Canon PowerShot A3500 IS vs Canon PowerShot S120: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When it comes to compact cameras, Canon has long offered a range designed to suit different budgets, needs, and experience levels. The Canon PowerShot A3500 IS and Canon PowerShot S120 are two notable models from Canon’s small sensor compact lineup, both announced in 2013 but targeting somewhat distinct user profiles. After extensive hands-on testing of both cameras, I’m diving deep into how these two compare in real-world shooting, technical performance, and overall value. Whether you're a casual snapshooter, an enthusiast on a budget, or even a prosumer looking for a pocketable secondary camera, this comparison will help you decide which Canon compact is best suited to your photographic pursuits.

What’s in Your Hands? – Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

The first impression when you pick up the A3500 IS and the S120 is quite different, and that physical experience matters more than you’d expect from just tiny numbers on a specs sheet.

The A3500 IS is a very lightweight, truly pocket-friendly model at 135 grams and compact measurements (98x56x20 mm). Its slim profile makes it an easy carry for casual users or those prioritizing minimal gear weight. However, its “economy” size comes with tradeoffs: the grip area is minimal, and the buttons feel small and closely packed, which might some users find fiddly during prolonged sessions.

The S120, on the other hand, weights in at 217 grams and measures 100x59x29 mm - noticeably chunkier but still quite manageable for a compact. This extra mass translates to a more solid hand-feel and a slightly protruding grip area, making it more comfortable to hold steady, especially important for precise control in more demanding shooting conditions. The build quality also feels more refined, reflecting its higher price point. Both cameras sport a fixed lens design, but the S120 feels like it belongs to a more serious photographic toolbox.

Controls at a Glance – User Interface and Layout

Once you start shooting, camera control layouts can make or break your enjoyment. Here’s a look at the top control panels:

With the A3500 IS, things are very basic: a simple mode dial integrated into the shutter button area and a playback button. The absence of dedicated exposure controls or customizable function buttons means you’ll largely be shooting on full auto or very fixed shooting modes.

The S120 steps it up considerably, offering a dedicated mode dial with easy access to P, A, S, M modes, exposure compensation, and plenty of physical buttons that can be customized. This allows enthusiasts to tailor the camera’s operation to shooting styles, making it a better fit for users who want manual control or quick adjustments on the fly.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Compact cameras’ image quality largely hinges on sensor size and processing prowess. Let’s compare the sensor specs:

• Canon A3500 IS:

  • Sensor: 1/2.3" CCD (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
  • Resolution: 16 MP
  • Max ISO: 1600
  • Processor: DIGIC 4
  • No RAW support

• Canon S120:

  • Sensor: 1/1.7" BSI-CMOS (7.44 x 5.58 mm)
  • Resolution: 12 MP
  • Max ISO: 12,800
  • Processor: DIGIC 6
  • RAW support included

The S120 boasts a significantly larger sensor area (~41.5 mm² vs 28 mm²), utilizing a back-illuminated CMOS sensor paired with the newer DIGIC 6 processor. This means better light-gathering, lower noise, and improved high ISO performance. Shooting tests confirmed this: images from the S120 had superior dynamic range, richer color depth, and cleaner shadow detail, even when bumped up to higher ISOs. The RAW support offers additional latitude in post-processing, vital for enthusiasts and pros who want to extract maximum image quality.

The A3500 IS’s 16MP CCD sensor provides respectable resolution for casual prints and social sharing but starts to struggle with noise above ISO 400 due to its smaller, older sensor tech and the DIGIC 4 processor. Since it lacks RAW, your editing options are limited to JPEGs, which are processed in-camera with more aggressive noise reduction that occasionally smudges fine detail.

Viewing and Composition: Screens and Viewfinders

With no viewfinders on either model, the rear LCD screen is your primary framing tool.

The A3500 IS features a 3-inch, 230k-dot fixed LCD touchscreen. The resolution is basic by today’s standards, making it hard to assess fine details or critical focus on the fly. The touchscreen interface is functional for menu navigation but not very responsive, which can feel sluggish.

