Canon SX30 IS vs Canon XC10

In this write-up, we are looking at the Canon SX30 IS and Canon XC10, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Canon. The image resolution of the SX30 IS (14MP) and the XC10 (12MP) is very similar but the SX30 IS (1/2.3") and XC10 (1") use different sensor sizing.

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The SX30 IS was unveiled 5 years before the XC10 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX30 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Canon XC10 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the SX30 IS grades versus the XC10 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and Canon XC10. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX30 IS Gallery and Canon XC10 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX30 IS comes with outer dimensions of 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") and a weight of 601 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Canon XC10 has dimensions of 125mm x 102mm x 122mm (4.9" x 4.0" x 4.8") accompanied by a weight of 1040 grams (2.29 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX30 IS and Canon XC10 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the SX30 IS versus the XC10.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SX30 IS and XC10 is 64 and 54 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to picture the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing technical specs. The image here will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX30 IS and XC10.

As you can tell, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SX30 IS using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Canon SX30 IS will offer greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged SX30 IS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.