Main points
- When it comes to choosing a compact travel camera, the Panasonic Lumix TZ80 and the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS stand out as two of the most popular options on the market.
- The TZ80 offers a slightly larger sensor, a wider zoom range, and a built-in EVF, while the SX730 HS offers an even greater zoom range and a tiltable LCD screen.
- If you need a camera with an exceptional zoom range and flexible shooting options, the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS is a better fit.
When it comes to choosing a compact travel camera, the Panasonic Lumix TZ80 and the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS stand out as two of the most popular options on the market. Both cameras offer a wide range of features and capabilities, but they also have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the details of each camera to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.
Image Quality: Resolution and Sensor Size
The Panasonic Lumix TZ80 boasts a 18.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor, while the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS has a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor. While the Canon camera offers a slightly higher megapixel count, both sensors deliver excellent image quality with sharp details and vibrant colors. However, the TZ80’s sensor is slightly larger, which can provide an advantage in low-light conditions.
Lens and Optical Zoom Range
The lens is a crucial aspect of any camera, especially for travel photography. The Panasonic Lumix TZ80 features a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens with a 24-720mm equivalent focal length, providing a versatile 30x optical zoom range. This wide range allows you to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to distant subjects with ease.
On the other hand, the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS has a 25-1200mm equivalent focal length, offering an even greater 48x optical zoom. This extra reach can be beneficial for capturing distant wildlife or details in faraway scenes.
Video Capabilities
Video recording is becoming increasingly important in travel photography. Both the Panasonic Lumix TZ80 and the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS offer 4K video recording capabilities, allowing you to capture stunning high-resolution footage of your adventures. The TZ80 can record 4K video at 30 frames per second (fps), while the SX730 HS can record at 24 fps.
Features and Controls
The Panasonic Lumix TZ80 and the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS offer a range of features and controls to enhance your photography experience. The TZ80 features a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) for more precise framing and composition, especially in bright sunlight. The SX730 HS, on the other hand, has a tiltable LCD screen that allows for more flexible shooting angles.
Both cameras have a variety of shooting modes, including auto, manual, and scene modes. The TZ80 has a unique “4K Photo” mode that allows you to extract still images from your 4K video footage. The SX730 HS has a “Zoom Framing Assist” feature that helps you keep moving subjects in focus while zoomed in.
Connectivity and Sharing
In today’s connected world, it’s important to be able to share your photos and videos easily. Both the Panasonic Lumix TZ80 and the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS offer built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to wirelessly transfer files to your smartphone or tablet, or share them directly to social media.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key consideration for travel photography, as you don’t want to run out of power when you’re far from an outlet. The Panasonic Lumix TZ80 has a slightly better battery life than the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS, with a CIPA-rated battery life of 380 shots compared to 250 shots.
The Verdict: Which Camera Is Right for You?
The Panasonic Lumix TZ80 and the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS are both excellent compact travel cameras with a wide range of features and capabilities. The TZ80 offers a slightly larger sensor, a wider zoom range, and a built-in EVF, while the SX730 HS offers an even greater zoom range and a tiltable LCD screen.
Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize image quality, versatility, and ease of use, the Panasonic Lumix TZ80 is a great choice. If you need a camera with an exceptional zoom range and flexible shooting options, the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS is a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which camera has a better low-light performance?
The Panasonic Lumix TZ80 has a slightly larger sensor than the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS, which can provide an advantage in low-light conditions.
2. Which camera is easier to carry around?
Both cameras are compact and lightweight, but the Panasonic Lumix TZ80 is slightly smaller and lighter than the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS.
3. Which camera has a better autofocus system?
Both cameras have fast and accurate autofocus systems, but the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS has a slight edge in terms of speed and precision.
4. Which camera has a better image stabilization system?
Both cameras have effective image stabilization systems, but the Panasonic Lumix TZ80 has a slightly better system that helps reduce camera shake and blur.
5. Which camera is better for wildlife photography?
The Canon PowerShot SX730 HS has a longer zoom range, which makes it a better choice for capturing distant wildlife.