Canon SX120 IS vs Sony HX99

In this article, we are looking at the Canon SX120 IS and Sony HX99, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Canon and Sony. There exists a considerable gap among the sensor resolutions of the SX120 IS (10MP) and HX99 (18MP) and the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The SX120 IS was announced 10 years before the HX99 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the SX120 IS scores versus the HX99 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX120 IS Gallery & Sony HX99 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and volume. The Canon SX120 IS comes with outside measurements of 111mm x 71mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.8" x 1.8") and a weight of 285 grams (0.63 lbs) while the Sony HX99 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX120 IS and Sony HX99 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the SX120 IS versus the HX99.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX120 IS and HX99 is 87 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions just by seeing a spec sheet. The picture here will give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX120 IS and HX99.

Clearly, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SX120 IS using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Sony HX99 will produce greater detail with its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged SX120 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.