Canon SX700 HS vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Cameras for Distinct Needs

In the bustling world of compact cameras, finding the right fit often means balancing features, performance, and your unique photography style. Today, we'll explore two intriguing entries from Canon and Panasonic - the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3. As a camera reviewer with over 15 years of experience testing hundreds of models across photography genres, I’m excited to break down their nuances and help you decide which is best suited to your needs.

These cameras occupy very different niches despite both being compact. The Canon SX700 HS follows the “superzoom” trend, promising extreme focal reach with portability. Meanwhile, the Panasonic TS3 (also known as the Lumix DMC-FT3) targets a rugged, waterproof segment for adventurous shooters. We’ll cover every aspect from sensor performance to ergonomics, with an eye on real-world usability. Let’s get started.

Canon's SX700 HS presents a bulkier stance compared to the more streamlined Panasonic TS3, hinting at their different design intents.

Size, Build Quality, and Ergonomics: Compact Versus Ruggedness

First impressions count, and both cameras exemplify distinct philosophies. The Canon SX700 HS measures 113 x 66 x 35 mm and weighs 269 grams, larger and heavier than the Panasonic TS3’s 103 x 64 x 27 mm at 197 grams. The Canon’s heft reflects its 30x zoom lens and relatively substantial grip, aiming to strike a balance between versatility and handheld stability.

In contrast, the Panasonic TS3 offers a smaller footprint tailored for travel and extreme environments. Its waterproof and dustproof body offers resilience against the elements - a feature missing entirely from the SX700 HS. The Panasonic is freezeproof and shockproof to some degree, instilling confidence for outdoor adventures. However, this comes at the cost of a shorter 4.6x zoom range and a simpler control layout.

Handling both, I found the Canon’s sculpted grip makes extended shooting more comfortable, especially at longer focal lengths where stability is crucial. Its buttons and dials feel more intuitively placed for quick adjustments. The Panasonic leans into straightforwardness, avoiding excessive controls to keep shooting stress-free underwater or on hikes.

Control Layout and User Interface: Prioritizing Functionality

The Canon SX700 HS sports a more complex control array with dedicated dials; Panasonic TS3 opts for simplicity.

Looking down at the top, the Canon SX700 HS presents physical dials for shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure - a rarity among compacts at this level, signaling a nod toward enthusiast photographers. There’s even an exposure compensation button within easy reach, reinforcing versatile creative control.

In comparison, the Panasonic TS3’s top features are pared back. Shutter and aperture priority modes are absent; exposure compensation is not supported. Essentially, the TS3 is best thought of as a point-and-shoot tailored for durability rather than manual experimentation.

The rear screens further highlight their purpose-built design differences. The Canon’s 3-inch PureColor II G TFT display boasts 922k dots, delivering sharp previews and menus. The Panasonic’s smaller 2.7-inch TFT LCD has only 230k dots - adequate but noticeably less crisp. The Canon's screen is fixed, non-touch, as is the Panasonic’s; on both, direct touchscreen interaction is unavailable.

From a usability perspective, the Canon SX700 HS feels like an enthusiast’s pocket-friendly travel companion, whereas the TS3 is a ruggedized option designed with simplicity and durability in mind.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor size and type comparison: Both use 1/2.3" sensors, but Canon leverages a more modern BSI-CMOS while Panasonic uses a CCD sensor.

Now, let’s talk image quality - a critical factor for anyone serious about their photography. Both cameras share the same sensor size category - a 1/2.3-inch sensor, common in compact cameras. Size matters here: smaller sensors generally limit dynamic range, low-light performance, and noise control compared to larger APS-C or full-frame counterparts. But within this class, nuances matter.

The Canon SX700 HS utilizes a 16-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor paired with the Digic 6 image processor. This combination is a solid performer for its class, offering improved noise control and color accuracy at higher ISO settings compared to older technology.

The Panasonic TS3, on the other hand, sports a 12-megapixel CCD sensor with the Venus Engine FHD processor. CCD sensors have historically delivered good color fidelity but tend to struggle more in low-light and with noise at elevated ISOs.

From extensive hands-on testing, the Canon provides crisper images with better detail retention, particularly when shooting landscapes or portraits that benefit from color nuance and minimal noise. The Canon’s higher resolution also allows more cropping flexibility.

The Panasonic’s images show a slightly warmer tone overall and modestly lower resolution. That’s not to say they’re bad - especially in optimal lighting; the TS3 produces pleasant, punchy pictures. Just don’t expect the same clarity or dynamic range in challenging lighting or shadow detail.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Responsiveness

Turning to autofocus, the Canon SX700 HS offers 9 contrast-detection autofocus points and supports face detection - enabling reliable subject tracking for portraits and casual action shots. However, lacking phase detection AF limits its speed compared to modern hybrids, particularly in low light or fast-moving subjects.

