Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to provide a detailed evaluation and comparison of two different camera models that fall into the same category - Small Sensor Superzoom. Although these cameras are from the same category, they were introduced by different brands - Panasonic and Canon. Models we are reviewing in this article have different types of sensors, Thus, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 is equipped with a 16.0 MP CMOS sensor. Canon PowerShot SX720 HS, on the contrary, features BSI-CMOS sensor with a resolution of 20.3 MP.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 and Canon PowerShot SX720 HS and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 Key Features:
Canon PowerShot SX720 HS Key Features:
Raw Support | Yes vs No | Better image quality |
Continuous Shooting | 9 fps vs 5.9 fps | 3.1 fps faster |
Flash Range | 13.5 vs 4 | 9.5 better flash range |
External Flash | Yes vs No | Connect off-camera flash |
Number Of Focus Points | 23 vs 9 | 14 more focus points |
Battery Life | 400 shots vs 250 shots | 150 more frames with a single charge |
Wireless Connectivity | Built-In vs No | Better connectivity |
NFC | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
Sensor Resolution | 20.3 MP vs 16.0 MP | 21.2% more pixels |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/3200 vs 1/2000 | Faster shutter speed |
Screen Resolution | 922k dots vs 460k dots | 50.1% higher resolution screen |
Weight | 270 g vs 606 g | 336 g lighter |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes | External flash available |
Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Built-in stabilization |
Touch Screen | No | No | No touch screen |
Screen Resolution | 460k dots | 922k dots | Small screen resolution |
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type | No flexible viewing angles |
Sensor Resolution | 16.0 MP | 20.3 MP | Small sensor resolution |
Microphone Port | No | No | No microphone port |
Headphone Port | No | No | No headphone port |
Timelapse Recording | No | No | No timelapse recording |
Environmental Sealing | No | No | No environmental sealing |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 and Canon PowerShot SX720 HS from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 336g less than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 and Canon PowerShot SX720 HS any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 features a 16.0 MP 1/2.3" sized CMOS sensor and boasts of a Venus Engine processor . Canon PowerShot SX720 HS, in its turn, comes with a 20.3 MP 1/2.3" sized BSI-CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 and Canon PowerShot SX720 HS by the size of their sensors.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 and Canon PowerShot SX720 HS are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 and Canon PowerShot SX720 HS in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
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Portrait Photography |
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 or Canon PowerShot SX720 HS, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 and Canon PowerShot SX720 HS here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Canon PowerShot SX720 HS deserves a higher Total Score than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 | Canon PowerShot SX720 HS | |
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General | ||
Brand | Panasonic | Canon |
Model | Lumix DMC-FZ70 | PowerShot SX720 HS |
Announced | Jul 18, 2013 | Feb 18, 2016 |
Body Type | SLR-like (bridge) | Compact |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor Size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor Dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55 mm | 6.17 x 4.55 mm |
Sensor Area | 28.07 mm2 | 28.07 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 16.0 MP | 20.3 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 5184 x 3888 |
Max Native ISO | 3,200 | 3,200 |
Max Boosted ISO | 6,400 | n/a |
Min Native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Fixed lens | Fixed lens |
Number of Lenses | n/a | n/a |
Focal Length Multiplier | n/a | n/a |
Macro Focus Range | 1 | 1 |
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 23 | 9 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 460k dots | 922k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Electronic | |
ViewFinder Resolution | 202k dots | 0k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | % |
ViewFinder Magnification | ||
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 8 s | 15 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000 s | 1/3200 s |
Continuous Shooting | 9.0 fps | 5.9 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 13.5 | 4 |
Flash Modes | Auto, Red-eye, Slow Sync | Auto, slow synchro |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (50i/60i, 25p/30p), 1280 x 720p (50p/60p or 25p/30p), 640 x 480 (25p/30p) | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Video Formats | MPEG-4, AVCHD | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 606 g | 270 g |
Physical Dimensions | 130 x 97 x 118 mm | 110 x 64 x 36 mm |
Battery Life | 400 shots | 250 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | n/a | NB-13L |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | ||
Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC card |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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