• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 480.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SX260 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 SX260 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
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • 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
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

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

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  • Panasonic ZS45 (White)
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Review Excerpt

  • 20x zoom ranges from very wide to ultra telephoto; Wide range of exposure settings, including Manual, plus many auto modes; Full HD video at 1080p; Video autofocus and zoom while shooting, HDMI interface; Very good image quality; Built-in GPS.

  • Tight control placement; Low battery life; Soft corners at wide angle; Small front fingergrip; No live histogram. No raw mode.

  • Read our Canon SX260 HS Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S9100

Canon SX260 HS
Nikon S9100
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon S9100

Panasonic ZS45
Nikon S9100
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Panasonic ZS45 vs Nikon S9100

Compared to Sony H90

Canon SX260 HS
Sony H90
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Sony H90

Panasonic ZS45
Sony H90
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Panasonic ZS45 vs Sony H90

Compared to Nikon S9500

Canon SX260 HS
Nikon S9500
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon S9500

Panasonic ZS45
Nikon S9500
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Panasonic ZS45 vs Nikon S9500

Compared to Canon SX280 HS

Canon SX260 HS
Canon SX280 HS
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Canon SX280 HS

Panasonic ZS45
Canon SX280 HS
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Panasonic ZS45 vs Canon SX280 HS

Compared to Panasonic ZS35

Canon SX260 HS
Panasonic ZS35
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in GPS
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Panasonic ZS35

Panasonic ZS45
Panasonic ZS35
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More dots on screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch

Compare Panasonic ZS45 vs Panasonic ZS35

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