The Panasonic TS3 includes 11 contrast-detection points and offers continuous autofocus plus tracking, a notable plus in the rugged compact category. Although contrast-detection AF by nature can be slower than phase detection, the inclusion of tracking in this camera is a useful feature to follow moving subjects, especially outdoors.

In real-world tests, the Canon’s autofocus felt snappier and more accurate during stills, especially for portraits where eye detection helps. The TS3’s AF struggled a bit more with fast action or low-contrast scenes but performed solidly when lighting was good and subjects moved less erratically.

Continuous shooting speeds underline their different target users: Canon pushes a rapid 9 fps burst, well suited for capturing fleeting moments or sports, whereas Panasonic’s more modest 4 fps reflects its rugged, casual use design.

Product Photography, Portraits, and Macro Capabilities

So how do they handle detailed work like portraits, skin tones, and macros? The Canon’s broader 25-750mm equivalent focal range provides extraordinary versatility. For close-up work, its focus as close as 1cm is impressive, facilitating tight macro shots with excellent bokeh thanks to its aperture range (f/3.2-f/6.9). The optical image stabilization is highly effective in minimizing handshake during telephoto or macro framing.

The Panasonic TS3’s macro mode requires a closer minimum focusing distance of about 5cm, with a shorter zoom range (28-128mm equivalent). Its F3.3 to F5.9 aperture range is decent but less capable at producing creamy background blur. Still, the lens handles color and sharpness well enough for casual macro shots.

Portraits from the Canon benefit from the slightly larger aperture and face detection AF, producing flattering skin tones and reliable focus on eyes. The Panasonic’s lack of face detection AF means more manual intervention and less reliable focus lock in portraiture.

Landscape and Travel Photography: Resolution, Range, and Durability

With landscapes, resolution, dynamic range, and physical resilience come into play. While neither camera holds a candle to large-sensor models for RAW flexibility or extreme range, both manage respectable JPEG quality.

The Canon’s 16MP resolution shines for landscapes, offering detailed mountainous vistas and architectural forms. Its extensive zoom spans wide to ultra-telephoto, making it a superb all-in-one for travel, wildlife glimpses, or distant landmarks. Unfortunately, it lacks weather sealing - a notable limitation for serious hikers or beach photographers.

The Panasonic TS3, engineered for rugged use, includes full waterproofing to 10m depth, dustproof, and shockproof attributes - attributes vital for landscapes involving water sports, beach trips, or dusty trails. It’s freezeproof too, meaning alpine or winter shooting is less worrisome. Its 12MP sensor is solid here, but limited zoom and lower display resolution moderate its appeal for landscapes where ultimate sharpness matters.

Sports and Wildlife Photography: Autofocus Speed and Burst Rates in Action

As a seasoned tester of cameras for sports and wildlife, I have to underline the Canon’s pronounced advantage here. With 9 fps burst capability and face detection AF, it can track relatively fast moving subjects well for a compact. While it can’t rival dedicated DSLR or mirrorless systems, it’s a formidable superzoom tool in its class.

The Panasonic TS3’s 4 fps and contrast detect autofocus tracking are preferable to many rugged compacts but won’t suffice for sports photographers needing quick reaction times.

Neither has external flash capability for advanced fill, limiting creative lighting options in sports environments. Still, the Canon’s flash range (~3.5m) is sufficient for casual fill.

If sports or wildlife shooting is a frequent priority, the Canon’s faster AF, higher burst rate, and longer focal range make it a more compelling choice.

Street and Everyday Photography: Discretion, Portability, and Usability

Street photographers often prize discretion and portability. The Panasonic TS3’s small size, lightweight body, and quiet operation lend it subtlety, while the Canon’s longer lens tends to be more conspicuous. However, the Canon’s superior overall image quality and exposure flexibility make it better for low light and complex lighting typical in urban settings.

Neither has an electronic viewfinder (EVF), so composing with the rear LCD in bright daylight requires care. The Panasonic’s low-res screen shows its limitations here; the Canon’s 3-inch, higher-res LCD fares better.

Wireless connectivity further distinguishes the Canon, which features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick image transfers and remote control - a boon when street timing and sharing are essential. The Panasonic lacks any wireless features, a drawback given its age and niche.

Night, Astro, and Low-Light Performance

Small sensor compacts traditionally face challenges in low-light, and both cameras are no exception. The Canon maxes out ISO 3200 with decent noise control thanks to BSI-CMOS and Digic 6 processing. It can handle dimly-lit scenes with more confidence, though grain will appear beyond ISO 800.

The Panasonic’s ISO ceiling is higher at 6400, but the CCD sensor tends to amplify noise at these levels, resulting in more grain and less usable detail. The Panasonic also offers longer exposure speeds up to 60 seconds - beneficial for night and astro photography, provided you bring a tripod.

