Canon Powershot Sx740 Vs Panasonic Lumix Zs70: Which Camera Is Right For You?

The Canon PowerShot SX740 and the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 are two highly regarded compact superzoom cameras that offer impressive features and capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, these cameras provide an excellent balance of portability, versatility, and image quality. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Canon PowerShot SX740 and the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 to help you make an informed decision about which camera is right for you.

Image Quality

Both the Canon PowerShot SX740 and the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 feature a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, which provides ample resolution for capturing sharp and detailed images. However, there are some subtle differences in their image quality capabilities.

The Canon PowerShot SX740 utilizes Canon’s DIGIC 8 image processor, while the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 employs the Venus Engine image processor. Both processors offer advanced noise reduction and image stabilization technologies, resulting in clean and well-defined images.

In terms of dynamic range, the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 has a slight edge over the Canon PowerShot SX740. This means that the ZS70 can capture more detail in both the shadows and highlights of a scene, resulting in more balanced and natural-looking images.

Lens

One of the key differences between these two cameras lies in their lens capabilities. The Canon PowerShot SX740 boasts an impressive 40x optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 24-960mm (equivalent). This versatile lens allows you to capture a wide range of subjects, from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife.

The Panasonic Lumix ZS70, on the other hand, features a slightly less powerful 30x optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 24-720mm (equivalent). While this lens is still capable of capturing a variety of subjects, its shorter reach may be limiting for certain situations, such as capturing distant objects or wildlife.

In terms of aperture, both cameras offer a maximum aperture of f/3.3 at the wide end of the lens, which is suitable for capturing images in low-light conditions. However, the Canon PowerShot SX740 has a slight advantage at the telephoto end of the lens, with a maximum aperture of f/6.9 compared to the Panasonic Lumix ZS70’s f/8.0.

Video Capabilities

Both the Canon PowerShot SX740 and the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 offer solid video capabilities. They can both record 4K UHD video at 30 frames per second (fps), as well as Full HD video at up to 120 fps. This allows you to capture smooth and detailed video footage, whether you’re shooting fast-paced action or cinematic scenes.

The Panasonic Lumix ZS70 has a slight advantage in video stabilization, as it features Panasonic‘s advanced 5-axis Hybrid O.I.S. system. This system provides excellent stability, reducing camera shake and ensuring smooth and steady video footage.

Autofocus

The Canon PowerShot SX740 utilizes a hybrid autofocus system that combines contrast-detect autofocus (CDAF) and phase-detect autofocus (PDAF). This system provides fast and accurate autofocus performance, even in low-light conditions.

The Panasonic Lumix ZS70 also employs a hybrid autofocus system, but it uses Depth from Defocus (DFD) technology instead of PDAF. DFD calculates the distance to the subject based on the displacement of the image, resulting in fast and precise autofocus.

In real-world use, both cameras offer reliable autofocus performance, ensuring that you can capture sharp and well-focused images and videos.

Connectivity and Sharing

Both the Canon PowerShot SX740 and the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 offer a range of connectivity options for easy sharing and transfer of your images and videos. They both feature built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect the cameras to your smartphone or tablet for wireless image transfer and remote control.

The Canon PowerShot SX740 has a slight advantage in terms of connectivity, as it also supports NFC (Near Field Communication), which allows for quick and easy pairing with compatible devices.

Battery Life

The Canon PowerShot SX740 is powered by a rechargeable NB-13L battery, while the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 uses a rechargeable DMW-BLG10 battery. In terms of battery life, the Canon PowerShot SX740 has a slight edge, with a CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 265 shots per charge compared to the Panasonic Lumix ZS70’s 230 shots per charge.

In a nutshell

Both the Canon PowerShot SX740 and the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 are excellent compact superzoom cameras that offer a range of impressive features and capabilities. The Canon PowerShot SX740 boasts a longer zoom lens and a slightly better battery life, while the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 has a wider dynamic range and a more advanced video stabilization system. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize zoom range and battery life, the Canon PowerShot SX740 is a great option. If you value dynamic range and video stabilization, the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 is a solid choice.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Which camera has better image quality?

Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 has a slight edge in terms of dynamic range.

2. Which camera has a longer zoom lens?

The Canon PowerShot SX740 has a 40x optical zoom lens, while the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 has a 30x optical zoom lens.

3. Which camera has better video stabilization?

The Panasonic Lumix ZS70 has a more advanced 5-axis Hybrid O.I.S. system, which provides better video stabilization than the Canon PowerShot SX740.

4. Which camera has better battery life?

The Canon PowerShot SX740 has a slightly better battery life than the Panasonic Lumix ZS70.

5. Which camera is more compact?

Both cameras are relatively compact, but the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 is slightly smaller and lighter than the Canon PowerShot SX740.