Canon SX230 HS vs Samsung CL5

On this page, we will be comparing the Canon SX230 HS versus Samsung CL5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Canon and Samsung. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX230 HS (12MP) and CL5 (9MP) and the SX230 HS (1/2.3") and CL5 (1/2.5") have different sensor measurements.

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The SX230 HS was released 2 years after the CL5 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SX230 HS being a Compact camera and the Samsung CL5 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a short introduction of how the SX230 HS grades vs the CL5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX230 HS and Samsung CL5. The complete galleries are provided at Canon SX230 HS Gallery and Samsung CL5 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Canon SX230 HS offers external dimensions of 106mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 223 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Samsung CL5 has specifications of 93mm x 60mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.7") and a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs).

See the Canon SX230 HS versus Samsung CL5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the SX230 HS versus the CL5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SX230 HS and CL5 is 91 and 95 respectively.

Usually, its tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizes merely by looking through a spec sheet. The picture here might provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX230 HS and CL5.

Clearly, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SX230 HS due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Canon SX230 HS will result in extra detail as a result of its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The newer SX230 HS should have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.