Canon SX20 IS vs Samsung NX1000

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Canon SX20 IS and Samsung NX1000, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Canon and Samsung. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and NX1000 (20MP) and the SX20 IS (1/2.3") and NX1000 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

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The SX20 IS was unveiled 21 months prior to the NX1000 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Samsung NX1000 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a simple overview of how the SX20 IS scores against the NX1000 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Samsung NX1000. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Samsung NX1000 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon SX20 IS comes with outer dimensions of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") with a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) and the Samsung NX1000 has proportions of 114mm x 63mm x 37mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 222 grams (0.49 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX20 IS and Samsung NX1000 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the SX20 IS against the NX1000.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SX20 IS and NX1000 is 65 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading specifications. The graphic here should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX20 IS and NX1000.

To sum up, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SX20 IS with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Samsung NX1000 will offer more detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older SX20 IS is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.