Canon S200 vs Canon SX420 IS

Here is a detailed review of the Canon S200 versus Canon SX420 IS, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are sold by Canon. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the S200 (10MP) and SX420 IS (20MP) and the S200 (1/1.7") and SX420 IS (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The S200 was launched 22 months prior to the SX420 IS which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Canon S200 being a Compact camera and the Canon SX420 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a short overview of how the S200 grades against the SX420 IS in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot S200 & Canon PowerShot SX420 IS. The complete galleries are available at Canon S200 Gallery & Canon SX420 IS Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon S200 enjoys physical measurements of 100mm x 59mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.0") with a weight of 181 grams (0.40 lbs) and the Canon SX420 IS has proportions of 104mm x 69mm x 85mm (4.1" x 2.7" x 3.3") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).

Analyze the Canon S200 versus Canon SX420 IS in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the S200 against the SX420 IS.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S200 and SX420 IS is 93 and 80 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing purely by going over a spec sheet. The visual below may offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the S200 and SX420 IS.

Clearly, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The S200 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Canon SX420 IS will offer extra detail utilizing its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The older S200 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.