Canon S90 vs Nikon L120

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Canon S90 vs Nikon L120, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Canon and Nikon. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the S90 (10MP) and L120 (14MP) and the S90 (1/1.7") and L120 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

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The S90 was announced 10 months prior to the L120 and they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the S90 scores versus the L120 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot S90 & Nikon Coolpix L120. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon S90 Gallery & Nikon L120 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Canon S90 provides outer dimensions of 100mm x 58mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") along with a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Nikon L120 has specifications of 110mm x 77mm x 78mm (4.3" x 3.0" x 3.1") having a weight of 431 grams (0.95 lbs).

See the Canon S90 vs Nikon L120 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the S90 vs the L120.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S90 and L120 is 92 and 75 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing only by reviewing technical specs. The photograph below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the S90 and L120.

As you can tell, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The S90 having a bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Nikon L120 will deliver greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older S90 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.