Canon G12 vs Nikon L20

Let's look much closer at the Canon G12 versus Nikon L20, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by companies Canon and Nikon. The image resolution of the G12 (10MP) and the L20 (10MP) is very close but the G12 (1/1.7") and L20 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The G12 was released 24 months later than the L20 making them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a thorough comparison, here is a quick summary of how the G12 scores vs the L20 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot G12 and Nikon Coolpix L20. The complete galleries are available at Canon G12 Gallery and Nikon L20 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Canon G12 has exterior dimensions of 112mm x 76mm x 48mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 401 grams (0.88 lbs) and the Nikon L20 has specifications of 97mm x 61mm x 29mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 135 grams (0.30 lbs).

See the Canon G12 versus Nikon L20 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the G12 versus the L20.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the G12 and L20 is 83 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to see the gap in sensor measurements merely by viewing technical specs. The visual below may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the G12 and L20.

As you can tell, both of these cameras feature the identical resolution but not the same sensor measurements. The G12 contains the larger sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult. The newer G12 is going to have an edge in sensor technology.