are usable but modest video tools. Audio input ports allow for external microphones, a plus for enthusiasts.

Real-World Shooting Scenarios: Who Excels Where?

Now, let’s examine how these cameras behave across photography genres. This will help tailor recommendations to your style.

Canon SX60 HS front Canon SX60 HS screen back Sony A37 front Sony A37 screen back

Portraits:

• Sony A37: Larger APS-C sensor yields creamier bokeh and better skin aperture control. More control over depth and tonal gradations.
• Canon SX60 HS: Good face detection and sharpness at moderate zoom but struggles with background separation given sensor size. Decent for casual portraits.

Landscape:

• Sony A37: Superior dynamic range captures more shadow and highlight detail. Ideal for RAW workflows.
• Canon SX60 HS: Versatile zoom for varying perspective, but limited sensor size caps ultimate quality.

Wildlife:

• Canon SX60 HS: Wins with 65x zoom, enabling long-range shots without extra lenses.
• Sony A37: Better image quality and AF speed but requires telephoto lenses which add bulk and cost.

Sports:

• Sony A37: Faster AF and continuous shooting, ideal for moving subjects.
• Canon SX60 HS: AF less reliable for fast action, but burst rate similar.

Street:

• Sony A37: Smaller size and lens choices lend discretion.
• Canon SX60 HS: Bulkier; zoom may draw attention.

Macro:

• Neither camera specializes here, but Sony lens options provide better macro optics.

Night/Astro Photography:

• Sony A37: Superior ISO and low-light capabilities.
• Canon SX60 HS: High noise at ISO 800+ limits usefulness.

Travel:

• Canon SX60 HS: All-in-one zoom ideal for luggage-light travel.
• Sony A37: Requires lenses and more prep but offers higher image quality.

Professional Work:

• Sony A37: RAW support, better dynamic range and build quality make it more suited to serious workflows.
• Canon SX60 HS: Targeted more at enthusiasts.

Durability, Connectivity, and Extras

Both cameras lack weather sealing or shockproof features, typical for their market segments. Users venturing into harsh conditions should consider external protection.

Connectivity-wise, the Canon offers built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for swift image sharing - a nice bonus for social media enthusiasts. The Sony lacks modern wireless features but supports Eye-Fi cards, an alternative albeit dated option.

Both cameras support USB 2.0 and HDMI output for tethering and external displays but no headphone jacks limit audio monitoring for video.

Pricing and Value: Which One Offers More Bang for Your Buck?

At around $540-$550 street price, both cameras vie for budget-conscious buyers. Here’s a breakdown of value:

Sony arguably offers a better image quality foundation, longer battery life, and lens flexibility at a lower price. Canon’s advantage lies in convenience and reach out of the box - no need for multiple lenses to cover a huge zoom range.

Final Performance Scores and Genre Ratings

For your quick glance, here’s how both score overall and in specific photographic disciplines (based on in-field testing and DxOMark data):

Wrapping Up: Which Camera Should You Choose?

I hope this detailed exploration clarifies the strengths and limitations of the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS and Sony SLT-A37 within their intended niches.

• Choose Canon SX60 HS if:

  • You want an all-in-one superzoom capable of reaching distant subjects without lens changing.
  • Portability with zoom versatility is paramount, especially for travel or wildlife.
  • You value an articulated screen for varied shooting angles.
  • Video and social sharing connectivity matter.

• Choose Sony SLT-A37 if:

  • You prioritize image quality, dynamic range, and low light performance.
  • You want to grow into interchangeable lens photography.
  • Autofocus speed and accuracy for action or sports matter.
  • You need longer battery life for demanding shoots.
  • You’re interested in serious RAW workflows and postprocessing latitude.

While the Canon SX60 HS plays the role of a versatile superzoom with respectable image quality, the Sony A37 is the more capable all-rounder in terms of sensor performance, autofocus, and creative flexibility. Neither is cutting edge today, but both remain examples of balanced engineering aimed at different photographers.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your shooting preferences and workflow priorities. For casual zoom power without fuss, Canon delivers that punch. For those inclined toward image quality, lens options, and speed in a compact DSLR body, Sony’s A37 shines bright.

I welcome any questions or thoughts - feel free to reach out and let’s keep exploring the fascinating world of cameras together!