Canon S120 vs Canon SX280 HS

Below, we will be matching up the Canon S120 and Canon SX280 HS, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both created by Canon. The sensor resolution of the S120 (12MP) and the SX280 HS (12MP) is pretty comparable but the S120 (1/1.7") and SX280 HS (1/2.3") use totally different sensor size.

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The S120 was released 9 months later than the SX280 HS so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a more detailed comparison, below is a short introduction of how the S120 matches up against the SX280 HS with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot S120 and Canon PowerShot SX280 HS. The complete galleries are provided at Canon S120 Gallery and Canon SX280 HS Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon S120 enjoys physical measurements of 100mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 217 grams (0.48 lbs) and the Canon SX280 HS has dimensions of 106mm x 63mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 233 grams (0.51 lbs).

Look at the Canon S120 and Canon SX280 HS in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose during that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the S120 against the SX280 HS.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S120 and SX280 HS is 92 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements purely by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the S120 and SX280 HS.

As you can see, the two cameras posses the exact same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor measurements. The S120 has the bigger sensor which is going to make getting bokeh less difficult. The more recent S120 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.