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Canon PowerShot SX20 IS vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

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Posted by Patrick on Oct 9, 2009 in Cameras, Featured Content

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

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If you’re in the market for a new superzoom camera, then we’re quite sure that 2 models are on the top of your list, the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35. Like their respective predecessors, the SX10 IS and the FZ28, these two cameras are spec’d very closely to each other, even closer in this generation, and it makes deciding between the two incredibly difficult. For starters both cameras feature a 12.1 megapixel sensor with image stabilized zoom lenses. Both shoot 720p high definition video with stereo sound, have dedicated record buttons, and feature HDMI connections. Finally, both cameras retail for the same price, $399, which makes choosing even more difficult. There are however some key differences, and any one of them may be enough to tip you one way or the other. I’ve compiled some of the key features and differences of the two camera, as well as a specifications comparison, so you can see just how close these two superzooms are. I’m hoping I’ll be able to fit in reviews of both of these cameras soon, in the meantime I hope this post can serve as a conversation starter, if you’ve got an opinion on one of these cameras or have a review you’d like to share, please leave it in the comments below.

Where to Buy

Both of these cameras are in stock now at B&H Photo Video. Check the links to get the best price, as both are currently “too low to list”.

Canon Powershot SX20 IS
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35
SanDisk 4GB SDHC Card $11.95
SanDisk Ultra SDHC Memory Card (4GB) $19.95
SanDisk 4GB Extreme III SDHC Card $34.95

A Closer Look

The Canon Powershot SX20 IS noticeably taller than the Panasonic FZ35, and with batteries installed, also significantly heavier.

The FZ35 has a slightly larger LCD, but the SX20 IS has the flip out LCD, which can be a real convenience for shooting video and stills for that matter. Notice both cameras make it easy to record video with dedicated (red) record buttons.

This shot shows the FZ35 is wider than the SX20 IS when both lenses are retracted. Also the SX20 IS has a hot shoe for external flash attachment.

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS


DIGIC 4 powers processing for still images and video.	The key advantage, I think, a flip out and rotating LCD.

Dedicated hot shoe for external Speedlite flash	Impressive 20x zoom lens, 28-560mm equivalent.

Let’s start with the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS. It notably improves on the SX10 IS by bumping up the resolution to 12.1 megapixels from 10, and better, adds high definition video recording at 720p with HDMI out. These 2 key stats put the SX20 IS largely in line with the FZ35, but there are a couple of distinct differences. First, the SX20 IS is simply a larger, heavier camera. Throw in a slightly bigger grip and the SX20 IS overall feels beefier than the FZ35, though both cameras have roughly the same overall build quality (as in mostly plastic, but well constructed). The biggest difference I see between the two cameras centers around the flip out and rotating LCD of the SX20 IS. At 2.5 inches, it does come in a little bit smaller than the Panasonic FZ35’s 2.7 inch offering, but given they have the same 230k resolution, having an articulating LCD is a big plus. After reviewing the Olympus E-620 and the Nikon D5000, I’ve grown quite partial to these versatile displays, they make compositions more fun and certainly can have a more natural feel when shooting movies. The next key advantage for the SX20 IS is the included hot shoe, which allows for the SX20 to use an external flash if desired, a boon for getting improved results with flash lighting and adding to the “system” feel of the SX20 IS. Next, the SX20 offers a 20x zoom compared to theFZ35’s 18x zoom. This works out to 560mm of telescopic length on the SX20 IS versus 486mm on the FZ35. In the real world this isn’t a huge difference, but once again the SX20 IS has an advantage here. Finally, there is the questionable advantage of the SX20’s ability to use 4 AA batteries, which I’ll admit I’m not fond of, but it does allow for the convenience of being able to get batteries anywhere if the power runs out while traveling for example. I may be biased, but I personally prefer the convenience of recharging a lithium ion battery.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35


The FZ35 features a Leica 18x zoom lens with a notable f/4.4 on the long end.	That little joystick is used to make adjustments to camera settings.

Nice and easy record movies button.	The FZ35 has a bigger 2.7 inch LCD than the SX20 IS, but doesn't flip out and rotate.

