Canon SX120 IS vs Sony A55

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Canon SX120 IS versus Sony A55, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Canon and Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the SX120 IS (10MP) and A55 (16MP) and the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and A55 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor size.

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The SX120 IS was launched 12 months before the A55 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX120 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going into a complete comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SX120 IS scores vs the A55 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and Sony SLT-A55. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX120 IS Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and size. The Canon SX120 IS comes with exterior measurements of 111mm x 71mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.8" x 1.8") having a weight of 285 grams (0.63 lbs) while the Sony A55 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") along with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX120 IS versus Sony A55 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the SX120 IS and the A55.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX120 IS and A55 is 87 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing just by seeing specifications. The graphic below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX120 IS and A55.

Plainly, both of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SX120 IS due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony A55 will produce extra detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older SX120 IS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.