Canon S120 vs Sony HX1

Its time to look more closely at the Canon S120 and Sony HX1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Canon and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the resolutions of the S120 (12MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the S120 (1/1.7") and HX1 (1/2.4") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The S120 was revealed 4 years later than the HX1 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Canon S120 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the S120 scores against the HX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot S120 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are provided at Canon S120 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Canon S120 features outside dimensions of 100mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 217 grams (0.48 lbs) and the Sony HX1 has sizing of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

See the Canon S120 and Sony HX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the S120 versus the HX1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S120 and HX1 is 92 and 67 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the S120 and HX1.

As you can see, both of those cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S120 using its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Canon S120 will resolve extra detail because of its extra 3MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The fresher S120 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.