Canon G12 vs Pentax P80

Here is a detailed comparison of the Canon G12 and Pentax P80, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by companies Canon and Pentax. The image resolution of the G12 (10MP) and the P80 (12MP) is very comparable but the G12 (1/1.7") and P80 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The G12 was unveiled 18 months later than the P80 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a short highlight of how the G12 matches up vs the P80 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot G12 & Pentax Optio P80. The full galleries are available at Canon G12 Gallery & Pentax P80 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon G12 comes with external 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) while the Pentax P80 has dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

See the Canon G12 and Pentax P80 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the G12 vs the P80.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the G12 and P80 is 83 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing merely by checking out specifications. The photograph below may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the G12 and P80.

To sum up, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The G12 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Pentax P80 will provide more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics far more aggressively. The more recent G12 provides a benefit in sensor tech.