The S120’s 3-inch TFT PureColor II touchscreen shines at 922k dots, delivering a crisp and colorful live view with excellent brightness and viewing angles. The touch interface is smooth and intuitive, supporting precise tap autofocus and menu control - a significant advantage for street or travel photography where quick response matters most.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

If you’re aiming to capture fleeting moments - sports, wildlife, or street - the camera’s autofocus speed, accuracy, and burst capabilities will be top priorities.

The A3500 IS, founded on an older contrast-detection AF system, has 9 focus points with face detection, but overall AF hunting is common in lower light conditions. Continuous shooting peaks at a sluggish 1 fps, making it unsuitable for fast action photography. This camera is better suited for deliberate, static compositions like portraits or landscapes.

The S120 impresses with a vastly improved AF system employing 9 contrast-detection points with face and selective AF support. The autofocus locks more rapidly, even in dimmer lighting, and maintains consistent tracking. Its burst shooting rate hits an agile 12 fps, though buffer depth limits sustained bursts. Nevertheless, this is a huge step up for those interested in wildlife, sports, or any subjects in motion.

Lens and Zoom Range: Flexibility in Framing

Both cameras have fixed zoom lenses with 5x optical zoom but differ in actual focal lengths and apertures:

• A3500 IS: 28-140mm (35mm equivalent), f/2.8-6.9
• S120: 24-120mm (35mm equivalent), f/1.8-5.7

The S120’s wider 24mm ultra-wide angle gives more flexibility for landscapes, interiors, and street scenes, while the faster f/1.8 aperture at the wide end allows better low-light shooting and smoother background blur (bokeh) in portraits. Compared to the A3500’s slower lens, the S120 is a clear winner for creative control and optical performance.

The macro capabilities of both cameras are similar, allowing focusing as close as 3 cm from the subject, aided by image stabilization.

Image Stabilization and Low Light Performance

Optical image stabilization is included in both cameras, necessary to compensate for handshake in low light or at telephoto zoom.

The A3500 IS offers basic optical IS that works well for casual walk-around use but struggles beyond standard focal lengths or shutter speeds slower than 1/30s. Combined with limited ISO range (max 1600) and noise issues, this means low light shooting is often a challenge.

The S120’s optical IS integrates more sophisticated algorithms and the brighter lens means more light captured per exposure. Additionally, its native sensitivity extends to ISO 12,800, still maintaining usable image quality up to about ISO 800–1600 depending on the subject. This flexibility makes the S120 a better choice for night, indoor, and astrophotography scenarios.

Flash Performance

Flash range and control options matter if you often shoot indoors or at events.

• The A3500 IS has a built-in flash with a range of about 3 meters, offering modes such as Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye Reduction, and Slow Sync.
• The S120 features a more powerful flash with a 7-meter range and includes Auto, On, Slow Synchro, and Off modes.

The S120’s enhanced flash distance and slow sync provide more natural fill light in tricky lighting situations, promoting better flash balance in portraits and ambient light blends.

Video Capabilities for Creators

Video may be a secondary concern for many compact users, but it’s crucial if you’re into vlogging or capturing moving scenes.

The A3500 IS records at a maximum of 720p HD at 25 fps with H.264 compression - serviceable for casual clips but limited for immersive or professional video use.

The S120 records full HD 1080p video up to 60fps with H.264 and MPEG-4 encoding, providing smoother motion and better resolution. While lacking external mic and headphone ports, its in-camera image stabilization helps reduce handheld shake, making it a capable device for traveling videographers.

Battery Life and Storage – How Long and How Much?

For extended shooting trips, battery endurance and storage flexibility are key.

• The A3500 IS uses a dedicated NB-11L lithium-ion pack yielding about 200 shots per charge under CIPA standards.
• The S120 uses the NB-6LH pack rated for roughly 230 shots per charge.

In practical terms, the S120’s somewhat higher power draw (due to more electronics) plus brighter screen still nets marginally better battery life. Both cameras use a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, providing ample storage compatibility.

Connectivity and Extras

Both cameras include built-in WiFi for wireless image transfer, though neither supports Bluetooth, NFC, or advanced GPS integration without accessories. The S120 adds HDMI output for easy playback on TVs and monitors - a useful feature for reviewing images or shows.

Putting It All Together: Performance Across Photography Genres

Here is a breakdown of genre-specific suitability based on my extensive testing. Refer also to the genre performance scores below:

Portrait Photography

• S120: Superior due to its faster lens (f/1.8), better face detection, and RAW support for skin tone editing.
• A3500 IS: Limited by slower lens and no manual controls, but still adequate for casual portraits.

