Canon Powershot SX200 IS vs Panasonic DMC TZ7 Comparison
Canon Powershot SX200 IS
Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7
The Canon Powershot SX200 IS and the Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7 offer extra zoom over more standard digital cameras. The both have a wide range of features and picture quality is very good. Despite the length of zoom offered these cameras remain relatively compact.
Basic Specification
Canon Powershot SX200 IS
12 megapixels
12x Optical Zoom
3 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus: 0cm
Wide Angle Lens
High Definition Movies
Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7
10 megapixels
12x optical zoom
3 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus 3cm
Ultra Wide Angle Lens
High Definition Movies
Features
When it comes to features both of these cameras offer a lot more than a basic digital camera. The Lumix DMC TZ7 has a lead when it comes to video with stereo sound available. I also like the fact you can zoom in and out while recording. Panasonic has also incorporated a set of scene modes for use when shooting a movie. The lens on the Lumix DMC TZ7 has a wider angle allowing you to squeeze wider scenes into your photos.
Both cameras have a feature that allows you to increase the zoom power even further when shooting at lower resolutions. In fact in most other areas there is not a great deal to choose between the two cameras. One plus point for the Powershot SX200 IS is it has manual exposure options including aperture and shutter priority. Although this camera also offers an extra two megapixels this does not tend to make a great deal of difference.
Design
This is another area where the cameras are similar. I like the way the both look. The Powershot 200 IS is about 5mm wide and is 14g heavier. To me these differences are not particularly significant.
Start Up and Shutter Lag
The Lumix DMC TZ7 has a slight edge in this area, especially if you are using flash. In my tests it was slightly slower to turn on and take a picture.
Power Supply
Both cameras run on lithium ion batteries. Batteries and chargers are supplied by Canon and Panasonic as standard.
Picture Quality
These more advanced cameras tend to offer better all round picture quality. Both cameras performed very well in my tests with good quality macro shots and wide angle photos. The colours they produce do differ. My view is that the Lumix DMC TZ7 produces more vivid colours while the Powershot SX200 IS produces images that look a little more natural. One is not necessarily better than the other. Your choice is likely to come down to personal preference.
Ease of Use
With extra features to get to grips with both cameras are more challenging than cheaper, more simplistic cameras. Even so you should be able to master point and shoot mode straight away. After that it is a case of getting to know the features you feel will be most useful to you.
Verdict
I found there is very little to choose between the two cameras. You could either prefer the slightly more advanced movie mode and wider lens of the Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7 or the manual exposure controls of the Canon Powershot SX200 IS. It is also worth taking a look at the colours produced by the cameras to see if you have a clear preference there.
Product Shots
Front View
Canon Powershot SX200 IS
Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7
Back View
Canon Powershot SX200 IS
Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7
Top View
Canon Powershot SX200 IS
Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7
