Canon SX20 IS vs Olympus SH-50

Below, we will be looking at the Canon SX20 IS versus Olympus SH-50, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Canon and Olympus. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and SH-50 (16MP) but they possess the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SX20 IS was manufactured 3 years earlier than the SH-50 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a quick summary of how the SX20 IS matches up versus the SH-50 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS & Olympus SH-50. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon SX20 IS Gallery & Olympus SH-50 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Canon SX20 IS offers outside measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") and a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Olympus SH-50 has specifications of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX20 IS versus Olympus SH-50 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the SX20 IS vs the SH-50.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SX20 IS and SH-50 is 65 and 88 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes purely by researching a spec sheet. The pic here should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX20 IS and SH-50.

As you can see, both of these cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Olympus SH-50 to render extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SX20 IS will be behind in sensor technology.