Canon SX120 IS vs Nikon S9700

Below is a comprehensive review of the Canon SX120 IS vs Nikon S9700, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Canon and Nikon. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the SX120 IS (10MP) and S9700 (16MP) and the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and S9700 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizing.

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The SX120 IS was introduced 5 years prior to the S9700 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SX120 IS matches up versus the S9700 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and Nikon Coolpix S9700. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SX120 IS Gallery and Nikon S9700 Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon SX120 IS has exterior 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) while the Nikon S9700 has measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") along with a weight of 232 grams (0.51 lbs).

See the Canon SX120 IS vs Nikon S9700 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the SX120 IS against the S9700.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX120 IS and S9700 is 87 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to picture the contrast in sensor measurements purely by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SX120 IS and S9700.

As you can see, both cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SX120 IS with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Nikon S9700 will result in extra detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older SX120 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.