Overview
- In the realm of bridge cameras, the Canon PowerShot SX60 and the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 stand as formidable contenders, offering a versatile blend of DSLR-like features and compact designs.
- The PowerShot SX60 employs a lens-shift type image stabilizer, while the FZ80 utilizes a hybrid optical image stabilizer that combines lens-shift and sensor-shift technologies.
- The FZ80 slightly surpasses this, offering burst shooting speeds of up to 10 fps in continuous autofocus mode and up to 12 fps in manual focus mode.
In the realm of bridge cameras, the Canon PowerShot SX60 and the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 stand as formidable contenders, offering a versatile blend of DSLR-like features and compact designs. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of each camera, unveiling their strengths, weaknesses, and the factors that set them apart.
Image Quality: Sensor and Resolution
The PowerShot SX60 boasts a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, while the FZ80 features a 18.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor. Both cameras offer impressive image quality, capturing sharp and detailed images. However, the FZ80’s slightly higher resolution may provide a marginal advantage in producing larger prints or cropping images more aggressively.
Lens: Zoom Range and Aperture
The PowerShot SX60 excels with its exceptional 65x optical zoom lens, covering a staggering focal length range of 21-1365mm (35mm equivalent). This remarkable zoom capability makes it an ideal choice for wildlife photography, sports, or capturing distant subjects.
The FZ80, on the other hand, features a 60x optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 20-1200mm (35mm equivalent). While it falls slightly short of the SX60’s zoom range, it still offers impressive reach for capturing distant subjects.
Optical Image Stabilization
Both cameras incorporate optical image stabilization systems to minimize camera shake and ensure sharp images, even when shooting at longer focal lengths. The PowerShot SX60 employs a lens-shift type image stabilizer, while the FZ80 utilizes a hybrid optical image stabilizer that combines lens-shift and sensor-shift technologies.
Burst Shooting and Autofocus
The PowerShot SX60 delivers impressive burst shooting speeds of up to 6.4 frames per second (fps) in continuous autofocus mode and up to 10 fps in manual focus mode. The FZ80 slightly surpasses this, offering burst shooting speeds of up to 10 fps in continuous autofocus mode and up to 12 fps in manual focus mode.
Both cameras feature hybrid autofocus systems that combine contrast-detect and phase-detection autofocus points for fast and accurate focusing. However, the FZ80’s Depth from Defocus (DFD) technology is claimed to provide faster and more precise autofocus, especially in low-light conditions.
Video Capabilities
The PowerShot SX60 and FZ80 offer comparable video capabilities, recording Full HD (1920×1080) videos at up to 60 fps. Both cameras also feature built-in stereo microphones for capturing audio. However, the FZ80 provides a slight edge with its 4K Photo mode, which allows users to extract 8-megapixel still images from 4K video footage.
Connectivity and Features
The PowerShot SX60 and FZ80 come equipped with Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, enabling easy wireless image sharing and remote camera control via smartphones or tablets. Both cameras also feature built-in GPS modules for geotagging images and tracking shooting locations.
Which Camera Is Right for You?
The choice between the Canon PowerShot SX60 and the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 depends on your specific photography needs and preferences.
If you prioritize exceptional zoom range and fast burst shooting speeds, the PowerShot SX60 is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for capturing distant subjects, wildlife, or sports action.
If you prefer a slightly higher resolution, faster autofocus, and 4K Photo capabilities, the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is a compelling option. It’s a versatile camera that excels in various photography genres, from landscapes to portraits.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which camera has better image quality?
A: Both cameras offer impressive image quality, but the FZ80’s slightly higher resolution may provide a marginal advantage in certain situations.
Q: Which camera has the longer zoom range?
A: The PowerShot SX60 has a longer zoom range (65x) than the FZ80 (60x).
Q: Which camera has faster burst shooting speeds?
A: The FZ80 has slightly faster burst shooting speeds (10 fps) than the PowerShot SX60 (6.4 fps in continuous autofocus mode).
Q: Which camera has better video capabilities?
A: Both cameras offer comparable video capabilities, but the FZ80’s 4K Photo mode provides an additional feature for extracting still images from video footage.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The FZ80’s Depth from Defocus (DFD) technology is claimed to provide faster and more precise autofocus in low-light conditions.