• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 392.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 480.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon SX230 HS advantages over Panasonic ZS45

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/3200 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic ZS45 advantages over Canon SX230 HS

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    480 mm vs 392 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 210 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    10 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1040k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 3.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS45

Review Excerpt

  • Great zoom range from 28mm to 392mm equivalent; Full HD and slow-motion video; excellent print quality.

  • Low battery life; some chromatic aberration; flash pops up when powered on every time.

The Competition

Compared to Samsung HZ35W

Canon SX230 HS
Samsung HZ35W
  • $269
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in GPS
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Shoots 60p video
Panasonic ZS45
Samsung HZ35W
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoots 60p video

Compared to Canon SX210 IS

Canon SX230 HS
Canon SX210 IS
  • $269
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $262
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels
Panasonic ZS45
Canon SX210 IS
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $262
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Faster shutter

Compared to Olympus SZ-10

Canon SX230 HS
Olympus SZ-10
  • $269
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $224
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
Panasonic ZS45
Olympus SZ-10
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $224
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bulb shutter

Compared to Sony H90

Canon SX230 HS
Sony H90
  • $269
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in GPS
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Panasonic ZS45
Sony H90
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compared to Panasonic ZS35

Canon SX230 HS
Panasonic ZS35
  • $269
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in GPS
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic ZS45
Panasonic ZS35
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More dots on screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
Compare Other Cameras?