Canon SX20 IS vs Sony a3500

Here, we are analyzing the Canon SX20 IS and Sony a3500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Canon and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and a3500 (20MP) and the SX20 IS (1/2.3") and a3500 (APS-C) offer different sensor dimensions.

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The SX20 IS was brought out 4 years before the a3500 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony a3500 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SX20 IS scores vs the a3500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Sony Alpha a3500. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Sony a3500 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon SX20 IS provides physical 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 Sony a3500 has measurements of 128mm x 91mm x 85mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 411 grams (0.91 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX20 IS and Sony a3500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select during that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the SX20 IS and the a3500.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX20 IS and a3500 is 65 and 69 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to picture the contrast in sensor measurements merely by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SX20 IS and a3500.

Clearly, the two cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SX20 IS featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony a3500 will show extra detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older SX20 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.