• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1200.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Canon SX540 HS advantages over Panasonic GH5 II

  • Less expensive
    $329* vs $1798
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Lighter weight
    442g vs 727g
    Lighter weight

Panasonic GH5 II advantages over Canon SX540 HS

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.34 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    5K vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Longer video battery life
    60 vs 45 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 410 vs 205 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1840k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 5.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter

User reviews

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Canon SX540 HS
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Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 12-35mm F2.8 Lens
  • Kit with 12-60mm Lens
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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon P600

Canon SX540 HS
Nikon P600
  • $364
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Canon SX540 HS vs Nikon P600

Panasonic GH5 II
Nikon P600
  • $1298
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Nikon P600

Compared to Canon SX520 HS

Canon SX540 HS
Canon SX520 HS
  • $364
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Canon SX540 HS vs Canon SX520 HS

Panasonic GH5 II
Canon SX520 HS
  • $1298
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Internal flash
  • Lighter weight

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Canon SX520 HS

Compared to Canon SX530 HS

Canon SX540 HS
Canon SX530 HS
  • $364
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $479
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Canon SX540 HS vs Canon SX530 HS

Panasonic GH5 II
Canon SX530 HS
  • $1298
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $479
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Canon SX530 HS

Compared to Nikon B700

Canon SX540 HS
Nikon B700
  • $364
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Canon SX540 HS vs Nikon B700

Panasonic GH5 II
Nikon B700
  • $1298
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Nikon B700

Compared to Nikon B600

Canon SX540 HS
Nikon B600
  • $364
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • NFC
  • Manual focus
  • $327
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Canon SX540 HS vs Nikon B600

Panasonic GH5 II
Nikon B600
  • $1298
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $327
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Nikon B600

Compare Other Cameras?