Choosing Your Next Superzoom Companion: Canon SX70 HS vs Panasonic FZ60 – A Hands-On Comparison

When diving into the world of superzoom bridge cameras, selecting the perfect tool often boils down to juggling zoom reach, image quality, handling, and versatility. Both the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ60 (also known as the FZ62 in some markets) offer compelling features for enthusiasts craving wide focal ranges combined with DSLR-style ergonomics.

Having tested both cameras extensively, let me walk you through how these two contenders measure up against one another across key photography disciplines, from portrait to wildlife, and explore their technical chops, real-world usability, and value. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of which superzoom suits your photographic passion and budget.

Size and Handling: Feels Like a DSLR, Acts Like a Bridge

First impressions matter, and in the superzoom arena, bulk can be a dealbreaker or a comfort. The Canon SX70 HS is chunkier than the Panasonic FZ60, but perhaps more importantly, it feels different in the hand.

Measuring roughly 127x91x117 mm and weighing 608 grams, the SX70 HS’s larger build lends a reassuring heft, great for stabilizing long telephoto shots. The grip is deep and contoured with rubberized texture, encouraging firm control during extended shooting sessions. The FZ60 sits smaller and lighter at 120x81x92 mm and just 493 grams, which makes it more pocket-friendly for travel and spontaneous street shots.

However, that slimness comes with trade-offs in ergonomics. The FZ60’s smaller handgrip can feel less secure when shooting at 600mm equivalent focal lengths or longer exposures handheld. The Canon’s balance makes it better suited for steady shooting with heavy telephoto reach.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive Access Meets Modern Needs

Control placement can make or break user experience - especially when rapid adjustments are vital in wildlife or sports shooting.

Here, the SX70 HS shines with a thoroughly modernized control top plate. The Canon features dedicated dials for mode, exposure compensation, and quick ISO, along with a front control ring around the lens barrel - ideal for intuitive aperture or zoom control on the fly. The articulated 3-inch screen, though not a touchscreen, flips out fully, enabling flexible composition angles.

By contrast, the FZ60 sports simpler control rings and buttons, with fewer direct-access dials. The screen is fixed and lacks touchscreen functionality, restricting framing versatility (especially for macro or low angle shots). The EVF resolution is notably lower, which can hamper crisp framing and focus confirmation especially in bright sunlight.

The Canon’s user interface feels optimized for speed and customization, while Panasonic’s option feels more entry-level, with basic but functional control.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Small Sensor Limitations and Differences

Both cameras rely on relatively small 1/2.3-inch sensors typical for bridge cameras but come from different technological generations.

• Canon SX70 HS packs a 20.3MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor paired with the DIGIC 8 processor, which enhances noise reduction, autofocus precision, and image processing speed.
• Panasonic FZ60 uses a 16MP CMOS sensor with a less advanced processor (model predates Panasonic’s significant sensor upgrades).

While neither rivals APS-C or full-frame sensors in low light or high dynamic range, the Canon delivers finer detail extraction and improved high ISO performance up to ISO 3200 with less noise intrusion. The Panasonic’s boosted ISO 6400 mode is available but tends to introduce grain aggressively, limiting practical use.

Canon’s 20MP sensor also enables more flexibility for cropping or large prints, given its higher pixel count. The Panasonic’s 16MP sensor yields images a touch softer and less detailed, which you’ll notice more when zooming in on wildlife or landscapes.

Autofocus and Manual Focus Handling: Tracking Speed and Accuracy

Reliable focus locking and accurate tracking mean everything when capturing fleeting moments.

The Canon SX70 HS features a 9-point contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection and tracking modes. It provides continuous autofocus and manual focus options with some fine control via lens ring. Although not a phase-detect AF system, the DIGIC 8’s processing helps minimize focus hunting, particularly in good light.

Meanwhile, the FZ60’s 23-point contrast-detection system offers more focus points, but its older technology and slower processing make autofocus feel comparatively sluggish and prone to hunting, especially in low light or moving subjects.

Neither camera includes advanced animal eye detection found in newer models. Still, Canon’s superior algorithm tends to maintain steady focus better during subject movement, which is critical for wildlife or sports photography.

Display and Viewfinder: How You See Your Shot Matters

Being able to see your composition clearly, even in bright daylight, underpins successful shooting.

The Canon’s 3-inch fully articulated LCD with 922k-dot resolution presents a bright, sharp live view, and its EVF boasts 2360-dot resolution for crisp, detailed framing. That EVF coverage at 100% means what you see is exactly what you get in the final shot, saving time on cropping or perspective corrections.

