Canon SX1 IS vs Sony S980

Let's take a closer look at the Canon SX1 IS versus Sony S980, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Canon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SX1 IS (10MP) and the S980 (12MP) is very well matched and they use the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SX1 IS was unveiled 2 months later than the S980 and they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX1 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SX1 IS matches up against the S980 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX1 IS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX1 IS Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon SX1 IS comes with physical measurements 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 S980 has measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Examine the Canon SX1 IS versus Sony S980 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the SX1 IS compared to the S980.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX1 IS and S980 is 64 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements just by checking a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX1 IS and S980.

As you can see, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You can expect to see the Sony S980 to resolve greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images a little more aggressively.