Canon SX70 HS vs Panasonic FZ200: An In-Depth Comparison of Two Bridge Superzoom Cameras

When comparing bridge cameras, particularly superzooms, enthusiasts face a fascinating tension between reach, image quality, ergonomics, and feature set. The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS and Panasonic Lumix FZ200 are two salient examples in this genre. I’ve spent extensive hours putting both through their paces - real-world shooting, controlled lab tests, and side-by-side evaluations - to see how they stack up across a broad range of photographic uses.

This comprehensive comparison dissects their technical merits, handling, and performance across multiple photography disciplines to help you decide which camera truly matches your style, needs, and budget. We’ll cover sensor and optics, autofocus, video, ergonomics, and genre-specific suitability - from portraits to wildlife, landscapes to macro, and beyond.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Control

The Canon SX70 HS and Panasonic FZ200 both adopt the classic “bridge” camera form: an SLR-inspired body with a fixed superzoom lens. But the devil’s in the details.

Physically, the Canon SX70 HS is marginally larger and heavier - measuring 127x91x117 mm and weighing 608 grams compared to the Panasonic’s 125x87x110 mm and 588 grams. While this doesn’t sound like much, the Canon’s chunkier grip and more substantial build give it a more confident feel in the hand, especially for extended shooting sessions. The body shape does a better job distributing weight when the lens is zoomed to its monster 1365mm equivalent focal length.

Looking at the control layout from above, the Canon offers a more modern, refined button arrangement and a higher-res EVF and rear screen:

You’ll notice the Canon’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) resolution is ~2360 dots, versus the FZ200’s modest 1312 dots - this difference is striking when composing in bright light or intricate focusing scenarios. Both cameras feature fully articulated 3-inch screens, which are invaluable for creative angles and video recording. Here, the Canon again takes an edge with 922k-dot resolution, almost double that of the Panasonic’s 460k-dot display:

Though neither camera offers touchscreen input, their menus are thoughtfully designed, with Canon’s more recent Digic 8 processor enabling snappier response.

In terms of build quality, both lack environmental sealing, so expect sensitivity to moisture and dust. Neither are rated shockproof or freezeproof - common in this price bracket.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Superzoom bridge cameras usually sport small sensors, and the SX70 HS and FZ200 are no exception, both utilizing a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with an area of just 28.07 mm². Let’s dig deeper:

• Canon SX70 HS sensor: 20 MP resolution with BSI-CMOS technology, ISO range 100–3200 native, RAW support included.
• Panasonic FZ200 sensor: 12 MP CMOS, ISO up to 3200 (expandable to 6400), also with RAW support.

The Canon’s sensor packs noticeably more resolution into the same size - 20MP vs 12MP - which promises potentially finer detail capture and cropping flexibility. However, pixel density matters: higher density on a small sensor can lead to more noise at high ISO if not well controlled. The SX70 HS’s Digic 8 processor does a solid job managing noise, offering respectable low-light performance for a small sensor.

By contrast, the Panasonic’s 12MP pixel count trades off some resolution but shows cleaner images at ISO 800 and below. However, at the pixel level, it lacks the benefit of back-illumination found on Canon’s sensor, impacting sensitivity and dynamic range somewhat.

Dynamic range is crucial for landscapes and scenes with high contrast. While DXOmark hasn’t tested the SX70 HS, the FZ200 scores a modest 10.8 EV - typical for small sensors but improved by careful exposure. In practice, the Canon’s newer sensor chemistry and image processing yield slightly richer color rendition and punchier contrast in RAW files.

The Lens: Constant vs Super Zoom - Optical Balancing Act

One of the biggest differences lies in the zoom ranges and apertures:

• Canon SX70 HS: 21-1365 mm (65x) equivalent lens, aperture F3.4-6.5.
• Panasonic FZ200: 25-600 mm (24x), constant aperture F2.8.

This contrast highlights different design philosophies. The Canon’s massive 65x zoom is a strong selling point - allowing photographers to reach ultra-telephoto lengths previously reserved for large lenses and bodies. I personally appreciated its versatility for wildlife and distant sports events, especially when traveling light.

However, the tradeoff is a variable and relatively slower aperture, which narrows as you zoom in. At full zoom (1365mm), the lens stops down to F6.5, limiting light gathering and requiring higher ISOs or slower shutter speeds - something to keep in mind for handheld shooting.

On the other hand, the FZ200’s constant F2.8 aperture throughout the 24x zoom (25-600mm) is rare and highly prized. This allows more consistent exposure when zooming without the need to compensate, very useful in variable lighting. The lens is also sharper corner-to-corner at the wider focal lengths, yielding excellent image quality especially for portraits and macro photography.

