Canon SX20 IS vs Sony HX1

Lets examine more in depth at the Canon SX20 IS and Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Canon and Sony. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the SX20 IS (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") come with different sensor sizes.

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The SX20 IS was unveiled 15 months after the HX1 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the SX20 IS scores versus the HX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are available at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX20 IS comes with outside measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") along with a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has dimensions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

See the Canon SX20 IS and Sony HX1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the SX20 IS and the HX1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SX20 IS and HX1 is 65 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by researching technical specs. The picture here should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX20 IS and HX1.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SX20 IS having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Canon SX20 IS will render extra detail having an extra 3MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more recent SX20 IS provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.