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Panasonic TZ90 vs Canon SX740

The Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ90 (called Panasonic ZS70 in some regions) and the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in April 2017 and July 2018. Both the TZ90 and the SX740 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
Panasonic TZ90
versus
Canon SX740
Panasonic TZ90   Canon SX740
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
24-720mm f/3.3-6.4 24-960mm f/3.3-6.9
20.2 MP – 1/2.3" sensor 20.2 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 80-3,200 (80 - 6,400) ISO 100-3,200
Electronic viewfinder (1166k dots) No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Tilting touchscreen Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
10 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
380 shots per battery charge265 shots per battery charge
112 x 67 x 41 mm, 322 g 110 x 64 x 40 mm, 299 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ90 and the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS? 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 Panasonic TZ90 and the Canon SX740 is provided in the side-by-side display below. 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.

Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).

Size Panasonic TZ90 vs Canon SX740
Compare TZ90 versus SX740 top
Comparison TZ90 or SX740 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon SX740 is notably smaller (6 percent) than the Panasonic TZ90. Moreover, the SX740 is markedly lighter (7 percent) than the TZ90. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the TZ90 nor the SX740 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the TZ90 gets 380 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLG10 battery, while the SX740 can take 265 images on a single charge of its Canon NB-13L 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.
 
Panasonic TZ90 112 mm 67 mm 41 mm 322 g 380 n Apr 2017 449ebay.com
2.
 
Canon SX740 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 265 n Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon SX430 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 323 g 195 n Jan 2017 299ebay.com
4.
 
Canon M100 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 302 g 295 n Aug 2017 499ebay.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.
 
Fujifilm XF10 113 mm 64 mm 41 mm 279 g 330 n Jul 2018 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic TZ95 112 mm 69 mm 42 mm 327 g 380 n Feb 2019 449ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic ZS80 112 mm 69 mm 42 mm 327 g 380 n Feb 2019 449ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic FT7 117 mm 76 mm 37 mm 319 g 300 Y May 2018 449ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic LX100 II 115 mm 66 mm 65 mm 392 g 300 n Aug 2018 999ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic FZ82 130 mm 94 mm 119 mm 616 g 330 n Jan 2017 399 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic LX5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Jul 2010 499ebay.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 TZ90, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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 sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. 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.

Panasonic TZ90 and Canon SX740 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 TZ90 and the SX740 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the SX740 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 3 months) than the TZ90, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ90 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 3200, which can be extended to ISO 80-6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS are ISO 100 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

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.

TZ90 versus SX740 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-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.
 
Panasonic TZ90 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p19.110.610636
2.
 
Canon SX740 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1105051
3.
 
Canon SX430 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/25p20.511.990049
4.
 
Canon M100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.512.9127278
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.
 
Fujifilm XF10 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.4184483
9.
 
Panasonic TZ95 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.712.2110352
10.
 
Panasonic ZS80 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.712.2110352
11.
 
Panasonic FT7 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1102851
12.
 
Panasonic LX100 II Four Thirds 16.8 4736 35524K/30p22.812.797972
13.
 
Panasonic FZ82 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.511.990049
14.
 
Panasonic LX5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.610.813241
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. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for 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 TZ90 has an electronic viewfinder (1166k 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 Panasonic TZ90, the Canon SX740, 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.
 
Panasonic TZ901166 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon SX740none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon SX430none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon M100none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.1/s Y n
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.
 
Fujifilm XF10none n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic TZ952330 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Panasonic ZS802330 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Panasonic FT71170 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/1300s 10.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Panasonic LX100 II2764 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
13.
 
Panasonic FZ821166 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Panasonic LX5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The TZ90 has a touchscreen, while the SX740 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.

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 TZ90 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 TZ90 and the SX740 have zoom lenses built in. The TZ90 has a 24-720mm f/3.3-6.4 optic and the SX740 offers a 24-960mm f/3.3-6.9 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Panasonic and Canon provide the same view at the wide-angle end, but the Canon has more tele-photo reach at the long end. Both cameras offer the same maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the TZ90 and the SX740 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 Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ90 and Canon PowerShot SX740 HS 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.
 
Panasonic TZ90-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
2.
 
Canon SX740-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
3.
 
Canon SX430-mono / mono---2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon M100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
5.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
6.
 
Canon SX720-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon SX710-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Fujifilm XF10-stereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
9.
 
Panasonic TZ95-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
10.
 
Panasonic ZS80-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
11.
 
Panasonic FT7-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
12.
 
Panasonic LX100 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
13.
 
Panasonic FZ82Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
14.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
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The SX740 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the TZ90 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the TZ90 was succeeded by the Panasonic TZ95. Further information on the features and operation of the TZ90 and SX740 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic TZ90 Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon SX740 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic TZ90 or the Canon SX740 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ90:

  • 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).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (380 versus 265) on a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in April 2017).

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Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS:

  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/3200s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (11 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 3 months) more recently.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the match-up finishes in a tie (6 points each). 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 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.

TZ90 06:06 SX740

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic TZ90 and the Canon SX740 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the TZ90 and the SX740 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.
 
Panasonic TZ90..+ +4/5..4/54/5 Apr 2017 449ebay.com
2.
 
Canon SX740..+3.5/5..4/54/5 Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon SX430........3.5/53.5/5 Jan 2017 299ebay.com
4.
 
Canon M1003/5+....4/53.5/5 Aug 2017 499ebay.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.
 
Fujifilm XF10....4/575/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2018 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic TZ95..+ +....4.5/5.. Feb 2019 449ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic ZS80..+ +....4.5/5.. Feb 2019 449ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic FT7..+....3.5/53.5/5 May 2018 449ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic LX100 II4.5/5+4.2/582/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2018 999ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic FZ82..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2017 399 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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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: Panasonic TZ90 vs Canon SX740

    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 Panasonic TZ90 Canon SX740
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-720mm f/3.3-6.4 24-960mm f/3.3-6.9
    Launch Date April 2017 July 2018
    Launch Price USD 449 USD 399
    Sensor Specs Panasonic TZ90 Canon SX740
    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 no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 3,200 ISO 100 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 80 - 6,400 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor Venus DIGIC 8
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 36 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 19.1 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.6 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 106 ..
    Screen Specs Panasonic TZ90 Canon SX740
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder no viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.46x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1166k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic TZ90 Canon SX740
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    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 Panasonic TZ90 Canon SX740
    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 no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Panasonic TZ90 Canon SX740
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLG10 Canon NB-13L
    Battery Life (CIPA)380 shots per charge265 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 112 x 67 x 41 mm
    (4.4 x 2.6 x 1.6 in)
    110 x 64 x 40 mm
    (4.3 x 2.5 x 1.6 in)
    Camera Weight 322 g (11.4 oz) 299 g (10.5 oz)
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