Canon SX20 IS vs Nikon 1 AW1

On this page, we are evaluating the Canon SX20 IS and Nikon 1 AW1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Canon and Nikon. The resolution of the SX20 IS (12MP) and the 1 AW1 (14MP) is very similar but the SX20 IS (1/2.3") and 1 AW1 (1") provide different sensor measurements.

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The SX20 IS was released 4 years prior to the 1 AW1 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Nikon 1 AW1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a thorough comparison, here is a simple view of how the SX20 IS matches up against the 1 AW1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS & Nikon 1 AW1. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX20 IS Gallery & Nikon 1 AW1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and size. The Canon SX20 IS offers exterior measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Nikon 1 AW1 has specifications of 114mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.5") with a weight of 356 grams (0.78 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX20 IS and Nikon 1 AW1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the SX20 IS vs the 1 AW1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX20 IS and 1 AW1 is 65 and 86 respectively.

Typically, its hard to picture the gap between sensor measurements only by reading a spec sheet. The photograph here will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX20 IS and 1 AW1.

As you can see, each of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SX20 IS because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Nikon 1 AW1 will deliver extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos more aggressively. The older SX20 IS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.