Canon SX400 IS vs Canon SX420 IS

The following is a comprehensive review of the Canon SX400 IS vs Canon SX420 IS, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and both of them are offered by Canon. The resolution of the SX400 IS (16MP) and the SX420 IS (20MP) is pretty well matched and they enjoy the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SX400 IS was launched 17 months prior to the SX420 IS which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX400 IS being a Compact camera and the Canon SX420 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SX400 IS grades versus the SX420 IS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX400 IS and Canon PowerShot SX420 IS. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX400 IS Gallery and Canon SX420 IS Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SX400 IS provides external dimensions of 104mm x 69mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.7" x 3.1") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Canon SX420 IS has measurements of 104mm x 69mm x 85mm (4.1" x 2.7" x 3.3") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).

See the Canon SX400 IS vs Canon SX420 IS in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the SX400 IS and the SX420 IS.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX400 IS and SX420 IS is 81 and 80 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions purely by looking at specs. The image here will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SX400 IS and SX420 IS.

As you can plainly see, both cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit different MP. You should expect the Canon SX420 IS to resolve more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged SX400 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.