Canon SX120 IS vs Nikon S640

Here, we will be reviewing the Canon SX120 IS vs Nikon S640, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Canon and Nikon. The resolution of the SX120 IS (10MP) and the S640 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and S640 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The SX120 IS was unveiled about the same time to the S640 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief view of how the SX120 IS scores against the S640 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and Nikon Coolpix S640. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX120 IS Gallery and Nikon S640 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Canon SX120 IS has got external dimensions of 111mm x 71mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.8" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 285 grams (0.63 lbs) and the Nikon S640 has sizing of 91mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 130 grams (0.29 lbs).

See the Canon SX120 IS vs Nikon S640 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the SX120 IS against the S640.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX120 IS and S640 is 87 and 96 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by looking at technical specs. The picture here will offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX120 IS and S640.

As you have seen, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SX120 IS having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Nikon S640 will give you more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively.