Canon SX120 IS vs Panasonic S3

Here, we are evaluating the Canon SX120 IS and Panasonic S3, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by companies Canon and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the SX120 IS (10MP) and S3 (14MP) and the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and S3 (1/2.3") have different sensor size.

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The SX120 IS was launched 16 months before the S3 making them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the SX120 IS matches up against the S3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX120 IS Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera, you'll need to factor in 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") having a weight of 285 grams (0.63 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX120 IS and Panasonic S3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the SX120 IS and the S3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX120 IS and S3 is 87 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions just by going through technical specs. The pic underneath will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX120 IS and S3.

As you can tell, both of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SX120 IS due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic S3 will show greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more aged SX120 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.