There are so many good cameras that you can buy but it can be confusing as well because they can be too similar to each other. For those who want to start learning photography, Canon Powershot SX540 Vs SX420 can be an ideal choice because they are easy to use and also very affordable. They are good for casual users too and they are not exactly identical so if you wonder which to go for, let’s see the comparison below.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- What to Look for in Your Camera
- What are Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420
- How are the Design of Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420
- How are the Specs of Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420
- How are the Image Quality of Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420
- How are the Video Recording with Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420
- Canon PowerShot SX540 Vs SX420
Buying a New Camera
Cameras are a very important invention and they are very useful too that many of us are always looking at the camera specs when buying a new smartphone. However, the camera in our smartphone is made to be convenient so if you want to have something that is manually adjusted, the dedicated camera will be a better option. There are more than plenty to choose from depending on which seems to fit you the most based on what you need and what they can offer.
When it comes to digital cameras, what you may want to look at first is the sensor and pixel count. Sensor size is very important because this is what captures the light that is going through your lens and this is deciding whether the scene is able to be captured properly or not. The most noticeable difference between sensor sizes is both the field of view and its clarity under low-light conditions. Pixel on the other hand is filling this sensor and they are useful when you need to print larger items.
Pixel count in larger sensors is more important and while it doesn’t mean your photo will look better, they will surely be versatile when you need to fill a huge frame or resizing and editing the file. Do note that the bigger pixel and certain format may generate a bigger file as well and can weigh your computer when editing it. Another important feature to consider in a camera is their handling and this is necessary when you want to buy professional or high-end cameras later.
The handling of your camera is important because control scheme, grip, size, and the menu will play a role in deciding whether you are comfortable using them or not. A good camera should make you feel confident when snapping the picture and this is why trying them on your hand is best if you are unfamiliar with the device yet. Some cameras are smaller and some too large to fit conveniently in your backpack. If you often travel with them do consider the size and dedicated bag too.
In addition, we do think the budget matters a lot too when it comes to buying a new camera. The more you pay the better they are at delivering the performance as well as the more rigid the housing is, especially if you need something that can work well under severe conditions. Make a budget range such as from $500-$1000 or more if you want mid-range options but there are plenty of cheaper options too, especially older models and mint products.
About Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420
Due to the amount of options, it can be quite confusing but, we are sure you can find an ideal option with just a little time to consider what you will need from the camera and how much we can spend. DSLRs and popular mirrorless nowadays can be quite expensive so if you are on a budget, we will recommend something like bridge cameras. They are similar to classic SLR but are much cheaper and more convenient with noticeably long zoom lenses.
They are ideal for both beginners and experienced users who want to have something to accompany their main camera. Canon for example is carrying a whole lot of collections for different types of users from those ideal for casual pocket cameras to those only bought by professionals. This company does have some of the most amazing cameras today such as the EOS 5 and EOS6 with their full-frame sensor but if you are on a budget, the bridge camera such as Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420 are still for sale.
These cameras are several years old already and this is why they are very affordable. Finding the new one can be a challenge however but there may be some stores that carry the units. The two actually have very similar specs so if you are not really chasing over a high-performance camera, any of the two will be a good choice. The difference is that SX420 is quite older based on the system and we do think it can slow down the process.
What we love the most from Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420 is actually the price point and decent performance. Image quality wise they are also good and while the quality is not going to be better than your high-end smartphones today, they are going to be more ideal for building the skills. The interface is simple so they are very easy to use and get used to. Personally we will recommend getting the SX540 because it is slightly more capable. Read also: Canon PowerShot SX540 Vs Nikon Coolpix B600 here.
Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420 Design
Side by side the Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420 are very similar too but you can easily tell them apart by the design and model name printed at the front. The flash of SX540 is also more protruding or higher while the SX420 is bulkier. The grip or handle is different in shape too but they are very thick and comfortable to hold. In comparison the SX540 is wider at 120mm wide, 82mm tall, and 92mm deep from the front of the lens.
On the other hand SX420 is slightly smaller at 104mm wide, 69mm tall, and 85mm deep so if you are going to travel or need something more compact, this option can be a good choice. On the control panel they are similar too and as you can see, they are not completely the same. In comparison the SX540 is providing more manual adjustment however and the interface is more similar to the high-end range, making it more suitable to build the skill.
Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420 Specs
Now for the most important part, let’s see what the Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420 can offer but you can consider the option based on the specs too since they are very similar. Being an entry-level, these cameras only come with small sensors or the 1/2.3-inch size which is the same as our typical smartphones today. The pixel count is the same as well or 20MP and this should be enough for most applications but, the sensor type is different since one is a BSI-CMOS and the latter is CCD type.
The difference in the sensor is quite obvious since CCD is an old technology so this is not often used anymore. It is seen as a less effective option because the slow process and CMOS is in general better at dynamic range while also requiring less current and voltage to operate.
Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420 Image Quality
Now for the image quality, the Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420 are also very similar. For regular application or in outdoor and broad daylight, they will be amazing. The picture turns out really good and the color seems to be identical too. They are not very well-performing for low-light applications however because while the result is acceptable, there can be too much noise as you increase the ISO and while the built-in flash is good, it is not ideal for every situation.
The overall performance is better on SX540 however and one of the most noticeable is the continuous shooting which is faster in this camera. The telephoto will be slower for both cameras but if you want to get closer into the object, the SX540 is more ideal as it is 50x compared to 42x zoom. The interface is similar but there are more manual adjustments to make on SX540.
Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420 Video Recording
Lastly for video recording, both Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420 are versatile but they are not ideal if you want to record fast moving objects. The LCD is much better on the SX540 however so it is better too for the experience. They are easy to use so if you are going to both use them for still and recording any of these cameras are good. The maximum resolution is 1080p and 720p respectively so do consider a lot if you will upload or watch the footage on a larger screen.
Canon PowerShot SX540 Vs SX420
Both Canon PowerShot SX540 and SX420 are good options based on which seems to work best in your application. In comparison the SX540 is the higher camera with the CMOS sensor, higher ISO with longer zoom capacity. It is also carrying the better control or interface to interact with the menu and in addition, it is recording at higher resolution too. From the still photo performance, the SX540 is also faster.
Conclusion
The decision is all yours because we may have different preferences but, we highly recommend getting the SX540 if you don’t mind the price. This camera is an overall better choice with higher resolution, longer zoom, and faster performance.
