Canon SX120 IS vs Fujifilm F550 EXR

Here is a extended review of the Canon SX120 IS and Fujifilm F550 EXR, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Canon and FujiFilm. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the SX120 IS (10MP) and Fujifilm F550 EXR (16MP) and the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and Fujifilm F550 EXR (1/2") enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SX120 IS was revealed 23 months earlier than the Fujifilm F550 EXR making the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SX120 IS scores vs the Fujifilm F550 EXR with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX120 IS Gallery and Fujifilm F550 EXR Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon SX120 IS offers external 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) whilst the Fujifilm F550 EXR has measurements of 104mm x 63mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX120 IS and Fujifilm F550 EXR in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the SX120 IS vs the Fujifilm F550 EXR.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SX120 IS and Fujifilm F550 EXR is 87 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to see the gap between sensor sizing only by looking at technical specs. The graphic here will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SX120 IS and Fujifilm F550 EXR.

As you can tell, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SX120 IS with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Fujifilm F550 EXR will resolve more detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The older SX120 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.