Canon SX20 IS vs Sony RX10

Its time to look much closer at the Canon SX20 IS versus Sony RX10, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Canon and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and RX10 (20MP) and the SX20 IS (1/2.3") and RX10 (1") possess different sensor measurements.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The SX20 IS was revealed 4 years earlier than the RX10 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick view of how the SX20 IS grades versus the RX10 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Sony RX10 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera frequently, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Canon SX20 IS has outside measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) and the Sony RX10 has proportions of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") and a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX20 IS versus Sony RX10 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the SX20 IS and the RX10.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SX20 IS and RX10 is 65 and 58 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizes merely by going through specs. The picture here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SX20 IS and RX10.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SX20 IS having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony RX10 will provide greater detail because of its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged SX20 IS will be behind with regard to sensor tech.