Canon SX120 IS vs Nikon S9500

Below, we will be analyzing the Canon SX120 IS vs Nikon S9500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Canon and Nikon. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the SX120 IS (10MP) and S9500 (18MP) and the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and S9500 (1/2.3") use different sensor measurements.

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The SX120 IS was unveiled 4 years before the S9500 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the SX120 IS scores versus the S9500 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and Nikon Coolpix S9500. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX120 IS Gallery and Nikon S9500 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Canon SX120 IS enjoys exterior dimensions of 111mm x 71mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.8" x 1.8") and a weight of 285 grams (0.63 lbs) while the Nikon S9500 has sizing of 110mm x 60mm x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX120 IS vs Nikon S9500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the SX120 IS against the S9500.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SX120 IS and S9500 is 87 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to picture the difference between sensor measurements merely by looking at specs. The photograph below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SX120 IS and S9500.

As you can plainly see, both cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SX120 IS with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Nikon S9500 will resolve greater detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older SX120 IS is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.