Canon SX420 IS vs Nikon 1 AW1

Let's look a little more closely at the Canon SX420 IS and Nikon 1 AW1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Canon and Nikon. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the SX420 IS (20MP) and 1 AW1 (14MP) and the SX420 IS (1/2.3") and 1 AW1 (1") boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The SX420 IS was launched 2 years later than the 1 AW1 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Canon SX420 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Nikon 1 AW1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short view of how the SX420 IS scores versus the 1 AW1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX420 IS & Nikon 1 AW1. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX420 IS Gallery & Nikon 1 AW1 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon SX420 IS offers external measurements of 104mm x 69mm x 85mm (4.1" x 2.7" x 3.3") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Nikon 1 AW1 has proportions of 114mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.5") having a weight of 356 grams (0.78 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX420 IS and Nikon 1 AW1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the SX420 IS versus the 1 AW1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX420 IS and 1 AW1 is 80 and 86 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to envision the difference between sensor sizing just by checking technical specs. The photograph underneath might give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SX420 IS and 1 AW1.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SX420 IS due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Canon SX420 IS will give greater detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The younger SX420 IS is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.