Landscape Photography

• S120: Larger sensor, wider angle, and better DR make it the preferred choice.
• A3500 IS: Usable but less detail and dynamic range, not ideal for critical landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports

• S120: Fast autofocus and 12fps burst suit action better.
• A3500 IS: Too slow in response and shoot speed.

Street Photography

• S120: More discreet and responsive despite larger size.
• A3500 IS: Smaller body but laggy controls impact candid shooting.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras excel equally with 3 cm minimum focus and IS.

Night/Astro Photography

• S120: Low noise and high ISO-capable sensor advantageous.
• A3500 IS: High noise and limited ISO range impede night shooting.

Video Capabilities

• S120: Full HD 60fps, stabilization edge.
• A3500 IS: Limited to 720p.

Travel Photography

• S120: Balanced mix of image quality, controls, and size.
• A3500 IS: Budget-friendly but fewer features.

Professional Use

• S120: RAW, manual controls, better workflow integration.
• A3500 IS: Amateur use only.

How Do They Stack Up Overall?

Here’s a side-by-side of overall ratings summarizing these insights:

The S120's clear advantage in image quality, speed, control, and versatility justify its price premium over the A3500 IS, which plays the role of a very basic, lightweight point-and-shoot.

Real-World Sample Images

To demonstrate practical differences in image quality, here’s a gallery showcasing photos taken with each camera under varied lighting and subjects:

Canon A3500 IS front Canon A3500 IS screen back Canon S120 front Canon S120 screen back

Notice the superior sharpness, color fidelity, and depth of field control in the S120 shots compared to the softer, noisier images from the A3500 IS, especially in challenging lighting.

Pros and Cons Summaries

Canon PowerShot A3500 IS

• Pros:
  • Ultra-compact and lightweight
  • Affordable price (~$115)
  • Simple interface for beginners
• Cons:
  • Small sensor with limited image quality
  • No RAW, limited ISO range
  • Very slow continuous shooting
  • Basic autofocus and controls
  • Minimal video features

Canon PowerShot S120

• Pros:
  • Larger, BSI-CMOS sensor with RAW support
  • Bright, fast lens (f/1.8)
  • Advanced manual controls and exposure modes
  • Fast continuous shooting (12 fps)
  • Full HD 60fps video with stabilization
  • Higher-res touchscreen and HDMI output
• Cons:
  • Higher price (~$449)
  • Slightly heavier and bigger
  • No viewfinder (shared with A3500 IS)
  • Lack of microphone/headphone jacks for video

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Canon A3500 IS if:

  • Your budget is tight and you want a simple, grab-and-go camera.
  • You mostly shoot casual daylight photos for social media.
  • You want something ultra-light that fits easily in any pocket.
  • You do not require manual controls or RAW capability.

• Choose the Canon S120 if:

  • You’re an enthusiast wanting manual control, RAW files, and better image quality.
  • You shoot in varied conditions, including low light and action.
  • You want a versatile pocket camera for travel, street, or even some professional use.
  • You desire superior video quality for casual filmmaking or vlogging.

Final Thoughts: What Does My Hands-On Testing Say?

Having used both cameras extensively, the Canon PowerShot S120 stands out as a compact powerhouse that punches above its weight for enthusiasts seeking strong performance without the bulk of DSLRs or mirrorless systems. Its sensor, lens speed, shooting speed, and control package provide clear, tangible advantages that justify its cost.

Conversely, the Canon A3500 IS is best regarded as a budget-friendly point-and-shoot that answers the call for simple, snapshot-level photography. For those who only want basic photos without fuss, this one gets the job done but with obvious compromises in quality and flexibility.

If your photographic aspirations lean toward creative control, image fidelity, or multi-genre versatility, the S120 is the smarter investment. For absolute beginners or cheapskates who crave pure portability over performance, the A3500 IS could suffice - but I do recommend pushing your budget a little further if possible.

In the end, your choice hinges largely on your photographic ambitions and budget. This comparison aims to put those choices in context so you can buy with confidence knowing exactly what each Canon compact camera brings to the table.

Happy shooting!