Canon SX20 IS vs Sony HX99

Here is a extensive overview of the Canon SX20 IS versus Sony HX99, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Canon and Sony. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and HX99 (18MP) and the SX20 IS (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) come with different sensor sizes.

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The SX20 IS was brought out 9 years earlier than the HX99 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX99 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SX20 IS scores against the HX99 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX20 IS has physical dimensions of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") and a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Sony HX99 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") along with a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Check the Canon SX20 IS versus Sony HX99 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the SX20 IS vs the HX99.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SX20 IS and HX99 is 65 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing simply by seeing specifications. The photograph below should offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX20 IS and HX99.

To sum up, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SX20 IS because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field simpler and the Sony HX99 will show extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older SX20 IS will be behind with regard to sensor tech.