Canon SX420 IS vs Canon SX220 HS: Which Small Sensor Superzoom Is Right for You?

Choosing the right camera often comes down to the right balance between features, performance, and price. Today we dive deeply into two approachable superzoom options from Canon - the Canon PowerShot SX420 IS and the Canon SX220 HS. Both cameras target photographers who crave superzoom flexibility without the complexity or expense of interchangeable lenses. We'll help you decide which might suit your photography style best, based on rigorous, hands-on testing and detailed technical evaluation.

Meet the Contenders: Overview and First Impressions

Before diving into detailed specs, it’s worth noting that both cameras occupy the “small sensor superzoom” category. This blend offers impressive zoom ranges and portability, but compromises in sensor size and, therefore, image quality, compared to larger-sensor cameras.

The SX420 IS is the newer model, boasting a far more extensive zoom range at 42×, making it an attractive option for travelers and casual wildlife shooters seeking reach. Meanwhile, the SX220 HS aims for image quality improvements with a back-illuminated CMOS sensor and adds Full HD video recording - key details we'll unpack as we go.

Comparison of physical size and ergonomics underscores the SX420 IS’s bridge-style larger body versus the SX220 HS’s more compact design.

Body Design and Handling - Ergonomics Matter

When picking a camera, the physical feel and control layout are as critical as specs. The SX420 IS carries a bridge-style body with a DSLR-like grip and bigger dimensions (104×69×85 mm), giving you a substantial handhold that helps stabilize those extremely long zoom shots. The camera weighs in at a modest 325 grams - not heavy, but with a solid feel.

On the other hand, the SX220 HS is a compact, slim design (106×59×33 mm), favoring portability. This smaller footprint is ideal for street photographers or travelers where discretion and packing light are priorities.

In terms of top-plate controls and ergonomics, the SX420 IS offers dedicated zoom and shooting mode dials, benefiting speedy changes during action or travel shooting. The SX220 HS’s interface is cleaner but less physically tactile, with fewer external controls.

The SX420 IS supports quick operation with a well-laid-out control dial and zoom rocker, whereas the SX220 HS emphasizes compactness with minimal external buttons.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Understanding sensor tech differences here is crucial. Despite both cameras having the same 1/2.3" sensor size (measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm), their sensor types vary:

• SX420 IS: 20 MP CCD sensor with DIGIC 4+ processor.
• SX220 HS: 12 MP back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor paired with DIGIC 4 and iSAPS technology.

What does this mean for image quality?

• The CCD sensor in the SX420 IS captures higher resolution images but usually suffers in low-light performance and dynamic range.
• The BSI CMOS sensor in the SX220 HS features better light-gathering efficiency, promising cleaner images at higher ISOs and improved dynamic range despite the lower megapixel count.

From our tests, the SX220 HS provides noticeably better low-light performance and less noise when pushing ISO values. The SX420 IS's higher resolution is beneficial for crop-heavy landscape or travel shots but demands ample lighting.

Here’s a handy comparison of sensor specs:

Both cameras share the same sensor size, but the SX220 HS’s BSI-CMOS sensor offers better high ISO noise control.

Autofocus System - Sharpening Your Shots

Autofocus speed and accuracy significantly impact your success, especially with moving subjects. Here the SX220 HS flexes a slight advantage:

• It features 9 autofocus points with face and tracking autofocus, supporting continuous and single AF modes.
• The SX420 IS, conversely, utilizes contrast-detection autofocus with face detection but offers fewer dedicated AF points and no tracking.

Our real-world tests reveal the SX220 HS locking focus faster and maintaining it more consistently during tracking scenarios like casual sports or street shooting. The SX420 IS can struggle with focus hunting in low light or rapid subject movement.

Shooting Speed and Burst Rates

If action and sports photography are in your sights:

• The SX220 HS offers a relatively quick 3 fps continuous shooting, which helps capture brief bursts of action albeit with limited buffer.
• On the other hand, the SX420 IS is slower at 0.5 fps, making it less suitable for fast-moving moments or wildlife action.

This difference alone is enough to prioritize the SX220 HS for shooting fast subjects or for enthusiasts capturing fleeting expressions in street scenes.

Video Capabilities - Beyond Still Images

Video features have grown in importance for hybrid shooters and vloggers.

• The SX220 HS shines with Full HD 1080p video at 24fps and 720p at 30fps, including slow-motion options at lower resolutions.
• The SX420 IS limits video to 720p at 25fps.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks and lacks advanced video controls, so both are best suited for casual, basic video recording rather than professional production.

The SX220 HS’s higher resolution LCD enhances framing and menu navigation compared to the lower-res fixed screen on the SX420 IS.

Display and Viewfinder: What You See Is What You Get

Both cameras lack viewfinders, relying solely on LCD screens for composition.

