Canon SX160 IS vs Pentax I-10

Following is a in-depth review of the Canon SX160 IS and Pentax I-10, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Canon and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the resolutions of the SX160 IS (16MP) and I-10 (12MP) but they use the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SX160 IS was introduced 3 years after the I-10 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the SX160 IS grades against the I-10 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX160 IS and Pentax Optio I-10. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SX160 IS Gallery and Pentax I-10 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Canon SX160 IS provides exterior measurements of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") along with a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs) whilst the Pentax I-10 has specifications of 101mm x 65mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.1") and a weight of 153 grams (0.34 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX160 IS and Pentax I-10 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the SX160 IS against the I-10.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SX160 IS and I-10 is 86 and 93 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to see the contrast in sensor sizes simply by looking through technical specs. The picture below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX160 IS and I-10.

As you can tell, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Canon SX160 IS to result in greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The younger SX160 IS is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.