Canon S120 vs Olympus XZ-1

The following is a in-depth assessment of the Canon S120 and Olympus XZ-1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Canon and Olympus. The image resolution of the S120 (12MP) and the XZ-1 (10MP) is very comparable but the S120 (1/1.7") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The S120 was revealed 2 years after the XZ-1 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the S120 matches up against the XZ-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot S120 and Olympus XZ-1. The full galleries are provided at Canon S120 Gallery and Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Canon S120 has got external measurements of 100mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 217 grams (0.48 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-1 has dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

See the Canon S120 and Olympus XZ-1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the S120 against the XZ-1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S120 and XZ-1 is 92 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by seeing specifications. The image here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the S120 and XZ-1.

Plainly, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The S120 using its larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Canon S120 will produce greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The newer S120 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.