Canon SX120 IS vs Panasonic LF1

Here, we are analyzing the Canon SX120 IS and Panasonic LF1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SX120 IS (10MP) and the LF1 (12MP) is fairly close but the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and LF1 (1/1.7") provide different sensor dimensions.

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The SX120 IS was announced 5 years earlier than the LF1 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the SX120 IS grades against the LF1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SX120 IS Gallery and Panasonic LF1 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Canon SX120 IS comes with physical measurements of 111mm x 71mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.8" x 1.8") having a weight of 285 grams (0.63 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LF1 has sizing of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX120 IS and Panasonic LF1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that moment. The following is a front view size comparison of the SX120 IS against the LF1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX120 IS and LF1 is 87 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to picture the gap in sensor measurements merely by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic here will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SX120 IS and LF1.

Clearly, both of those cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SX120 IS using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field trickier and the Panasonic LF1 will provide you with greater detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The older SX120 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.