Canon SX120 IS vs Olympus Tough-3000

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Canon SX120 IS and Olympus Tough-3000, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by rivals Canon and Olympus. The resolution of the SX120 IS (10MP) and the Tough-3000 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and Tough-3000 (1/2.3") use different sensor dimensions.

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The SX120 IS was brought out 4 months prior to the Tough-3000 and they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summary of how the SX120 IS grades versus the Tough-3000 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and Olympus Stylus Tough-3000. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon SX120 IS Gallery and Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX120 IS enjoys physical 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 Olympus Tough-3000 has dimensions of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Canon SX120 IS and Olympus Tough-3000 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the SX120 IS and the Tough-3000.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SX120 IS and Tough-3000 is 87 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizes just by reading through specs. The pic here will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX120 IS and Tough-3000.

All in all, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SX120 IS featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Olympus Tough-3000 will resolve more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively.