Canon SX20 IS vs Nikon D90

Below is a complete review of the Canon SX20 IS and Nikon D90, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Canon and Nikon. The resolution of the SX20 IS (12MP) and the D90 (12MP) is fairly close but the SX20 IS (1/2.3") and D90 (APS-C) posses different sensor sizes.

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The SX20 IS was released 22 months later than the D90 making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Nikon D90 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going right into a complete comparison, here is a simple view of how the SX20 IS grades vs the D90 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Nikon D90. The complete galleries are provided at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Nikon D90 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon SX20 IS features physical dimensions of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") along with a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Nikon D90 has proportions of 132mm x 103mm x 77mm (5.2" x 4.1" x 3.0") along with a weight of 703 grams (1.55 lbs).

Examine the Canon SX20 IS and Nikon D90 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the SX20 IS compared to the D90.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX20 IS and D90 is 65 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements purely by looking through technical specs. The graphic below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SX20 IS and D90.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras come with the identical megapixel count but different sensor measurements. The SX20 IS has the smaller sensor which should make getting shallow depth of field more difficult. The more recent SX20 IS should have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.