Canon SX420 IS vs Leica M9-P

On this page, we are looking at the Canon SX420 IS and Leica M9-P, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Canon and Leica. The sensor resolution of the SX420 IS (20MP) and the M9-P (18MP) is very well matched but the SX420 IS (1/2.3") and M9-P (Full frame) have different sensor sizes.

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The SX420 IS was launched 4 years after the M9-P which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Canon SX420 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Leica M9-P being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SX420 IS grades vs the M9-P in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX420 IS & Leica M9-P. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX420 IS Gallery & Leica M9-P Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Canon SX420 IS has exterior measurements of 104mm x 69mm x 85mm (4.1" x 2.7" x 3.3") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Leica M9-P has specifications of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") with a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX420 IS and Leica M9-P in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have at the time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the SX420 IS against the M9-P.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX420 IS and M9-P is 80 and 78 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading through a spec sheet. The pic below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SX420 IS and M9-P.

As you can see, each of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SX420 IS due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Canon SX420 IS will give you greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images a bit more aggressively. The newer SX420 IS provides an edge in sensor technology.