Canon S120 vs Panasonic XS1

In this article, we will be matching up the Canon S120 versus Panasonic XS1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Canon and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the S120 (12MP) and XS1 (16MP) and the S120 (1/1.7") and XS1 (1/2.3") possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The S120 was launched 11 months after the XS1 so they are of a similar generation. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the S120 scores vs the XS1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot S120 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The complete galleries are provided at Canon S120 Gallery and Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon S120 enjoys 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) and the Panasonic XS1 has proportions of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") accompanied by a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Check out the Canon S120 versus Panasonic XS1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the S120 versus the XS1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the S120 and XS1 is 92 and 97 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions merely by researching technical specs. The image here might give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the S120 and XS1.

As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The S120 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic XS1 will result in more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs far more aggressively. The younger S120 should have an advantage in sensor tech.