The FZ35 features less noticeable improvements from its predecessor, the FZ28, but likely the most noticed one is the improvement in resolution to 12.1 megapixels. We’ve gone over some of the advantages of the SX20 IS, but the FZ35 has its own key differences, which I think may be preferred by some photographers. Let’s start with RAW. The FZ35 has the capability to shoot RAW files in addition to JPEG which allows for better editing options after capture. While unlikely to bring big improvements to noise and sharpness attributes, simple corrections like white balance and exposure are always better made with RAW files. In video mode the FZ35 offers the choice of recording to the more compact AVCHD file format or to the easier to edit later MPEG format. We’ve gone over the battery issue above, but I personally prefer the FZ35’s rechargable lithium ion battery over the SX20 IS’ AA batteries, though this is clearly a matter up for debate. On the lens side of things, we’ve already note the SX20 has the reach advantage, but the FZ35 has its own plus here, namely a faster/brighter aperture at the longest end, f/4.4 for the FZ35 vs. f/5.7 on the SX20. Finally the FZ35 checks in smaller than its competitor and lighter as well. Whether this is an advantage or not will depend entirely on your own personal preferences.

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s more similarities between these two assured best sellers than differences. Both offer the same resolution, use electronic viewfinders, have easy to implement HD movie recording, feature robust intelligent Auto modes in addition to manual modes, and provide incredibly long reach in relatively small sizes. The differences are few, but may end up being distinct enough for some consumers. Clearly the SX20’s articulating LCD is a huge difference for those so inclined (including me), and there is the advantage of using external flash, and the slight reach advantage of the 20x zoom. For the FZ35, the RAW files may be a real advantage for some, the smaller stature will appeal to others, and not having to use 4 AA batteries will be a plus for others. I also tend to like the more serious look of the FZ35 over the more rounded SX20, but that’s just me. In the end, the heft and grip of the SX20, along with the flip out LCD would probably win me over, but I’ll reserve judgment till I get some further extended hands on time.

Specifications

Camera	Canon PowerShot SX20 IS	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35
Price (Street)	$399	$399
Max resolution	4000 x 3000	4000 x 3000
Low resolution	3840 x 2160, 3264 x 2448, 2592 x 1944, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 320 x 240	4000 x 2672, 4000 x 2248, 3264 x 2448, 3264 x 2176, 3264 x 1840, 2560 x 1920, 2560 x 1712, 2560 x 1440, 2048 x 1536, 2048 x 1360, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480
Image ratio w:h	4:3, 16:9	16:9, 4:3, 3:2
Effective pixels	12.1 million	12.1 million
Sensor size	1/2.3 " (6.16 x 4.62 mm, 0.28 cm_)	1/2.33 " (6.13 x 4.60 mm, 0.28 cm_)
Sensor type	CCD	CCD
ISO rating	Auto, 80 ,100, 200, 400, 800, 1600	Auto, Hi Auto (1600-6400), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Zoom wide (W)	28 mm	27 mm
Zoom tele (T)	560 mm (20 x)	486 mm (18 x)
Digital zoom	Yes, 4x	Yes, 4x
Image stabilization	Yes, Lens	Yes, Lens
Aperture range	F2.8 - F5.7	F2.8 - F4.4
Min shutter	15 sec	60 sec
Max shutter	1/3200 sec	1/2000 sec
Built-in Flash	Yes, pop-up	Yes, pop-up
Flash range	6.8 m	8.5 m
External flash	Yes: hot-shoe	No
Exposure compensation	-2 to +2 EV in 1/3 EV steps	-2 to +2 EV in 0.3 EV steps
Metering	Evaluative, Center Weighted, Spot	Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot
Aperture priority	Yes	Yes
Shutter priority	Yes	Yes
Continuous Drive	Yes: 0.7 fps	Yes: 2.3 fps, for 5 images
Movie Clips	Yes: 1280 x 720 @ 30fps, 640 x 480, @ 30 fps, 320 x 240 @ 60 / 30 fps	Yes: 1280 x 720, 30 fps, 848 x 480, 30 fps, 640 x 480, 30 fps, 320 x 240, 30 fps
Self-timer	Yes: 2 or 10 sec or custom	Yes: 2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 pictures)
Storage types	SD / SDHC / MMC / MMC Plus / HC MMC Plus	SD/SDHC card, Internal
Uncompressed format	No	Yes: RAW
Quality Levels	Super-Fine, Fine, Normal	Fine, Standard
Viewfinder	Electronic	Electronic
LCD	2.5 "	2.7 "
LCD Dots	230,000	230,000
HDMI	Yes	Yes
Battery	AA batteries (NiMH recommended)	Lithium-Ion rechargeble
Weight (inc. batteries)	600 g (21.2 oz)	397 g (14 oz)
Dimensions	128 x 88 x 87 mm (5 x 3.5 x 3.4 in)	118 x 76 x 89 mm (4.6 x 3 x 3.5 in)