Canon G16 vs Sony S980

Below, we will be reviewing the Canon G16 and Sony S980, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Sony. The resolution of the G16 (12MP) and the S980 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the G16 (1/1.7") and S980 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizes.

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The G16 was revealed 4 years after the S980 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the G16 matches up vs the S980 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot G16 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The full galleries are available at Canon G16 Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and size. The Canon G16 comes with outer dimensions of 109mm x 76mm x 40mm (4.3" x 3.0" x 1.6") with a weight of 356 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Sony S980 has specifications of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Compare the Canon G16 and Sony S980 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the G16 and the S980.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the G16 and S980 is 85 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to picture the difference between sensor sizes purely by reading through specs. The image underneath should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the G16 and S980.

All in all, both cameras have got the exact same megapixel count albeit different sensor sizes. The G16 features the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field simpler. The younger G16 provides an advantage in sensor technology.