Canon SX160 IS vs Canon SX420 IS

In this article, we will be matching up the Canon SX160 IS versus Canon SX420 IS, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and both are designed by Canon. The resolution of the SX160 IS (16MP) and the SX420 IS (20MP) is pretty comparable and they enjoy the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX160 IS was introduced 3 years before the SX420 IS and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX160 IS being a Compact camera and the Canon SX420 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving in to a complete comparison, below is a brief overview of how the SX160 IS scores vs the SX420 IS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX160 IS & Canon PowerShot SX420 IS. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX160 IS Gallery & Canon SX420 IS Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Canon SX160 IS features outside measurements of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") with a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs) and the Canon SX420 IS has specifications of 104mm x 69mm x 85mm (4.1" x 2.7" x 3.3") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).

See the Canon SX160 IS versus Canon SX420 IS in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is the front view size comparison of the SX160 IS versus the SX420 IS.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX160 IS and SX420 IS is 86 and 80 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing simply by going through specifications. The photograph here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SX160 IS and SX420 IS.

Plainly, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Canon SX420 IS to provide extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older SX160 IS will be behind with regard to sensor technology.