Canon Elph 115 IS vs Canon PowerShot SX120 IS: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When it comes to compact cameras, Canon has long been a staple for those seeking a balance between portability and capable image quality. The Canon Elph 115 IS (also known as the IXUS 132 HS) and the Canon PowerShot SX120 IS are two interesting models separated by a few years yet serving slightly different audiences. Today, I draw upon hands-on testing experience and technical evaluation to unravel the practical differences between these cameras, helping you make an informed decision.

Both are entry-level cameras designed with simplicity and convenience in mind, but their specs hint at distinct priorities: the Elph 115 IS leans towards ultracompact portability with a slightly modern sensor, while the SX120 IS offers a longer zoom range and more manual control. Let’s dive deeper - and yes, there will be pictures to illustrate points along the way!

The Feel & Ergonomics: Size Matters, But So Does Grip

Let’s start with what you touch and hold, because even the most technically capable camera isn’t enjoyable if uncomfortable or awkward to use for extended periods.

The Elph 115 IS is a quintessential ultracompact camera, measuring just 93 x 57 x 20 mm and weighing a feather-light 135 grams. Its diminutive stature makes it extremely pocketable - think of it as the camera equivalent of your favorite slim wallet. This is perfect for casual snapshots, social events, or travel where baggage space is at a premium.

In contrast, the SX120 IS is a chunkier compact camera (111 x 71 x 45 mm) that weighs 285 grams - more than double the Elph’s mass. There’s a definitive grip area, but ergonomically, the camera feels more substantial and less pocketable. This size translates to better handling for longer sessions or when using the longer zoom, but it’s not as discreet or easily stashed in jeans pockets.

Handling-wise, while the Elph’s minimalist approach excels in portability, I noticed in testing that users with larger hands might find the SX120 a more secure companion for deliberate shooting. The heft also helps mitigate camera shake somewhat, especially at telephoto focal lengths.

Surface and Controls: How Do You Command the Camera?

Ergonomics extend beyond size - button layout, dial placement, and menu navigation define how fluidly you work in changing situations.

With the SX120 IS, Canon included basic exposure controls - shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes. This is a near-rare feature for cameras in this price tier circa 2009, signaling the SX120’s appeal to users who wanted beginner-level creative control.

You’ll find dedicated exposure compensation and manual focus rings here as well, a boon for those who like to tinker. The buttons are sensibly spaced, if a touch small by modern standards, but workable. There's no touch interface on either camera, so button responsiveness is critical - although SX120’s buttons do feel more tactile.

The Elph 115 IS adopts a simpler layout; its control scheme is minimalist with no manual exposure mode and relying primarily on automated shooting. This reduces cognitive load for casual users but limits creative flexibility. The rear LCD is fixed and non-touch, with a straightforward menu system.

Sensor Technology and Impact on Image Quality

Image quality lies at the heart of any camera discussion, and sensor architecture sets the foundation. Both cameras use a 1/2.3” sensor but differ in sensor type and resolution.

The Elph 115 IS uses a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor with the DIGIC 5 processor - a setup reflecting Canon’s advancement circa 2013. Backside illumination (BSI) improves light-gathering efficiency, especially at higher ISOs and in low-light conditions. The sensor measures approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an area of about 28.07 mm², which contributes to more detailed images and better noise control compared to older sensors.

On the other hand, the SX120 IS houses a 10MP CCD sensor paired with Digic 4 processing. CCD sensors used to dominate many compact cameras but today are eclipsed by CMOS due to lower power consumption and faster processing. The SX120’s sensor measures around 5.744 x 4.308 mm (approx. 24.74 mm² area).

In practical terms, the Elph produces higher resolution photos (4608 x 3456 pixels vs 3648 x 2736) and yields somewhat better detail, especially noticeable when printing or cropping. Its newer sensor design handles noise better at ISOs above 400. However, the SX120 renders pleasantly clean images at base ISO levels (80–1600 max), but images deteriorate faster in noise as sensitivity rises.

