Digital cameras forum: Canon 260HS vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20, buying advice?

Difficult to say with so few reviews, but they are probably neck-and-neck. If you read the specs, they are almost identical in the basics; same size sensor, same aperture and focal range lens. Those are the things that determine image quality. The Canon has fewer megapixels, which in theory would mean lower noise, but it trades off detail, and how a camera implements noise reduction has a bigger impact on final image quality than the pixel count.

Both cameras have a long zoom. Both cameras have burst modes for action, but be aware that once you use it, the camera will stop operating for probably 10-15 seconds while it processes the burst. Neither camera will be good in low light. Low kight static subjects will be okay, but low-light action will be impossible.

If you give up the extra long zoom, the outgoing SX230 and ZS10 will give you the same image quality for less money.

I have owned the 230 for about a year. It's a fine camera in good light. A lot of camera in your pocket!

I've been thinking of selling it and buying the 260 because the GPS on the 230 is VERY SLOW to get a fix, and chews up too much battery power to leave it on all the time. According to the CNET review the 260 is improved.

The limitations of this kind of camera have to do with the speed of the lens. So using the telephoto at max, or in poor light results in pretty soft images. OK for flash at short range.

I suggest Canon 260 HS for its handy design and its power shot capability.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 generates more noise in pictures when zoomed completely.
Thanks

In case someone is unsure, or can't find the 260HS:

The Canon 260HS is actually the SX260 HS

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I've done extensive research on both cameras, and Canon's S100 too. I found live cameras on display and tested each with my SD. I found the S100 the best overall but lacked the zomm....only 5X and I wanted more. Now down to just SX260 or ZS20. Panasonic didn't have the name in cameras for me, but their ZS20 was the winner. Test pictures at Max Optical Zoom (no digital) were similar, but the focus on Panasonic was more than twice as fast and sharper results. Most features were similar except ZS20 had it over SX260 on Movie 1080P@60fps vs only 24fps for SX260. 10 fps continoious over SX260 @ only 2.4. ZS20 has 9 focus points vs SX260 at only 2. Finally, the touchy feely; Panasonic won here too. SX260 felt cheaper and plastic , while ZS20 solid and robust. I can only find the ZS19 locally (No GPS) so I ordered the ZS20....have it in a few days.

Hope this help you and others.