Canon S120 vs Olympus SZ-11

Here is a extensive analysis of the Canon S120 and Olympus SZ-11, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Canon and Olympus. The resolution of the S120 (12MP) and the SZ-11 (14MP) is fairly close but the S120 (1/1.7") and SZ-11 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizes.

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The S120 was announced 2 years later than the SZ-11 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the S120 matches up vs the SZ-11 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot S120 & Olympus SZ-11. The whole galleries are provided at Canon S120 Gallery & Olympus SZ-11 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Canon S120 has outer dimensions of 100mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 217 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-11 has measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon S120 and Olympus SZ-11 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the S120 vs the SZ-11.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the S120 and SZ-11 is 92 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing merely by viewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath will offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S120 and SZ-11.

Clearly, both of those cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S120 using its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus SZ-11 will provide you with extra detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The more recent S120 should have an advantage in sensor tech.