The CCD sensor gives the SX120 a slightly different color tone - warmer and sometimes more saturated - which some may prefer for everyday snapshots.

Shooting Experience: Autofocus and Burst Performance

How quickly and accurately a camera acquires focus alters your shooting success - especially when your subject moves.

The Elph 115 IS offers 9 autofocus points using contrast-detection AF only (no phase detection), with face detection capability, continuous AF during live view, and a maximum continuous shooting speed of 2 frames per second. The face detection improves portrait results, locking onto faces even in busy compositions.

The SX120 IS relies on a single contrast-detection focus area, no face detection, and only supports single-shot autofocus - which means composition speed can suffer when tracking unpredictable subjects. Its burst rate is 1 fps, so action capture potential is minimal.

Upon field testing, the Elph surprisingly outperformed the SX120 in autofocus responsiveness across a range of lighting conditions, despite its smaller size. It also fared better on moving subjects, thanks to continuous AF. The SX120 requires some patience and pre-focusing techniques.

Displays and User Interface: Seeing What You Shoot

The rear screens provide your live view and menu interface, so their size and resolution affect usability.

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch LCDs, but the Elph boasts a higher resolution 461-kilopixel screen, compared to the SX120’s 230-kilopixel panel. This difference shows in sharper previews and clearer menu text on the Elph, aiding in quicker review and menu navigation.

Neither have electronic viewfinders, which limits utility in bright sunlight where LCD glare can become an issue.

User interfaces are basic and menu-driven on both, but Elph 115 IS’s newer DIGIC 5 processor makes the system more responsive with shorter lag times, especially when cycling through zoom steps or burst modes.

Zoom Range and Lens Quality: The Tradeoff Between Reach and Aperture

The lenses on fixed-lens compacts are core to their versatility and optical character.

The SX120 IS offers a 10x optical zoom (36-360 mm equivalent) with faster maximum apertures of f/2.8 to f/4.3. This extended zoom range gives it major advantages for wildlife and sports snapshots where reach is imperative. The bright aperture at wide-angle and reasonable shutter speeds enables well-lit images outdoors.

Conversely, the Elph 115 IS has a more modest 5x zoom (24-120 mm equivalent), but with a brighter wide-angle aperture starting at f/2.7. This wide focal length starts wider, making it better suited to landscapes and group shots indoors.

Image sharpness from both lenses is respectable but the SX120 shows more noticeable chromatic aberration and vignetting at full telephoto ends - typical for this era of superzoom. The Elph demonstrates more consistent edge-to-edge sharpness.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Compact cameras can only succeed if they keep up with a full day’s shooting.

The Elph 115 IS uses a proprietary NB-11L rechargeable lithium-ion battery rated at approximately 170 shots per charge, which is modest by today’s standards but typical for a small sensor compact. Frequent users will want a spare battery.

The SX120 IS relies on very accessible and inexpensive 2x AA batteries, which is convenient in remote locations without charging access. Battery life is variable depending on battery type - you can get upwards of 200-250 shots with quality alkalines or rechargeables.

Both cameras accept single SD cards; the SX120 additionally supports MMC and HC MMCplus formats, adding storage flexibility but unlikely to sway most users.

Video Performance: Not the Highlight, But Worth a Mention

Neither camera was designed primarily as video shooters, but both offer basic recording for casual use.

The Elph 115 IS can record Full HD 1080p video at 24 fps using H.264 compression, which was progressive for a 2013 release. Video quality is decent for social sharing, although there is no external microphone input and no electronic stabilization beyond optical lens IS.

The SX120 IS only shoots VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels) at 30 fps with Motion JPEG format - outdated by today’s standards and with heavily compressed quality.

Both cameras lack 4K modes or advanced video features, so video enthusiasts should look elsewhere.

Weather Resistance and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged build quality. They are ideal for casual use in controlled environments but require protective handling outdoors.

How Do These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres?

