Canon SX160 IS vs Sony ZV-1

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Canon SX160 IS versus Sony ZV-1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Canon and Sony. The image resolution of the SX160 IS (16MP) and the ZV-1 (20MP) is very well matched but the SX160 IS (1/2.3") and ZV-1 (1") use totally different sensor sizing.

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The SX160 IS was released 8 years before the ZV-1 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX160 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony ZV-1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a short highlight of how the SX160 IS grades against the ZV-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX160 IS & Sony ZV-1. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX160 IS Gallery & Sony ZV-1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Canon SX160 IS features outside dimensions of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") along with a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs) while the Sony ZV-1 has specifications of 105mm x 60mm x 44mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 294 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check out the Canon SX160 IS versus Sony ZV-1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the SX160 IS and the ZV-1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SX160 IS and ZV-1 is 86 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to see the difference between sensor sizing only by looking at technical specs. The visual below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SX160 IS and ZV-1.

As you can tell, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SX160 IS due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony ZV-1 will give you extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The older SX160 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.