Canon SX20 IS vs Olympus SZ-15

The following is a thorough assessment of the Canon SX20 IS vs Olympus SZ-15, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Canon and Olympus. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and SZ-15 (16MP) but they possess the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX20 IS was manufactured 4 years earlier than the SZ-15 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief view of how the SX20 IS grades versus the SZ-15 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Olympus SZ-15. The entire galleries are provided at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Olympus SZ-15 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and measurements. The Canon SX20 IS enjoys outside 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) whilst the Olympus SZ-15 has proportions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check out the Canon SX20 IS vs Olympus SZ-15 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the SX20 IS versus the SZ-15.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SX20 IS and SZ-15 is 65 and 88 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to see the gap in sensor dimensions simply by researching specs. The image underneath may give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX20 IS and SZ-15.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Olympus SZ-15 to provide you with extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics far more aggressively. The more aged SX20 IS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.