Canon SX420 IS vs Canon XC10

Its time to look more closely at the Canon SX420 IS versus Canon XC10, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both of them are produced by Canon. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the SX420 IS (20MP) and XC10 (12MP) and the SX420 IS (1/2.3") and XC10 (1") come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The SX420 IS was released 10 months later than the XC10 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX420 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Canon XC10 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going through a thorough comparison, below is a short view of how the SX420 IS matches up versus the XC10 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX420 IS & Canon XC10. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX420 IS Gallery & Canon XC10 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Canon SX420 IS enjoys exterior dimensions of 104mm x 69mm x 85mm (4.1" x 2.7" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Canon XC10 has specifications of 125mm x 102mm x 122mm (4.9" x 4.0" x 4.8") and a weight of 1040 grams (2.29 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX420 IS versus Canon XC10 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the SX420 IS compared to the XC10.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SX420 IS and XC10 is 80 and 54 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing merely by checking a spec sheet. The visual underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SX420 IS and XC10.

Clearly, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SX420 IS featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Canon SX420 IS will give extra detail as a result of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The fresher SX420 IS is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.