Canon SX120 IS vs Canon SX510 HS

Below is a detailed assessment of the Canon SX120 IS versus Canon SX510 HS, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Canon. The resolution of the SX120 IS (10MP) and the SX510 HS (12MP) is relatively comparable but the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and SX510 HS (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizes.

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The SX120 IS was released 5 years earlier than the SX510 HS and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a in depth comparison, here is a concise summary of how the SX120 IS scores against the SX510 HS in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and Canon PowerShot SX510 HS. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX120 IS Gallery and Canon SX510 HS Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX120 IS comes with physical measurements of 111mm x 71mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.8" x 1.8") along with a weight of 285 grams (0.63 lbs) and the Canon SX510 HS has dimensions of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") with a weight of 349 grams (0.77 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX120 IS versus Canon SX510 HS in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the SX120 IS vs the SX510 HS.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SX120 IS and SX510 HS is 87 and 80 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to imagine the gap in sensor measurements simply by checking out specifications. The graphic here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SX120 IS and SX510 HS.

To sum up, both of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SX120 IS featuring a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Canon SX510 HS will show greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older SX120 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.