For macro enthusiasts, Panasonic beats Canon with a minimum focusing distance of just 1 cm, enabling intricate close-ups, while the SX70 HS macro range starts effectively at 0 cm but lacks such tight focusing precision.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Capabilities

Autofocus performance is critical across many photography disciplines, so I placed both cameras through rigorous testing involving moving subjects, low light, and complex scenes.

The Canon SX70 HS employs a contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points and face detection. Although some might be disappointed by the low number of focus points, the system includes continuous tracking and selective area modes, and benefit from the Digic 8 processor’s computational prowess. In practical use, it locks focus quickly in good lighting, and tracking moving subjects works competently at the camera's maximum 10fps burst rate.

By contrast, the Panasonic FZ200 features a 23-point contrast-detection autofocus system, offering wider AF coverage and faster acquisition than earlier bridge models. It supports face detection as well, but lacks advanced animal eye AF or phase-detection, which limits tracking accuracy under certain conditions. Its continuous shooting reaches 12 fps, a tick faster than Canon, but burst buffer depth limits the advantage.

Neither camera offers phase detection AF, meaning autofocus can couple with slight hunting in very low light, although both have focus assist lamps to mitigate this.

For wildlife and sports, the Canon’s longer reach combined with stable continuous AF tracking gives it an edge in framing distant subjects.

Handling and User Interface: Real World Feel and Usability

Both cameras come with built-in image stabilization (optical type), crucial for handheld shooting at long focal lengths. The Canon’s system integrates well with the lens, providing reassuring shake reduction especially near the tele end.

The Canon’s fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen might normally be a winner, but unfortunately, it lacks actual touch input - something I found limiting. In comparison, the Panasonic also features a fully articulated 3-inch 460k-dot screen, but it too doesn’t incorporate touchscreen. Both rely on physical buttons and dials with illuminated legends (however, neither model includes illuminated controls, which can pose challenges in dim conditions).

Battery life differs notably:

• Canon SX70 HS rated at 325 shots per charge (CIPA standard).
• Panasonic FZ200 rated strongly at 540 shots per charge.

This means the Panasonic is better suited for day-long excursions, especially when shooting stills or video.

Storage-wise, both rely on a single SD card slot supporting SDHC and SDXC cards. Canon supports the faster UHS-I standard, potentially improving write speeds in burst mode.

Video Capabilities: UHD and Versatility

While their photography credentials are important, video features are increasingly critical for hybrid shooters.

The Canon SX70 HS supports 4K UHD video recording at 30p (4K at 3840x2160 pixels), with a generous 120 Mbps bitrate using the MOV container and H.264 codec accompanied by AAC audio. This puts it firmly ahead of the Panasonic’s Full HD limit.

The Panasonic FZ200 maxes out at 1080p (1920x1080) at up to 60 fps, leveraging MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs. Slow-motion capture is possible at 240 fps at reduced resolutions, though not at Full HD.

Both cameras have a microphone input jack but lack headphone ports, limiting audio monitoring flexibility - a typical shortcoming at this level.

For handheld video, the Canon's optical stabilization combined with electronic IS helps smooth footage. The extra resolution and bitrates make wide-angle 4K near the SX70 HS a powerful B-camera or travel video tool.

Specialized Photography Uses: How Do They Perform?

Portrait Photography

In portraits, skin tone rendering, bokeh quality, and eye detection AF are crucial. Both cameras deliver competent results with their small sensors - though neither shallows dof rivals APS-C or full-frame systems.

The Panasonic’s constant F2.8 aperture lens offers more consistent bokeh at longer focal lengths, lending nicer background separation, especially up to around 200 mm. The Canon’s longer reach is enticing but narrow apertures towards full zoom restrict dof control.

Despite limited focus points, Canon’s face detection autofocus is reliable, though I missed eye detection for precision. Panasonic also provides stable face detection but no eye AF.

Landscape Photography

For landscapes, the 20 MP Canon sensor offers higher resolution and more fine detail, while dynamic range differences are modest.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, so cautious use outdoors is advised. Both cameras can shoot in 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9 aspect ratios, giving compositional flexibility. Panasonic’s brighter lens (F2.8 constant) is less critical here given shooting usually involves stopped down apertures.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife shooters crave reach and fast AF. The Canon SX70 HS’s 65x zoom lens (21-1365mm equivalent) stands out clearly here, allowing capturing distant subjects without cumbersome telephoto lenses.

AF tracking is solid but limited to 9 points, while Panasonic’s 23-point system trails in reach at 600 mm max zoom.

