Compared to... Panasonic DMC-TZ3

Below you will find a studio comparison between the Canon PowerShot TX1 and the Panasonic DMC-TZ3 at ISO 800.

Studio scene comparison (@ ISO 800)

  • Canon PowerShot TX1: Program AE mode, ISO 800, Default Image Parameters,
    Manual white balance, +0.33 EV compensation
  • Panasonic DMC-TZ3: Program AE mode, ISO 800, Default Image Parameters,
    Manual white balance, +0.7 EV compensation
  • Lighting: Daylight simulation, >98% CRI
Canon PowerShot TX1
Panasonic DMC-TZ3
ISO 800, 1/640 sec, F5.0
ISO 800, 1/500 sec, F4.4
3,456 KB JPEG
2,403 KB JPEG

At ISO 800 we're really beginning to stretch the capabilities of the tiny 1/2.5-inch sensor in these cameras, so neither camera is impressing - though again there is a clear difference in the type and strength of noise reduction in use.

Although which you prefer is a matter of taste as much as anything else, we'd take the TX1's more 'honest' approach over the smeared colors and washed out look of the TZ3... despite the fact that Panasonic is actually preserving more luminance detail. It really is hobson's choice.