Canon A3000 IS vs Sony HX20V

Below is a extensive analysis of the Canon A3000 IS and Sony HX20V, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Canon and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the A3000 IS (10MP) and HX20V (18MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The A3000 IS was manufactured 3 years prior to the HX20V and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the A3000 IS matches up vs the HX20V in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot A3000 IS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon A3000 IS Gallery and Sony HX20V Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Canon A3000 IS provides physical dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 28mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Sony HX20V has measurements of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Check the Canon A3000 IS and Sony HX20V in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the A3000 IS and the HX20V.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A3000 IS and HX20V is 94 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to picture the gap between sensor measurements simply by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic underneath may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the A3000 IS and HX20V.

Clearly, both of those cameras feature the identical sensor size but different megapixels. You should expect to see the Sony HX20V to resolve more detail due to its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics way more aggressively. The older A3000 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.