Canon SX160 IS vs Sony TX5

On this page, we will be matching up the Canon SX160 IS vs Sony TX5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Canon and Sony. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the SX160 IS (16MP) and TX5 (10MP) and the SX160 IS (1/2.3") and TX5 (1/2.4") have different sensor sizing.

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The SX160 IS was revealed 3 years after the TX5 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SX160 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony TX5 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple view of how the SX160 IS grades versus the TX5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX160 IS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX160 IS Gallery and Sony TX5 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Canon SX160 IS has got external measurements of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") having a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs) whilst the Sony TX5 has specifications of 94mm x 57mm x 18mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 148 grams (0.33 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX160 IS vs Sony TX5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view size comparison of the SX160 IS vs the TX5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX160 IS and TX5 is 86 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to picture the difference between sensor sizes only by looking at a spec sheet. The picture below might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SX160 IS and TX5.

Clearly, each of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SX160 IS with its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Canon SX160 IS will resolve greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The newer SX160 IS provides an edge in sensor tech.