Canon SX20 IS vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

Let's examine more closely at the Canon SX20 IS and Ricoh GR Digital IV, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Canon and Ricoh. The sensor resolution of the SX20 IS (12MP) and the GR Digital IV (10MP) is relatively similar but the SX20 IS (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SX20 IS was launched 14 months earlier than the GR Digital IV which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Ricoh GR Digital IV being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick view of how the SX20 IS scores vs the GR Digital IV with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Ricoh GR Digital IV. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Canon SX20 IS has exterior measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") having a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) and the Ricoh GR Digital IV has sizing of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX20 IS and Ricoh GR Digital IV in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the SX20 IS and the GR Digital IV.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SX20 IS and GR Digital IV is 65 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes only by reviewing specs. The pic below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX20 IS and GR Digital IV.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SX20 IS featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Canon SX20 IS will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged SX20 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.