Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX610 HS

Here is a complete assessment of the Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX610 HS, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and both of them are built by Canon. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and SX610 HS (20MP) but they come with the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX20 IS was announced 5 years earlier than the SX610 HS and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Canon SX610 HS being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the SX20 IS grades vs the SX610 HS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Canon PowerShot SX610 HS. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Canon SX610 HS Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon SX20 IS features 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) and the Canon SX610 HS has proportions of 105mm x 61mm x 27mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 191 grams (0.42 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX610 HS in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use during that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the SX20 IS against the SX610 HS.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SX20 IS and SX610 HS is 65 and 93 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing purely by going over specifications. The photograph below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX20 IS and SX610 HS.

Plainly, each of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but different MP. You should expect to see the Canon SX610 HS to offer greater detail with its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The older SX20 IS is going to be behind in sensor tech.