Canon SX160 IS vs Canon XC10

Following is a extended review of the Canon SX160 IS vs Canon XC10, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact and both are designed by Canon. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the SX160 IS (16MP) and XC10 (12MP) and the SX160 IS (1/2.3") and XC10 (1") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The SX160 IS was unveiled 21 months earlier than the XC10 making them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Canon SX160 IS being a Compact camera and the Canon XC10 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summation of how the SX160 IS matches up versus the XC10 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX160 IS and Canon XC10. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX160 IS Gallery and Canon XC10 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX160 IS provides outside measurements of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") having a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs) and the Canon XC10 has dimensions of 125mm x 102mm x 122mm (4.9" x 4.0" x 4.8") having a weight of 1040 grams (2.29 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX160 IS vs Canon XC10 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the SX160 IS compared to the XC10.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SX160 IS and XC10 is 86 and 54 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizes just by checking specifications. The picture here should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SX160 IS and XC10.

Plainly, both the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SX160 IS with its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Canon SX160 IS will give greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos more aggressively. The more aged SX160 IS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.