Canon SX230 HS vs Sony ZV-1

Let's take a deeper look at the Canon SX230 HS vs Sony ZV-1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Canon and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SX230 HS (12MP) and ZV-1 (20MP) and the SX230 HS (1/2.3") and ZV-1 (1") come with different sensor sizes.

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The SX230 HS was launched 9 years prior to the ZV-1 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX230 HS being a Compact camera and the Sony ZV-1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a simple summation of how the SX230 HS matches up vs the ZV-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX230 HS and Sony ZV-1. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX230 HS Gallery and Sony ZV-1 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Canon SX230 HS comes with outside dimensions of 106mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 223 grams (0.49 lbs) whilst the Sony ZV-1 has specifications of 105mm x 60mm x 44mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.7") along with a weight of 294 grams (0.65 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX230 HS vs Sony ZV-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the SX230 HS vs the ZV-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX230 HS and ZV-1 is 91 and 88 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic here will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SX230 HS and ZV-1.

Clearly, the two cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SX230 HS because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Sony ZV-1 will deliver extra detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos much more aggressively. The older SX230 HS is going to be behind in sensor innovation.