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Canon SX740 vs Panasonic TS7

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS and the Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7 (labelled Panasonic FT7 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in July 2018 and May 2018. Both the SX740 and the TS7 are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 20.2 megapixels.

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

Headline Specifications
Canon SX740
versus
Panasonic TS7
Canon SX740   Panasonic TS7
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
24-960mm f/3.3-6.9 28-128mm f/3.3-5.9
20.2 MP – 1/2.3" sensor 20.2 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-3,200 ISO 80-3,200 (80 - 6,400)
No viewfinder, LCD framing Electronic viewfinder (1170k dots)
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
10 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
not weather sealedWaterproof body (31m)
265 shots per battery charge300 shots per battery charge
110 x 64 x 40 mm, 299 g 117 x 76 x 37 mm, 319 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS and the Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7? 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.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon SX740 and the Panasonic TS7 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The SX740 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the TS7 is available in three color-versions (black, blue, orange).

Size Canon SX740 vs Panasonic TS7
Compare SX740 versus TS7 top
Comparison SX740 or TS7 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic TS7 is notably larger (26 percent) than the Canon SX740. Moreover, the TS7 is markedly heavier (7 percent) than the SX740. It is noteworthy in this context that the TS7 is splash and dust-proof, while the SX740 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing. More than that, the TS7 is water-proof up to 31m and can, thus, be used for underwater photography.

Concerning battery life, the SX740 gets 265 shots out of its Canon NB-13L battery, while the TS7 can take 300 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BCM13 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX740 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 265 n Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic TS7 117 mm 76 mm 37 mm 319 g 300 Y May 2018 449ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX70 127 mm 91 mm 117 mm 608 g 325 n Sep 2018 549 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon SX430 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 323 g 195 n Jan 2017 299ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX730 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 300 g 250 n Apr 2017 399ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX720 110 mm 64 mm 36 mm 270 g 250 n Feb 2016 379ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX710 113 mm 66 mm 35 mm 269 g 230 n Jan 2015 349ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic ZS80 112 mm 69 mm 42 mm 327 g 380 n Feb 2019 449ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic ZS70 112 mm 67 mm 41 mm 322 g 380 n Apr 2017 449ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic FZ80 130 mm 94 mm 119 mm 616 g 330 n Jan 2017 399ebay.com
11.
 
Ricoh WG-6 118 mm 66 mm 33 mm 246 g 340 Y Feb 2019 399 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony HX99 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 449ebay.com
13.
 
Sony HX95 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 429ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. 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. The SX740 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 11 percent) than the TS7, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a 1/2.3-inch sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

Canon SX740 and Panasonic TS7 sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 20.2 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the SX740 and the TS7 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. Moreover, the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the SX740 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7 are ISO 80 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-6400.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

SX740 versus TS7 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon SX740 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1105051
2.
 
Panasonic TS7 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1102851
3.
 
Canon SX70 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1106351
4.
 
Canon SX430 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/25p20.511.990049
5.
 
Canon SX730 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.511.992450
6.
 
Canon SX720 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.311.881748
7.
 
Canon SX710 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.211.671247
8.
 
Panasonic ZS80 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.712.2110352
9.
 
Panasonic ZS70 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p19.110.610636
10.
 
Panasonic FZ80 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.511.990049
11.
 
Ricoh WG-6 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.712.2110452
12.
 
Sony HX99 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105851
13.
 
Sony HX95 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105751
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the TS7 has an electronic viewfinder (1170k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the SX740 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon SX740, the Panasonic TS7, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon SX740none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Panasonic TS71170 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/1300s 10.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon SX702360 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SX430none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SX730none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon SX720none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon SX710none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 6.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Panasonic ZS802330 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Panasonic ZS701166 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Panasonic FZ801166 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Ricoh WG-6none n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 1.0/s Y n
12.
 
Sony HX99638 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Sony HX95638 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The SX740 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the TS7 does not have a selfie-screen.

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 TS7 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 Canon SX740 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.

Both the SX740 and the TS7 have zoom lenses built in. The SX740 has a 24-960mm f/3.3-6.9 optic and the TS7 offers a 28-128mm f/3.3-5.9 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Canon provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Panasonic. Both cameras offer the same maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the SX740 and the TS7 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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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 PowerShot SX740 HS and Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon SX740-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
2.
 
Panasonic TS7-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon SX70-stereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Canon SX430-mono / mono---2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
6.
 
Canon SX720-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon SX710-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Panasonic ZS80-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
9.
 
Panasonic ZS70-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Panasonic FZ80Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Ricoh WG-6-mono / mono--micro3.0---
12.
 
Sony HX99-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
13.
 
Sony HX95-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
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The SX740 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the TS7 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the TS7 from Panasonic. Further information on the features and operation of the SX740 and TS7 can be found, respectively, in the Canon SX740 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic TS7 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Canon SX740 better than the Panasonic TS7 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/3200s vs 1/1300s) to freeze action.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
  • More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
  • More compact: Is smaller (110x64mm vs 117x76mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (11 percent cheaper at launch).

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Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 922k dots).
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (300 versus 265) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Water-proof: Is rugged and sealed and can thus be used for underwater photography (up to 31m).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the SX740 emerges as the winner of the contest (10 : 7 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

SX740 10:07 TS7

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon SX740 and the Panasonic TS7 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the SX740 and the TS7 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

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], digitalcameraworld [DCW], 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX740..+3.5/5..4/54/5 Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic TS7..+......3.5/5 May 2018 449ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX70..+ +3.5/5..3.5/53.5/5 Sep 2018 549 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon SX430........3.5/53.5/5 Jan 2017 299ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX730..+....4/54/5 Apr 2017 399ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX720..+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2016 379ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX710..+....4/53.5/5 Jan 2015 349ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic ZS80..+ +....4.5/5.. Feb 2019 449ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic ZS70..+ +....4/54/5 Apr 2017 449ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic FZ80..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2017 399ebay.com
11.
 
Ricoh WG-6........3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2019 399 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony HX99........4/54.5/5 Aug 2018 449ebay.com
13.
 
Sony HX95............ Aug 2018 429ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Canon SX740 vs Panasonic TS7

    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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon SX740 Panasonic TS7
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-960mm f/3.3-6.9 28-128mm f/3.3-5.9
    Launch Date July 2018 May 2018
    Launch Price USD 399 USD 449
    Sensor Specs Canon SX740 Panasonic TS7
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.0735 mm2 28.0735 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixels 20.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5184 x 3888 pixels 5184 x 3888 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.18 μm 1.18 μm
    Pixel Density 71.80 MP/cm2 71.80 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 3,200 ISO 80 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 80 - 6,400 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 8 Venus
    Screen Specs Canon SX740 Panasonic TS7
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.45x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1170k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Canon SX740 Panasonic TS7
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Canon SX740 Panasonic TS7
    External Flash no Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Canon SX740 Panasonic TS7
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWaterproof body (31m)
    Battery Type Canon NB-13L Panasonic DMW-BCM13
    Battery Life (CIPA)265 shots per charge300 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 110 x 64 x 40 mm
    (4.3 x 2.5 x 1.6 in)
    117 x 76 x 37 mm
    (4.6 x 3.0 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 299 g (10.5 oz) 319 g (11.3 oz)
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