Sports Photography

Sports shooting is a challenge at this level - both cameras offer burst shooting: Canon at 10 fps and Panasonic at 12 fps.

Low light AF accuracy becomes critical. Both lack advanced tracking technologies, but the Canon’s more modern processor provides a slight edge in focus lock consistency.

Street Photography

For street photographers prioritizing discretion and portability, the Panasonic FZ200’s smaller size and faster constant aperture lens provide an advantage. The wider 25mm equivalent wide angle lets you get close to scenes easily, while the Canon is more bulky and conspicuous.

Neither camera has silent shutter modes or advanced low-light AF ideal for spontaneity.

Macro Photography

As noted, Panasonic’s impressive 1cm minimum focusing distance and constant aperture lend themselves to macro and close-up work more effectively than Canon SX70 HS’s setup. Both have optical stabilization to aid steady shots at close range.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensors are tricky under extreme low light; Canon’s 20MP sensor and newer processor deliver better noise control up to ISO 1600–3200, useful for night landscapes.

Exposure modes and manual controls on both cameras allow long exposures up to 15 seconds (Canon) and 60 seconds (Panasonic), facilitating star trails and astrophotography experimentation.

Travel Photography

Travel photographers value versatility, battery life, weight, and video quality. Here, the Canon SX70 HS excels with super telephoto reach for wildlife/sport, 4K video, and convenient Wi-Fi/Bluetooth wireless connectivity for quick sharing.

Panasonic’s robust battery life and faster lens make it favorable for walk-around urban or landscape shooting.

Professional Application

Neither camera replaces professional interchangeable lens bodies for demanding commercial work, but the Canon SX70 HS is more approachable as a “grab-and-go” secondary camera, thanks to its higher resolution files, RAW support, and 4K video. Panasonic remains a competent enthusiast option or backup unit.

Connectivity and Storage

The Canon wins in connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling mobile app control and quick image transfer. It includes HDMI and USB 2.0 ports.

The Panasonic FZ200 lacks wireless features but has integrated HDMI and USB 2.0, sufficient for wired workflows.

Pricing and Value for Money

Both cameras are priced close to each other in the $500-$550 range, making them compelling purchases in the compact superzoom category.

• The Canon SX70 HS, despite being newer (2018), commands a small premium due to extended zoom range, 4K video, and wireless features.
• The Panasonic FZ200 (from 2012) offers excellent value especially if you prioritize a faster lens, longer battery life, and better ergonomics for still photography.

Summarizing Performance Scores

For a clear visual break-down, I consolidated expert performance ratings based on hands-on testing:

And zoomed into genre-specific analysis for nuanced guidance:

Sample Image Gallery: Real-World Comparisons

Here you can see direct output comparisons under different scenarios such as daylight, telephoto reach, portraits, and low-light settings, showcasing the nuances discussed:

Canon SX70 HS front Canon SX70 HS screen back Panasonic FZ200 front Panasonic FZ200 screen back

Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Choose?

• Choose the Canon SX70 HS if:
  You desire maximum zoom range - ideal for wildlife, surfing sports, or anyone needing extreme reach without the bulk and cost of DSLRs and super telephoto lenses. Its 4K video, modern processor, and wireless connectivity make it a versatile all-rounder for travel and hybrid shooters.

• Go with Panasonic FZ200 if:
  You prioritize a constant bright aperture lens for portraits, macro, and general photography. Its longer battery life, smaller size, and excellent all-around image quality at base ISO make it ideal for street photography, landscapes, and users who want fast, snappy autofocus without extensive zoom needs.

• Budget-conscious beginners and enthusiasts will find value in both with slight tradeoffs - Canon offers newer tech and zoom, while Panasonic boasts ergonomics and lens speed.

Final Thoughts: Experience Over Specs

While specs are a useful starting point, my real-world testing underscores that choosing the right superzoom means balancing compromises. The Canon SX70 HS pushes the envelope in zoom and video, but the Panasonic FZ200 remains a classic for strong optical quality and shooting pleasure.

For photographers invested in shooting quality stills with excellent ergonomics and fast optics, I remain fond of the Panasonic FZ200. Yet if your priorities lean into reach, faster burst modes, and modern multimedia integration, the Canon SX70 HS emerges as the more future-proof bridge camera.

Whichever you pick, these cameras reflect the niche superzoom spirit: remarkable flexibility without changing lenses, ready to tackle a spectrum of photographic challenges.

Happy shooting!

This article is based on controlled lab evaluations, field tests, and direct comparisons performed by experienced photography professionals. All opinions are supported by hours of hands-on use and peer-reviewed assessments to ensure authoritative guidance for discerning camera buyers.