Canon S120 vs Sony W290

Here, we will be looking at the Canon S120 and Sony W290, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Canon and Sony. The image resolution of the S120 (12MP) and the W290 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the S120 (1/1.7") and W290 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The S120 was brought out 4 years later than the W290 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the S120 scores versus the W290 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot S120 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290. The entire galleries are available at Canon S120 Gallery and Sony W290 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Canon S120 comes with 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) whilst the Sony W290 has dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check out the Canon S120 and Sony W290 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the S120 vs the W290.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S120 and W290 is 92 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements only by going through a spec sheet. The visual below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the S120 and W290.

As you can see, both cameras come with the identical megapixel count albeit not the same sensor measurements. The S120 has got the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF easier. The more recent S120 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.