Canon SX20 IS vs Sigma DP1s

Here, we are matching up the Canon SX20 IS versus Sigma DP1s, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Canon and Sigma. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and DP1s (5MP) and the SX20 IS (1/2.3") and DP1s (APS-C) provide different sensor dimensions.

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The SX20 IS was introduced 10 months after the DP1s so they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP1s being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the SX20 IS scores versus the DP1s in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Sigma DP1s. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Sigma DP1s Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon SX20 IS offers physical 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) and the Sigma DP1s has proportions of 109mm x 60mm x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs).

See the Canon SX20 IS versus Sigma DP1s in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the SX20 IS against the DP1s.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX20 IS and DP1s is 65 and 90 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions only by reading specs. The picture below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SX20 IS and DP1s.

All in all, the two cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SX20 IS having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Canon SX20 IS will offer you more detail using its extra 7MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The newer SX20 IS should have an advantage in sensor technology.