Canon G16 vs Sony HX5

Its time to look much closer at the Canon G16 and Sony HX5, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Canon and Sony. The resolution of the G16 (12MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is fairly close but the G16 (1/1.7") and HX5 (1/2.4") feature different sensor measurements.

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The G16 was launched 3 years later than the HX5 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a thorough comparison, below is a short summation of how the G16 matches up versus the HX5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot G16 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The complete galleries are available at Canon G16 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon G16 features exterior dimensions of 109mm x 76mm x 40mm (4.3" x 3.0" x 1.6") and a weight of 356 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Sony HX5 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon G16 and Sony HX5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the G16 compared to the HX5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the G16 and HX5 is 85 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizing just by viewing specifications. The photograph here will give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the G16 and HX5.

Plainly, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The G16 featuring a larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Canon G16 will render extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more modern G16 should have an edge in sensor tech.