Canon SX120 IS vs Canon SX160 IS

Its time to look closer at the Canon SX120 IS versus Canon SX160 IS, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are produced by Canon. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the SX120 IS (10MP) and SX160 IS (16MP) and the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and SX160 IS (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The SX120 IS was brought out 4 years earlier than the SX160 IS which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a full comparison, here is a short summation of how the SX120 IS grades vs the SX160 IS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS & Canon PowerShot SX160 IS. The entire galleries are available at Canon SX120 IS Gallery & Canon SX160 IS Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon SX120 IS offers outside measurements of 111mm x 71mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.8" x 1.8") with a weight of 285 grams (0.63 lbs) whilst the Canon SX160 IS has measurements of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") with a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX120 IS versus Canon SX160 IS in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the SX120 IS and the SX160 IS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SX120 IS and SX160 IS is 87 and 86 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to envision the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing specs. The picture below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX120 IS and SX160 IS.

All in all, both of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SX120 IS because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Canon SX160 IS will deliver more detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more aged SX120 IS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.