Canon S120 vs Pentax P80

On this page, we will be matching up the Canon S120 versus Pentax P80, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by companies Canon and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the S120 (12MP) and the P80 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the S120 (1/1.7") and P80 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The S120 was announced 4 years later than the P80 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the S120 matches up versus the P80 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot S120 & Pentax Optio P80. The whole galleries are available at Canon S120 Gallery & Pentax P80 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Canon S120 offers exterior dimensions of 100mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 217 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Pentax P80 has dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Compare the Canon S120 versus Pentax P80 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the S120 vs the P80.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S120 and P80 is 92 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading through specs. The photograph below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the S120 and P80.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras provide the same megapixel count albeit different sensor sizing. The S120 contains the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF less difficult. The more modern S120 provides a benefit in sensor tech.