The Panasonic's fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with just 460k-dot resolution feels dim and coarse in comparison. Its EVF at 202k dots is notably weak, making manual focusing or critical framing tougher.

For field shooters who often rely on the EVF - especially outdoors - the Canon edge is clear.

Burst Shooting and Buffer: Capturing Action with Confidence

Both cameras advertise 10 frames per second burst shooting, a respectable number for bridge cameras.

In practice, however, SX70 HS's buffer and processor handle extended bursts more reliably, allowing up to 10 RAW or 50 JPEG frames continuously before slowdown.

The FZ60, while hitting 10 fps in JPEG, suffers shorter buffer depths and slower clearing times, limiting continuous shooting bursts to a handful of frames before lag sets in.

For sports or wildlife photographers depending on capturing critical sequences, Canon’s buffer expansion and processing throttle better to deliver consistent performance under fire.

Video Capabilities: UHD vs. Full HD - What You Can Expect

Video recording is no afterthought these days, so it’s essential to consider a camera’s moving image chops.

The Canon SX70 HS offers 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 30fps with 120 Mbps bitrate using H.264 codec, expanding your creative options for high-resolution video and cropping flexibility. It also records Full HD 1080p at higher frame rates and includes a dedicated microphone port for external audio input to improve sound quality.

The Panasonic FZ60 caps at Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) at 60fps with AVCHD and MPEG-4 compression and no external mic port. The lack of 4K and limited audio options may disappoint video-focused enthusiasts.

Neither camera has in-body stabilization beyond optical lens-based IS, but the Canon’s improved stabilization algorithms perform better during handheld video capture, reducing jitters for smoother footage.

Lens Zoom Reach and Aperture: Stretching Your Creative Boundaries

Raw zoom reach often excites buyers looking for versatility without carrying multiple lenses.

• The Canon SX70 HS boasts an impressive 65x optical zoom covering 21-1365mm equivalent, enabling you to fill the frame from wide landscapes to distant wildlife without changing lenses.
• The Panasonic FZ60 offers 24x optical zoom (25-600mm equivalent), which still covers a broad range but is less dramatic in its telephoto extension.

This massive zoom range in the Canon can mean shooting handheld longer telephoto shots with decent stabilization. However, remember that at the extreme top end (over 1000mm equivalent), atmospheric haze and camera shake inherently degrade sharpness demands steady technique or tripod use.

Regarding aperture, the Canon’s lens maxes out at f/3.4 at wide and narrows to f/6.5 at telephoto, while the Panasonic FZ60 offers slightly faster wide aperture f/2.8 tapering to f/5.2 at telephoto lengths. The wider aperture on the Panasonic wide end can help in low light or creating subject isolation, but the Canon’s overall versatility and reach outweigh this in most scenarios.

Macro and Close-Up Capabilities: Getting Down to Details

If macro photography appeals, how close can these cameras get and how well do they perform?

The Panasonic FZ60 shines here with its 1cm minimum focusing distance, enabling impressive insect or flower close-ups with reasonable magnification. The fixed lens includes macro modes and the fixed screen limits composing these shots to eye level or above.

The Canon SX70 HS has 0cm macro focusing but lacks dedicated macro modes or focus stacking, which reflects a more generalized approach. The fully articulating screen, however, aids composing tight macro shots from challenging angles.

In practice, the Panasonic remains better equipped for dedicated macro enthusiasts, while the Canon’s flexibility supports casual macro along with its superzoom goals.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Longer Without Disruption

Nothing kills a photo session faster than a dead battery or lack of storage options.

• Panasonic FZ60 offers outstanding battery life of about 450 shots per charge, thanks to efficient older electronics and smaller LCD power consumption.
• Canon SX70 HS clocks 325 shots per battery charge, which is modest for a modern camera but adequate for a day’s shooting if you carry spares.

Both cameras rely on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (UHS-I supported on Canon), and each has a single card slot - typical for this class.

For extended trips, Panasonic’s battery endurance is a welcome bonus, especially in outdoors or travel uses, though the Canon’s improved features, screen, and EVF degrade power efficiency somewhat.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless to Wired Convenience

In today’s connected world, how easily can you share or control your camera remotely?

The Canon SX70 HS includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing image transfer to smartphones and remote camera control via Canon’s apps. Given its 2018 launch, these wireless features are relatively mature and user-friendly.

By contrast, the Panasonic FZ60 lacks wireless connectivity altogether, relying on USB and HDMI cables for transfers and external monitor output.

For social media shooters or videographers needing easy live streaming options (though limited on these models), Canon’s wireless perks are a solid advantage.

