Canon 1300D vs Panasonic FZ2000

The Canon EOS 1300D (called Canon T6 in some regions) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2000 (labelled Panasonic FZ2500 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in March 2016 and September 2016. The 1300D is a DSLR, while the FZ2000 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (1300D) and an one-inch (FZ2000) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 17.9 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 20 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon 1300D		Panasonic FZ2000
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF mount lenses		24-480mm f/2.8-4.5
17.9 MP, APS-C Sensor		20 MP, 1" Sensor
1080/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (100 - 25,600)		ISO 125-12,800 (80 - 25,600)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0 LCD, 920k dots		3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Swivel touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second		12 shutter flaps per second
500 shots per battery charge		350 shots per battery charge
129 x 101 x 78 mm, 485 g		138 x 102 x 135 mm, 915 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 1300D and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2000? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 1300D and the Panasonic FZ2000. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic FZ2000 is notably larger (8 percent) than the Canon 1300D. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the 1300D nor the FZ2000 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the FZ2000 has a lens built in, whereas the 1300D is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the 1300D and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the 1300D gets 500 shots out of its LP-E10 battery, while the FZ2000 can take 350 images on a single charge of its DMW-BLC12 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)		Street Price
1.		Canon 1300D	129 mm	101 mm	78 mm	485 g	500	n	Mar 2016	449
2.		Panasonic FZ2000	138 mm	102 mm	135 mm	915 g	350	n	Sep 2016	1,199
3.		Canon 2000D	129 mm	101 mm	78 mm	475 g	500	n	Feb 2018	449
4.		Canon 4000D	129 mm	102 mm	77 mm	436 g	500	n	Feb 2018	399
5.		Canon 77D	131 mm	100 mm	76 mm	540 g	600	n	Feb 2017	899
6.		Canon 200D	122 mm	93 mm	70 mm	453 g	650	n	Jun 2017	549
7.		Canon G9 X Mark II	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	206 g	235	n	Jan 2017	529
8.		Canon SX540	120 mm	82 mm	92 mm	442 g	205	n	Jan 2016	399
9.		Canon 750D	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	555 g	440	n	Feb 2015	749
10.		Canon G9 X	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	209 g	220	n	Oct 2015	529
11.		Canon SX530	120 mm	82 mm	92 mm	442 g	210	n	Jan 2015	429
12.		Canon 1200D	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	480 g	500	n	Feb 2014	449
13.		Fujifilm X100F	127 mm	75 mm	52 mm	469 g	390	n	Jan 2017	1,299
14.		Panasonic FZ1000	137 mm	99 mm	131 mm	831 g	360	n	Jun 2014	899
15.		Sony RX100 V	102 mm	58 mm	41 mm	299 g	220	n	Oct 2016	999
16.		Sony RX10 II	129 mm	88 mm	102 mm	813 g	400	Y	Jun 2015	1,299
17.		Sony RX100 IV	102 mm	58 mm	41 mm	298 g	280	n	Jun 2015	999
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 1300D features an APS-C sensor and the Panasonic FZ2000 an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the FZ2000 is 65 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 2.7. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the FZ2000 offers a higher resolution of 20 megapixels, compared with 17.9 MP of the 1300D. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 2.41μm versus 4.31μm for the 1300D). However, it should be noted that the FZ2000 is a somewhat more recent model (by 6 months) than the 1300D, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that partly offset its pixel-size disadvantage.

The resolution advantage of the Panasonic FZ2000 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the FZ2000 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 1300D are 25.9 x 17.3 inches or 65.8 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 13.8 inches or 52.7 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 11.5 inches or 43.9 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS 1300D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2000 are ISO 125 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-25600.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports		DXO Overall
1.		Canon 1300D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	..	..	..		..
2.		Panasonic FZ2000	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..		..
3.		Canon 2000D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.6	11.9	1009		71
4.		Canon 4000D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.4	695		63
5.		Canon 77D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.3	971		78
6.		Canon 200D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.4	1041		79
7.		Canon G9 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.9	12.5	522		65
8.		Canon SX540	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	..	..	..		..
9.		Canon 750D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.7	12.0	919		71
10.		Canon G9 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.5	12.3	495		63
11.		Canon SX530	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	..	..	..		..
12.		Canon 1200D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.3	724		63
13.		Fujifilm X100F	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	..	..	..		..
14.		Panasonic FZ1000	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.1	11.7	517		64
15.		Sony RX100 V	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.8	12.4	586		70
16.		Sony RX10 II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	23.0	12.6	531		70
17.		Sony RX100 IV	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.8	12.6	591		70

