Canon SX120 IS vs Panasonic 3D1

Here, we are reviewing the Canon SX120 IS and Panasonic 3D1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SX120 IS (10MP) and the 3D1 (12MP) is fairly close but the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and 3D1 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizes.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The SX120 IS was announced 3 years prior to the 3D1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise overview of how the SX120 IS grades vs the 3D1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX120 IS Gallery & Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Canon SX120 IS comes with external measurements of 111mm x 71mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.8" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 285 grams (0.63 lbs) whilst the Panasonic 3D1 has proportions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX120 IS and Panasonic 3D1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have during that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the SX120 IS compared to the 3D1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX120 IS and 3D1 is 87 and 93 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to picture the difference in sensor sizing merely by looking through specs. The graphic below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SX120 IS and 3D1.

All in all, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SX120 IS having a smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh trickier and the Panasonic 3D1 will render more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The older SX120 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.