Neither camera supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing latitude for noise reduction or exposure tweaking.

Video Capabilities and Stabilization

Video is often an underappreciated aspect of compact cameras, especially when considering travel or casual filmmaking.

The Canon captures Full HD (1920 x1080) video at 60p or 30p in H.264 format, delivering smooth, detailed footage. It includes optical image stabilization, which dramatically improves handheld video stability. Unfortunately, it lacks microphone and headphone ports, restricting audio enhancements.

The Panasonic TS3 also offers 1080p at 60fps, plus MPEG-4 and AVCHD recording formats - a nice benefit for those preferring one codec over the other. Its optical IS is present as well, and even though the small screen makes manual focusing less precise, the rugged design means you can record video in harsher environments unlikely suited for the Canon.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Fixed but Functional

Both cameras have fixed lenses, naturally limiting versatility compared to interchangeable lens systems. However, their respective zoom ranges spotlight their distinct applications:

• Canon SX700 HS: 25–750 mm equivalent (30x zoom), aperture f/3.2–f/6.9
• Panasonic TS3: 28–128 mm equivalent (4.6x zoom), aperture f/3.3–f/5.9

The Canon’s reach is a standout asset for those wanting to capture subjects from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife without carrying multiple lenses. The Panasonic’s more modest zoom is tailored to everyday scenes, beaches, and underwater shots.

In my testing, the Canon’s lens sustains sharpness well across focal lengths but softens at maximum telephoto (typical). The Panasonic’s lens delivers consistent sharpness within its narrower range but cannot match the versatility of the Canon’s.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Battery efficiency is crucial for travel and extended outings. The Panasonic TS3 offers approximately 310 shots per charge compared to the Canon’s 250 shots. While neither figure is exceptional by today’s standards, the Panasonic’s slight edge means longer shooting sessions without swapping batteries.

Both cameras rely on proprietary rechargeable battery packs (Canon NB-6LH). The Panasonic model number is unspecified, but compatibility and aftermarket options exist.

Each supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single storage slot. Notably, Panasonic includes internal storage, a safeguard against card loss or failure - a small but helpful bonus.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Connectivity is where the Canon significantly outpaces the Panasonic TS3. The SX700 HS incorporates Wi-Fi and NFC, simplifying image sharing and remote control from smartphones or tablets.

Conversely, the Panasonic lacks wireless capabilities entirely, relying on USB or HDMI connections for offloading media. In today’s connected age, this is a limitation for spontaneity and remote shooting.

Pricing and Value: Investment Worthiness

At launch, the Canon SX700 HS was priced around $349, while the Panasonic TS3 was approximately $379. Current used and refurbished prices reflect these mid-range compact cameras.

Given the Canon’s superior zoom range, imaging technology, manual controls, and wireless features, it offers more bang for your buck - particularly for enthusiasts wanting creative flexibility and image quality in a compact body.

The Panasonic TS3 commands a slight premium for its ruggedness and waterproofing, justifying its niche appeal to outdoor adventurers and casual vacationers who prioritize durability over expansive zoom or advanced settings.

Canon SX700 HS screen back Panasonic TS3 front Panasonic TS3 screen back

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

After substantial hands-on evaluation under varied shooting scenarios, here’s how I’d recommend these two compacts:

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS if you:

• Prioritize extreme zoom range for wildlife, sports, and travel versatility
• Want manual exposure controls and customizable shooting modes
• Need superior image quality with better low-light performance
• Value wireless image sharing and remote shooting capabilities
• Shoot portraits and macros requiring precise autofocus and bokeh effects

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 if you:

• Need a rugged, waterproof companion for beaches, snorkeling, hiking, or winter sports
• Prefer a lightweight, compact design optimized for durability over zoom range
• Shoot mostly in daylight and casual environments where ease of use matters most
• Want longer battery life and internal storage backup
• Don’t require advanced manual controls or wireless networking

Wrapping Up

Understanding what you want in a compact camera is key. The Canon SX700 HS is a savvy choice for enthusiasts seeking an all-in-one superzoom with advanced controls, steady performance, and wireless convenience. Meanwhile, the Panasonic TS3 stands out as a specialized rugged tool for adventure photographers who’ll put durability above zoom reach and imaging finesse.

Neither replaces higher-end interchangeable lens systems, but both excel safely and confidently within their focused categories. I hope this detailed comparison helps you confidently pinpoint your next camera companion, whether tackling the city streets, remote landscapes, or underwater wonders.

If you want me to test any other cameras or lenses, just ask - I’m always eager to share knowledge from the hundreds of cameras I’ve tested over the years.

Happy shooting!