Canon Elph 115 IS front Canon Elph 115 IS screen back Canon SX120 IS screen back

Let’s align strengths to photographic disciplines based on testing and specs:

Portrait Photography

The Elph 115 IS’s higher resolution and face detection autofocus make it a better fit. Its brighter aperture at wide angle and good color accuracy render skin tones pleasantly. The SX120 IS can deliver serviceable portraits but requires manual focus finesse.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras struggle with dynamic range when compared to modern cameras, but Elph’s higher resolution and wider 24mm equivalent focal length produce more compelling wide vistas. Neither offers advanced bracketing or RAW output, which limits post-processing.

Wildlife and Sports

The SX120 IS’s 10x zoom puts it ahead on reach, crucial for distant subjects. However, slower AF and 1 fps burst limit success with fast action. Elph’s 2 fps burst and better AF tracking are helpful but its 5x zoom is limiting.

Street Photography

Small size and discretion favor the Elph 115 IS. It’s pocketable and quick to access, while the SX120’s bulk makes it more conspicuous.

Macro Photography

SX120 IS focuses to 1 cm, superior to Elph’s 3 cm macro limit. This makes it better for close-up flower shots or small subjects. Neither has dedicated macro modes or focus stacking.

Night and Astro Photography

Elph wins here with higher max ISO (3200 vs 1600) and better low light noise performance. Neither camera supports bulb or long exposure modes critical for astrophotography, but Elph’s 15-second minimum shutter improves flexibility.

Video

Elph 115 IS’s Full HD makes it the clear choice despite limitations. SX120’s VGA video is largely obsolete.

Travel Photography

Elph’s tiny size and decent versatility make it excellent for travel. SX120 IS offers longer reach but heavier load.

Professional Workflows

Neither supports RAW files or advanced connectivity. Files are JPEG-only, limiting professional post-processing. Professionals might use them as backups or travel options, but the lack of RAW and limited controls are downsides.

Additional Technical Insights

• Build Quality: Both are plastic-bodied without weather sealing. Elph feels more modern and sturdy despite its size.
• Connectivity: No Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth on either model. Elph includes HDMI out; SX120 does not.
• Lens Compatibility: Fixed lenses - nothing interchangeable here.
• Price Considerations: Both have low market prices (~$225–$250 used). Elph is newer and offers better value given specs.

The Final Word: Which One Is Right for You?

Canon Elph 115 IS is a better choice if you value:

• Compact, lightweight design for everyday carry and travel
• Slightly better image quality and higher resolution
• Easier autofocus with face detection and continuous AF
• Video recording at Full HD resolution
• A more agile, user-friendly interface and faster processor

Canon PowerShot SX120 IS appeals if you need:

• Greater zoom range (10x telephoto) for wildlife or sports
• Manual focus and manual exposure modes for creative control
• Closer macro focusing capabilities
• AA battery compatibility for remote shooting without access to chargers

Neither camera is a powerhouse by modern standards, and their limitations in dynamic range, noise, and advanced features are clear. But for the budgets and the times of their release, they offered solid options.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

Summing It Up

Testing both the Canon Elph 115 IS and Canon PowerShot SX120 IS revealed their respective reliance on different design philosophies. The Elph embodies Canon’s push towards elegantly minimal, pocketable cameras with improved sensor tech and smarter autofocus, while the SX120 IS pursues versatility and user control through zoom and exposure options.

Our evaluation balances technical specs, in-field shooting experience, and specific use-case suitability to deliver a nuanced recommendation. For most photographers today, the Elph 115 IS is the better-rounded ultracompact camera offering good image quality and usability, while the SX120 IS remains compelling for those needing more zoom reach and manual modes on a budget.

If forced to pick a clear winner purely on modern image quality and practicality, I lean towards the Canon Elph 115 IS, but the SX120 IS is not without charms, especially for those with particular needs in lens reach and exposure control.

Photography gear is a personal journey, so I encourage you to evaluate your shooting style against these insights. Both cameras capture memories; it’s about choosing the one that fits your hands and your vision best.

Thanks for reading this in-depth comparison. If you want to learn more about other camera matchups or need help deciding on specific models, stay tuned for future articles!

Happy shooting!