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the FZ2000 provides a better video resolution than the 1300D. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the FZ2000 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the 1300D has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the FZ2000 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the 1300D (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the FZ2000 has a higher magnification (0.74x vs 0.50x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 1300D, the Panasonic FZ2000, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon 1300D	optical	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
2.		Panasonic FZ2000	2360	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
3.		Canon 2000D	optical	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
4.		Canon 4000D	optical	n	2.7	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
5.		Canon 77D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
6.		Canon 200D	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
7.		Canon G9 X Mark II	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	8.2	Y	Y
8.		Canon SX540	none	n	3.0	461	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.9	Y	Y
9.		Canon 750D	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
10.		Canon G9 X	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	6.0	Y	Y
11.		Canon SX530	none	n	3.0	461	fixed	n	1/2000s	1.6	Y	Y
12.		Canon 1200D	optical	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
13.		Fujifilm X100F	2360	n	3.0	1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
14.		Panasonic FZ1000	2359	n	3.0	921	swivel	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
15.		Sony RX100 V	2359	n	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/2000s	24.0	Y	Y
16.		Sony RX10 II	2359	Y	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/3200s	14.0	Y	Y
17.		Sony RX100 IV	2359	n	3.0	1228	tilting	n	1/2000s	16.0	Y	Y

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The FZ2000 has a touchscreen, while the 1300D has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the FZ2000 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Panasonic FZ2000 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the 1300D and the FZ2000 write their files to SDXC cards. The FZ2000 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the 1300D cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 1300D and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2000 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon 1300D	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
2.		Panasonic FZ2000	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
3.		Canon 2000D	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
4.		Canon 4000D	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
5.		Canon 77D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
6.		Canon 200D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
7.		Canon G9 X Mark II	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
8.		Canon SX540	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
9.		Canon 750D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
10.		Canon G9 X	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
11.		Canon SX530	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
12.		Canon 1200D	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Fujifilm X100F	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
14.		Panasonic FZ1000	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
15.		Sony RX100 V	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
16.		Sony RX10 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Sony RX100 IV	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

It is notable that the FZ2000 has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The 1300D does not feature such a mic input.

The FZ2000 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the 1300D has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the 1300D was succeeded by the Canon 2000D. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Panasonic websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 1300D or the Panasonic FZ2000 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS 1300D:

• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (500 versus 350) on a single battery charge.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in March 2016).

Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2000:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (20 vs 17.9MP), which boosts linear resolution by 6%.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.74x vs 0.50x).
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 920k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the 1300D requires a separate lens.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (6 months) more recently.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the FZ2000 is the clear winner of the contest (18 : 9 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1300D and the Panasonic FZ2000 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 1300D or the FZ2000. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)			Street Price
1.		Canon 1300D	4/5	o	73/100	4/5	4/5	Mar 2016	449
2.		Panasonic FZ2000	..	+	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2016	1,199
3.		Canon 2000D	..	o	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Feb 2018	449
4.		Canon 4000D	..	o	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Feb 2018	399
5.		Canon 77D	4.5/5	..	82/100	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	899
6.		Canon 200D	4/5	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2017	549
7.		Canon G9 X Mark II	4/5	..	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	529
8.		Canon SX540	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2016	399
9.		Canon 750D	5/5	..	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	749
10.		Canon G9 X	3.5/5	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	529
11.		Canon SX530	..	+ +	..	4/5	4/5	Jan 2015	429
12.		Canon 1200D	3/5	+	..	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	449
13.		Fujifilm X100F	5/5	+	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	1,299
14.		Panasonic FZ1000	4/5	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2014	899
15.		Sony RX100 V	4.5/5	+ +	83/100	4/5	4.5/5	Oct 2016	999
16.		Sony RX10 II	5/5	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2015	1,299
17.		Sony RX100 IV	4.5/5	+ +	85/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	999
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Canon 1300D vs Panasonic FZ2000

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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