• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 392.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 12,800
  • Detailed specifications
  • Canon PowerShot SX230 HS
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6
Links
Prices:   Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Canon SX210 IS
SX210 IS vs SX230 HS
Panasonic GF5
GF5 vs GF6
Successor: Canon SX260 HS
SX230 HS vs SX260 HS
Panasonic GF7
GF6 vs GF7
General
Model Number: SX230 HS GF6
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Compact Compact System Camera
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $349.99 $599.99
Street Price: $269.00 $399.95
Date Available: 2011-03-30 2013-06-30
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 7.7 oz (218 g)
includes batteries
16.0 oz (454 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Size: 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.3 in.
(106 x 62 x 33 mm)
4.4 x 2.6 x 1.5 in.
(111 x 65 x 38 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS Live MOS
Sensor Manufacturer:   Panasonic
Effective Megapixels: 12.1 16.0
Sensor Format: 1/2.3 inch 4/3
Sensor size: 28.0735mm2 (6.17mm x 4.55mm) 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 1.54 microns 3.77 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: n/a 2.0x
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter:   Fixed
Self-Cleaning: No Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score:   54
DxO Color Depth Score (bits):   20.7
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs):   10.6
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso):   622
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4000 x 3000 (12.0 MP, 4:3),
4000 x 2248 (9.0 MP, 16:9),
4000 x 2664 (10.7 MP, 3:2),
2992 x 2992 (9.0 MP, 1:1),
2816 x 2112 (5.9 MP, 4:3),
2816 x 1584 (4.5 MP, 16:9),
2816 x 1880 (5.3 MP, 3:2),
2112 x 2112 (4.5 MP, 1:1),
1600 x 1200 (1.9 MP, 4:3),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1600 x 1064 (1.7 MP, 3:2),
1200 x 1200 (1.4 MP, 1:1),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3),
640 x 360 (0.2 MP, 16:9),
640 x 424 (0.3 MP, Other),
480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1)
4592 x 3448 (15.8 MP, 4:3),
4592 x 3064 (14.1 MP, 3:2),
4592 x 2584 (11.9 MP, 16:9),
3424 x 3424 (11.7 MP, 1:1),
3232 x 2424 (7.8 MP, 4:3),
3232 x 2160 (7.0 MP, 3:2),
3232 x 1824 (5.9 MP, Other),
2416 x 2416 (5.8 MP, 1:1),
2272 x 1704 (3.9 MP, 4:3),
2272 x 1520 (3.5 MP, Other),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3) JPEG, MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 3.2 4.2
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (24)
1280x720 (30/​6/​3/​1.5)
640x480 (30/​120/​6/​3/​1.5)
320x240 (30/​240)
1920x1080 (60i/​50i/​30p/​25p)
1280x720 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p)
640x480 (30p/​25p)
Movie File Format: MOV (Image: H.264; Audio: PCM) AVCHD or MP4, with stereo sound
Composite Video Out: Yes Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes No
Video Usable as Viewfinder: No
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: n/a Micro Four Thirds
Lens: Canon Zoom Lens Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. MEGA O.I.S.
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 28 - 392mm 28 - 84mm
Focal Length (actual): 5 - 70mm 14 - 42mm
Zoom Ratio: 14.00x 3.00x
Aperture Range: f/3.1 (W) / f/5.9 (T) to f/8.0 f/3.5 (wide) / f.5.6 (tele) - f/22
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 5 cm to Infinity
2.0 in to Infinity
20 cm to Infinity
7.9 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range: 5 - 50 cm
2.0 - 19.7 in
 
Filter Thread: n/a 46.0mm
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 4x 2x or 4x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Contrast Detect with Face Detection; Face Detection, 1-point AF (fixed to center) Contrast Detection: Face detection, AF Tracking, 23-area-focusing, 1-area-focusing, Pinpoint, Touch
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: LCD No / LCD
Viewfinder Type:    
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution: n/a n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent):    
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed):    
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: No No
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 461,000 dots 1,036,800 dots (345,600 px)
Touchscreen: No Yes
Articulating Screen: No Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No No
Selfie Screen: No Yes
Max Playback Zoom: 10.0x 16.0x
Top Deck Display: No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native):   12800
Minimum ISO (native):   160
ISO Settings: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 Auto, Intelligent ISO, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800 in 1 or 1/3 EV steps; 25600 extended
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Day Light, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Underwater, Custom Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set 1/2, Color Temperature Setting (2,500-10,000K in 100K steps)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/3200 - 15 sec 1/4000 - 60 sec
Bulb Mode: No Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot (center), Face Detect AE 1728-zone Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Movie Digest, Portrait, Landscape, Kids & Pets, SCN (Smart Shutter, High-speed Burst, Best Image Selection, Handheld Night Scene, Low Light, Beach, Underwater, Foliage, Snow, Fireworks, Stitch Assist), Creative Filter (Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap) Scene Guide (Clear Portrait, Silky Skin, Backlit Softness, Clear in Backlight, Relaxing Tone, Sweet Child's Face, Distinct Scenery, Bright Blue Sky, Romantic Sunset Glow, Vivid Sunset Glow, Glistening Water, Clear Nightscape, Cool Night Sky, Warm Glowing); Creative Control (Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy POP, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Fantasy, Star Filter, One Point Color, Sunshine), Panorama
Self Timer: 2, 10, Custom seconds 2, 10, 3 images after 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer): Yes  
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes Yes
Flash Modes: Auto, Manual (3 levels), Red-eye Reduction, Auto Red-eye Correction, Flash On, Flash Off; FE Lock, Safety FE, Slow Synchro Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a 5.0 m / 16.4 ft.
Flash Range Description: Auto ISO: 2.5 - 11.5 ft. (W), 3.3 - 6.6 ft (T), 75cm - 3.5m (W), (1.0 - 2.0m, (T)) Lens dependent; GN 6.3m (ISO 160)
Max Flash Sync:   1/160
Flash Exposure Compensation:   +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: n/a n/a
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   UHS-I
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: No Yes
Uncompressed Format:   RAW, RAW + JPEG
Movie File Format: MOV (Image: H.264; Audio: PCM) AVCHD or MP4, with stereo sound
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No Yes
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: Yes No
Microphone Jack: No No
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: No Yes
Remote Control Type:   Via Wi-Fi
Connections (extended): Mini HDMI Mini HDMI (Type-C), Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, Combined AV/USB connector
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 2.03 0.58
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame):   0.62
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames):   Unlimited
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):   0.60
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 3.2 4.2
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution):   28
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   3.9
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):   8
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   4.0
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):   10
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.40 seconds 0.27 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele): 0.53 seconds  
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus):   0.092 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):   0.40 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.090 seconds 0.072 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes):   Full AF lag, wide-area mode = 0.277s
Startup Time: 2.0 seconds 0.8 seconds
Play -> Record Time:   0.8 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 6.2 seconds 3.6 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 210 shots 340 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):    
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary NB-5L Proprietary (7.2V, 1025mAh)
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NB-5L Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: Canon software suite PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.2 AE, SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE, Super LoiloScope (trial), USB Driver
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Optical Image Stabilization, Canon HS system, Full HD 1080p24 movies, PASM exposure modes, HDMI output, Built-in GPS geo-tagging, Movie Digest. Available in black, blue and red. Tilting Cell Touch 1040K-dot LCD, Built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n, 2412MHz - 2462MHz (11ch), WPA / WPA2, Infrastructure mode), NFC. Available in black, white, brown or red.