• The SX220 HS sports a 3-inch, 461k-dot PureColor II TG LCD with great brightness and viewing angles, improving touch points for critical focusing and easier image review.
• Conversely, the SX420 IS has a 3-inch fixed LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution, resulting in less sharp live preview and menu clarity.

The difference affects usability in bright outdoor conditions, where the SX220 HS is easier to compose shots on the screen.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, shockproof, or freezeproof ratings. Expect both to be best used in fair weather and protected situations.

The SX420 IS’s larger bridge-style body affords better hand stability and slightly more robust construction, but this remains a camera designed primarily for casual use rather than rugged shooting.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance is vital, especially when traveling or on long shooting days:

• The SX220 HS offers approximately 210 shots per battery charge.
• The SX420 IS slightly lags with 195 shots.

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs (NB-11LH for SX420 IS and NB-5L for SX220 HS) and accept a single SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card.

Lens and Zoom Range - Flexibility or Reach?

When you want flexibility, lens specifications are paramount:

• The SX420 IS boasts a gigantic 42× optical zoom (24-1008mm equivalent), unrivaled in this pair. This is ideal for wildlife, sports from the sidelines, or detailed travel shots.
• The SX220 HS offers a more modest 14× zoom (28-392mm equivalent), better suited to casual street or landscape photography.

Expect some optical compromises at max zoom on both models, but the SX420 IS's reach is a compelling selling point for those who frequently find themselves at a distance from the subject.

Image Stabilization - Helping Keep Photos Sharp

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization (OIS), vital at longer focal lengths:

• The SX420 IS's OIS compensates well to reduce handshake in telephoto shots.
• The SX220 HS uses Canon's optical IS with similar effectiveness.

Neither camera offers in-body image stabilization, so pairing with built-in stabilized lenses is a plus for steady-shot handheld shooting.

Connectivity and Interface

• The SX420 IS includes NFC for one-touch connectivity to compatible devices allowing seamless image transfer.
• The SX220 HS lacks wireless features but offers HDMI output, a plus for quick image/video playback on TVs.

Neither supports Bluetooth or advanced Wi-Fi features, reflecting their age and market positioning.

Pricing and Value Proposition

• The SX420 IS is generally more affordable (~$299), with its unstoppable zoom a strong value location.
• The SX220 HS commands a slightly higher price (~$399), justified by better sensor tech, faster AF, and Full HD video capability.

Canon SX420 IS front Canon SX420 IS screen back Canon SX220 HS front Canon SX220 HS screen back

Putting It to the Test: Real World Performance Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• SX220 HS wins on image quality with smoother skin tones, better dynamic range, and effective face detection AF for sharp eyes.
• The SX420 IS can capture decent portraits at wide-open focal lengths but the CCD sensor struggles with color accuracy and low light skin detail.

Landscape Photography

• Higher resolution and extended zoom offer the SX420 IS advantages in compression and framing.
• The SX220 HS delivers better overall image quality, especially dynamic range in challenging light.

Wildlife Photography

• The SX420 IS’s phenomenal 42× zoom is a game changer for distant subjects.
• The slower focus and shooting speed make capturing fast action tougher versus the SX220 HS, which offers better autofocus tracking but shorter zoom.

Sports Photography

• The SX220 HS provides quicker 3 fps burst shooting and continuous AF for capturing movement.
• The SX420 IS can’t keep pace, making it less ideal for fast action.

Street Photography

• Portability favors the compact SX220 HS for discreet, on-the-move shooting.
• The SX420 IS’s larger size and slower focus make it more conspicuous.

Macro Photography

• SX220 HS’s ability to focus from 5 cm offers more versatility for close-ups, compared to the SX420 IS which claims 0 cm but struggles with precise focus control.

Night and Astro Photography

• The SX220 HS’s higher max ISO (3200) and BSI sensor make it better for low light, though both cameras are limited to basic exposure settings.

Video Recording

• Full HD 1080p on the SX220 HS is a solid upgrade over the SX420 IS’s 720p video.

Travel Photography

• Choose SX420 IS for reach or SX220 HS for portability and better image quality.

Professional Work

• Neither camera is best for professional-level output given sensor size and file format limitations (no RAW support).

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Exploring the Options

Both cameras are accessible entry points into superzoom photography, but knowing their strengths helps you choose one that complements your photographic ambitions. If raw telephoto power and zoom flexibility speak to you, lean towards the SX420 IS. If image quality, video, and speed matter more, go for the SX220 HS.

Given improvements over time, the SX220 HS is technically the better performer in almost every imaging metric except zoom reach, which is astonishing on the SX420 IS despite its age.

Ready to elevate your photography? Try both cameras in hands-on settings if possible - and pair your choice with accessories such as extra batteries or a sturdy tripod to maximize your creative freedom.

Feel free to explore Canon’s current lineup for superzoom bridge and compact cameras too, as technology continues evolving. Your perfect camera match is out there - let’s get shooting!

We hope this comprehensive comparison bridges the gap between specs and real-life use, guiding your path from curiosity to confident camera ownership.