Canon SX120 IS vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Following is a extensive assessment of the Canon SX120 IS and Olympus XZ-2 iHS, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Canon and Olympus. The resolution of the SX120 IS (10MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is very comparable but the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") feature different sensor sizing.

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The SX120 IS was revealed 4 years before the XZ-2 iHS which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a more detailed comparison, below is a short summation of how the SX120 IS matches up against the XZ-2 iHS in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX120 IS Gallery and Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX120 IS has outer dimensions of 111mm x 71mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.8" x 1.8") and a weight of 285 grams (0.63 lbs) and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX120 IS and Olympus XZ-2 iHS in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you use during that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the SX120 IS compared to the XZ-2 iHS.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX120 IS and XZ-2 iHS is 87 and 85 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes merely by going through a spec sheet. The image underneath will help give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX120 IS and XZ-2 iHS.

As you can see, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SX120 IS having a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS will show greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images much more aggressively. The more aged SX120 IS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.