Canon SX20 IS vs Samsung CL5

Lets examine more in depth at the Canon SX20 IS versus Samsung CL5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Ultracompact by companies Canon and Samsung. There exists a substantial gap among the sensor resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and CL5 (9MP) and the SX20 IS (1/2.3") and CL5 (1/2.5") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The SX20 IS was unveiled 17 months later than the CL5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Samsung CL5 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summary of how the SX20 IS matches up versus the CL5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS & Samsung CL5. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX20 IS Gallery & Samsung CL5 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon SX20 IS enjoys external measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") having a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Samsung CL5 has measurements of 93mm x 60mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs).

Check out the Canon SX20 IS versus Samsung CL5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is the front view size comparison of the SX20 IS against the CL5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX20 IS and CL5 is 65 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing only by seeing specifications. The photograph below might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX20 IS and CL5.

To sum up, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SX20 IS with its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Canon SX20 IS will show extra detail having an extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The younger SX20 IS is going to have an edge in sensor tech.