Canon G11 vs Sony S980

Lets look a bit more closely at the Canon G11 and Sony S980, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Canon and Sony. The resolution of the G11 (10MP) and the S980 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the G11 (1/1.7") and S980 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor size.

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The G11 was announced 11 months later than the S980 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summary of how the G11 grades versus the S980 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot G11 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The whole galleries are available at Canon G11 Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon G11 comes with outer measurements of 112mm x 76mm x 48mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 1.9") having a weight of 375 grams (0.83 lbs) while the Sony S980 has proportions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Contrast the Canon G11 and Sony S980 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the G11 against the S980.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the G11 and S980 is 83 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizing purely by reading through specs. The graphic here will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the G11 and S980.

All in all, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The G11 having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony S980 will give more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The newer G11 should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.