Canon SX120 IS vs Panasonic ZS5

Let's look more closely at the Canon SX120 IS vs Panasonic ZS5, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Canon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SX120 IS (10MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is pretty similar but the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and ZS5 (1/2.3") posses different sensor dimensions.

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The SX120 IS was brought out 10 months earlier than the ZS5 which means that they are both of a similar age. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SX120 IS matches up versus the ZS5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The entire galleries are available at Canon SX120 IS Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX120 IS has outside 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) whilst the Panasonic ZS5 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Examine the Canon SX120 IS vs Panasonic ZS5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have during that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the SX120 IS compared to the ZS5.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SX120 IS and ZS5 is 87 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing only by reviewing specs. The visual here should offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX120 IS and ZS5.

All in all, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SX120 IS featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic ZS5 will deliver extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older SX120 IS is going to be behind in sensor innovation.