Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX720 HS

Here is a in depth assessment of the Canon SX20 IS and Canon SX720 HS, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and both of them are produced by Canon. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and SX720 HS (20.3MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SX20 IS was introduced 6 years prior to the SX720 HS and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Canon SX720 HS being a Compact camera.

Before going into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick view of how the SX20 IS matches up vs the SX720 HS in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS & Canon PowerShot SX720 HS. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX20 IS Gallery & Canon SX720 HS Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Canon SX20 IS has outside dimensions of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") having a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Canon SX720 HS has sizing of 110mm x 64mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX20 IS and Canon SX720 HS in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the SX20 IS versus the SX720 HS.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SX20 IS and SX720 HS is 65 and 89 respectively.

Often, its tough to see the difference between sensor sizing just by checking specifications. The visual below will give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX20 IS and SX720 HS.

To sum up, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Canon SX720 HS to give extra detail using its extra 8.3 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older SX20 IS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.