Canon SX20 IS vs Sony A7R

Below, we will be comparing the Canon SX20 IS versus Sony A7R, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Canon and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and A7R (36MP) and the SX20 IS (1/2.3") and A7R (Full frame) feature different sensor measurements.

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The SX20 IS was revealed 4 years prior to the A7R which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A7R being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summary of how the SX20 IS scores vs the A7R with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Sony Alpha A7R. The full galleries are available at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Sony A7R Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Canon SX20 IS features outside 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 Sony A7R has sizing of 127mm x 94mm x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") along with a weight of 465 grams (1.03 lbs).

Examine the Canon SX20 IS versus Sony A7R in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the SX20 IS versus the A7R.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SX20 IS and A7R is 65 and 78 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to picture the gap between sensor sizes purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The image below will help offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX20 IS and A7R.

As you can see, each of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SX20 IS having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony A7R will offer you greater detail because of its extra 24MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SX20 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.