Canon SX1 IS vs Sony a1

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Canon SX1 IS vs Sony a1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Canon and Sony. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the SX1 IS (10MP) and a1 (50MP) and the SX1 IS (1/2.3") and a1 (Full frame) possess totally different sensor sizing.

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The SX1 IS was introduced 13 years before the a1 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX1 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony a1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple view of how the SX1 IS scores against the a1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX1 IS & Sony Alpha a1. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SX1 IS Gallery & Sony a1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon SX1 IS provides outer dimensions of 128mm x 88mm x 88mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.5") with a weight of 615 grams (1.36 lbs) whilst the Sony a1 has proportions of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).

Check the Canon SX1 IS vs Sony a1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the SX1 IS vs the a1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SX1 IS and a1 is 64 and 61 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing just by checking out technical specs. The photograph underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX1 IS and a1.

As you have seen, both of those cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SX1 IS with its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony a1 will provide greater detail using its extra 40MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The older SX1 IS will be behind in sensor tech.