Highlights
- The SX740 has a slightly better battery life than the ZS80, with a CIPA rating of 265 shots per charge compared to 250 shots.
- However, the SX740 emerges as the winner due to its wider zoom range, faster burst shooting speed, and the presence of an electronic viewfinder.
- For photographers seeking a camera with exceptional telephoto capabilities and a more immersive shooting experience, the SX740 is the ultimate choice.
In the realm of compact cameras, the Canon PowerShot SX740 and Panasonic Lumix ZS80 stand out as formidable contenders. Both offer an impressive array of features and capabilities, making them ideal for photographers of all skill levels. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two exceptional cameras, helping you make an informed decision about which one best suits your photography needs.
Image Quality
Sensor: The SX740 boasts a 20.3MP BSI CMOS sensor, while the ZS80 features a 20.1MP High Sensitivity MOS sensor. Both sensors deliver sharp and detailed images, with the SX740 having a slight edge in low-light performance due to its larger pixel size.
Lens: The SX740 offers an impressive 40x optical zoom (24-960mm equivalent), while the ZS80’s zoom range is slightly narrower at 30x (24-720mm equivalent). The wider zoom range of the SX740 provides greater flexibility when capturing distant subjects or zooming in on details.
Performance
Burst Shooting: The SX740 has a faster continuous shooting speed of 10fps, compared to the ZS80’s 10fps with AF-S mode and 5fps with AF-C mode. This makes the SX740 more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects or action sequences.
Autofocus: Both cameras employ contrast-detect autofocus systems, with the ZS80 featuring Depth from Defocus (DFD) technology for faster and more accurate focusing. However, the SX740’s 9-point AF system is more versatile than the ZS80’s 1-point AF system.
Features
Viewfinder: The SX740 features an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36M dots, providing a more immersive shooting experience compared to the ZS80’s lack of an EVF.
LCD Screen: Both cameras have 3-inch LCD screens with a resolution of 1.04M dots. The ZS80’s screen is fully articulated, allowing for easier shooting from various angles.
Connectivity: The SX740 and ZS80 both offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling wireless image transfers and remote camera control.
Design and Build Quality
The SX740 has a more traditional DSLR-like design, while the ZS80 is more compact and lightweight. Both cameras are well-built and durable, with the ZS80 having a slight advantage due to its weather-resistant construction.
Battery Life
The SX740 has a slightly better battery life than the ZS80, with a CIPA rating of 265 shots per charge compared to 250 shots. However, both cameras provide sufficient power for a full day of shooting.
Verdict: The Final Showdown
Both the Canon PowerShot SX740 and Panasonic Lumix ZS80 are excellent compact cameras that offer impressive image quality, versatility, and user-friendly features. However, the SX740 emerges as the winner due to its wider zoom range, faster burst shooting speed, and the presence of an electronic viewfinder. For photographers seeking a camera with exceptional telephoto capabilities and a more immersive shooting experience, the SX740 is the ultimate choice.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which camera has better low-light performance?
A: The SX740 has a slight advantage in low-light performance due to its larger pixel size.
Q: Which camera is more compact?
A: The ZS80 is more compact and lightweight than the SX740.
Q: Which camera has a fully articulated LCD screen?
A: The ZS80 has a fully articulated LCD screen, allowing for easier shooting from various angles.
Q: Which camera has a faster continuous shooting speed?
A: The SX740 has a faster continuous shooting speed of 10fps compared to the ZS80’s 5fps with AF-C mode.
Q: Which camera has a longer zoom range?
A: The SX740 has a wider zoom range of 40x compared to the ZS80’s 30x zoom range.