Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60 vs Canon IXUS 120 IS Comparison
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60
Canon IXUS 120 IS
The Canon IXUS 120 IS and the Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60 are two high quality pocket cameras. There is a touch of extra quality about them in a number of areas such as picture quality, build quality and also the features the two cameras offer. In terms of price they come in towards the top end of the market as you would probably expect them to do.
Either camera will fit easily into a pocket and they both have wide angle lenses.
Basic Specification
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60
12 megapixels
5x wide angle optical zoom lens
2.7 inch LCD screen
Image Stabilisation
Macro Focus: 3cm
Dimensions: 97.2 x 54.1 x 19.4mm
Weight: 126g
High Definition movies
Canon IXUS 120 IS
12 megapixels
4x wide angle optical zoom
2.7 inch LCD screen
Image Stabilisation
Macro Focus 3cm
Dimensions: 89.5 x 54.9 x 20mm
Weight: 120g
High Definition Movies
Features
The inclusion of features such as high definition movies and image stabilisation help to mark out the Lumix DMC FX60 and the IXUS 120 IS as a cut above more basic models. This is supported by macro modes that can focus from 3cm away from the subject. The quality of the pictures produced in macro mode is very good indeed.
Both cameras have a variety of scene modes available. You can also opt to reduce the resolution you are shooting at in order to access additional zoom power.
As is typical of Canon compact digital cameras the IXUS 120 IS has some additional flash settings. You can also buy a flash pack from Canon to increase the power of the built in flash unit.
One point worth mentioning is that Canon do not include a memory card as standard and there is no memory built into the IXUS 120 IS to get you started. Therefore unless you already own an SD or SDHC memory card you will need to buy a memory card before you can use the camera.
Design
Although there is nothing to really make either camera stand out from the crowd my own personal preference is for the shape of the IXUS 120 IS. Both cameras appear to have a solid build quality, but this is another area where I just get the impression the IXUS 120 IS has the edge. All in all it feels like a very well made camera.
Start Up and Shutter Lag
When it comes to shutter lag the Lumix DMC FX60 came out on top in nearly all my tests. It was faster than standard to fire off a single photo and also recorded rapid times when flash was used. I found the IXUS 120 IS to be slower, especially when taking more than one shot. The big plus point of the Canon model was the speed at which you can turn the camera on and take the first photo.
Power Supply
Both cameras run on lithium ion batteries.
Picture Quality
There is not a great deal to choose between the two cameras here. I felt they were both some way above average for this type of camera.
Ease of Use
You should find yourself at home with either camera. I prefer the menu system used by Panasonic, but once you have used your camera for a short while you should soon find your way around without much of a problem.
Verdict
I would be happy to own either of these two cameras. Compared with all the other pocket digital cameras on the market these two would come right at the top of my list. If I had to choose one I would say that at the time of writing this comparison the cheaper price of the Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60 would sway me in its favour over and above the Canon IXUS 120 IS.
Where to Buy - Canon IXUS 120 IS
Product Shots
Front View
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60
Canon IXUS 120 IS
Back View
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60
Canon IXUS 120 IS
Top View
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60
Canon IXUS 120 IS
