Canon SX200 IS vs Sony A290

Its time to examine more in depth at the Canon SX200 IS vs Sony A290, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Canon and Sony. The image resolution of the SX200 IS (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is very comparable but the SX200 IS (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SX200 IS was unveiled 13 months earlier than the A290 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX200 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief view of how the SX200 IS grades vs the A290 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX200 IS & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX200 IS Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and size. The Canon SX200 IS features exterior measurements of 103mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") with a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Sony A290 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") having a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

See the Canon SX200 IS vs Sony A290 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select during that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the SX200 IS versus the A290.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SX200 IS and A290 is 90 and 66 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizing purely by going through specifications. The photograph below will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX200 IS and A290.

To sum up, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SX200 IS with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony A290 will produce greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older SX200 IS will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.