Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX510 HS

Here, we are looking at the Canon SX20 IS versus Canon SX510 HS, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and both of them are built by Canon. The resolution of the SX20 IS (12MP) and the SX510 HS (12MP) is fairly comparable and both cameras offer the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SX20 IS was revealed 4 years prior to the SX510 HS which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Canon SX510 HS being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summation of how the SX20 IS matches up versus the SX510 HS when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS & Canon PowerShot SX510 HS. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX20 IS Gallery & Canon SX510 HS Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SX20 IS offers outer dimensions of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Canon SX510 HS has measurements of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") with a weight of 349 grams (0.77 lbs).

See the Canon SX20 IS versus Canon SX510 HS in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose at the time. The following is a front view size comparison of the SX20 IS and the SX510 HS.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX20 IS and SX510 HS is 65 and 80 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to picture the difference in sensor sizes purely by going through a spec sheet. The picture below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX20 IS and SX510 HS.

Clearly, the two cameras feature the identical sensor size and the identical MP and you can expect comparable quality of files although you will need to consider the launch date of the cameras into account. The more aged SX20 IS will be behind in sensor tech.