Robustness and Durability: Weather-Sealing or Not?

Neither camera is built for rugged, extreme environments. Both cameras lack weather sealing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing.

If your work involves adverse weather or adventurous travel, you’ll want to invest in protective housing or wrappings regardless of model choice.

Sample Image Gallery: Real-World Results Speak Louder Than Specs

Let’s inspect how these cameras perform in actual shooting scenarios.

Canon SX70 HS front Canon SX70 HS screen back Panasonic FZ60 front Panasonic FZ60 screen back

• The Canon SX70 HS images demonstrate sharper detail, better color rendition, and cleaner high ISO performance. It handles skin tones with natural warmth ideal for portraits, while the lens renders pleasant, if not stylistically distinct, bokeh at wider apertures.
• The Panasonic FZ60 images show slightly softer edges and muted dynamic range, but the faster wide aperture gives some subject separation benefits. Landscape shots can appear less crisp on close inspection.

Both cameras handle exposure competently, but Canon’s advanced processing yields more balanced highlights and shadows.

Overall Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Ratings

To sum up how each camera fares across multiple use cases:

And for a closer look by photography genre:

Quick Takeaways:

• Canon SX70 HS ranks higher overall for image quality, autofocus, versatility, video, and handling.
• Panasonic FZ60 remains competitive for those prioritizing value, pan-zoom versatility with faster wide aperture, and stellar battery life.

Breaking It Down By Photography Genre

Portrait Photography

Canon’s better sensor and processing deliver skin tones with smoother gradation and natural colors. Its face detection autofocus performs reliably for tight headshots, and the longer zoom lets you shoot from a comfortable working distance with flattering compression.

Panasonic’s faster f/2.8 aperture at the wide end helps isolate subjects, but softer detail limits print-size flexibility.

Landscape

Landscape shooters will appreciate the Canon’s higher resolution and superior dynamic range, which captures highlight and shadow detail better - essential for dramatic sky and foliage shots.

The Panasonic performs solidly but with less tonal nuance.

Wildlife

Thanks to the incredible 65x zoom reaching 1365mm equivalent, the SX70 HS dramatically outperforms the FZ60 here. Its improved AF tracking and image stabilization reduce frustration when shooting distant animals.

FZ60’s shorter 600mm reach is limiting, especially for birders or safari photographers.

Sports

Canon’s better EVF, faster burst buffer, and autofocus tracking give it a clear lead. The FZ60 can hang in slower-paced sports but struggles with rapid action and focus accuracy.

Street

Lighter, more discreet Panasonic appeals here with its compact frame and responsive controls. The fixed screen does make some low-angle or candid shots less convenient compared to Canon’s articulated display.

Macro

Panasonic wins with close focusing to 1cm and fast lens aperture, capturing fine detail in flowers and insects better.

Night / Astrophotography

Canon’s reduced noise at high ISOs and broader dynamic range make it preferable for challenging low light and astro shots.

Video

The Canon offers distinct advantages with 4K recording, external microphone input, and higher bitrates.

Panasonic fits casual Full HD shooters well.

Travel

Though heavier, the Canon’s versatility, connectivity, and better image quality make it a more comprehensive travel camera if you don’t mind size/weight.

Panasonic is easier to carry for casual vacation snaps or hiking.

Professional Use

Neither replaces an interchangeable lens system, but Canon’s RAW support, wireless features, and higher image fidelity provide a more reliable companion for semi-pro or enthusiast use.

The Bottom Line: Which One Should You Buy?

• Choose the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS if you want maximum zoom reach, superior image quality, an articulate display, 4K video, and more modern features - especially if you shoot wildlife, sports, or travel with varied lighting conditions. It’s a robust all-rounder with modern connectivity and control sophistication, worth the higher price tag (~$550).

• Opt for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ60 if budget constraints are paramount, you prefer lighter gear, love macro shooting, and mainly shoot in good light without a strong need for 4K video or wireless features. It holds up well as a value-packed superzoom (~$350), especially for casual photographers and beginners.

Final Reflections: Know Your Priorities and Test Hands-On

Superzooms are niche but indispensable for reach and convenience, blending compactness with broad utility. Neither the Canon SX70 HS nor the Panasonic FZ60 will replace a capable mirrorless or DSLR, but knowing their strengths helps pick the right bridge for your needs.

If possible, I always recommend handling each model in-store or renting before committing. Ergonomics, feel, and user experience vary widely and can make or break satisfaction.

With that, I hope this comprehensive guide aids your decision! Feel free to share your experiences or questions - I’m always curious about how these cameras perform in your hands.

Happy shooting!