Canon S120 vs Panasonic SZ5

Here is a thorough overview of the Canon S120 and Panasonic SZ5, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the S120 (12MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is very comparable but the S120 (1/1.7") and SZ5 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The S120 was manufactured 17 months later than the SZ5 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a concise summation of how the S120 grades vs the SZ5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot S120 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon S120 Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon S120 enjoys physical dimensions of 100mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 217 grams (0.48 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ5 has proportions of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

See the Canon S120 and Panasonic SZ5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the S120 and the SZ5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S120 and SZ5 is 92 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing purely by going through specs. The graphic here might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the S120 and SZ5.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The S120 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic SZ5 will produce greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images much more aggressively. The fresher S120 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.