Canon SX1 IS vs Sony A7

Here, we are reviewing the Canon SX1 IS and Sony A7, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Canon and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the SX1 IS (10MP) and A7 (24MP) and the SX1 IS (1/2.3") and A7 (Full frame) posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The SX1 IS was announced 5 years prior to the A7 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX1 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A7 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SX1 IS matches up versus the A7 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and Sony Alpha A7. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SX1 IS Gallery and Sony A7 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Canon SX1 IS offers physical dimensions of 128mm x 88mm x 88mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.5") and a weight of 615 grams (1.36 lbs) while the Sony A7 has sizing of 127mm x 94mm x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") along with a weight of 474 grams (1.04 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX1 IS and Sony A7 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the SX1 IS and the A7.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SX1 IS and A7 is 64 and 78 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizes merely by going over specs. The image below should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX1 IS and A7.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SX1 IS using its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony A7 will offer more detail with its extra 14 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged SX1 IS is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.