Canon SX420 IS vs Sony a5100

Its time to look more in depth at the Canon SX420 IS vs Sony a5100, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Canon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SX420 IS (20MP) and the a5100 (24MP) is very comparable but the SX420 IS (1/2.3") and a5100 (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

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The SX420 IS was announced 17 months later than the a5100 making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Canon SX420 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SX420 IS grades vs the a5100 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX420 IS & Sony Alpha a5100. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX420 IS Gallery & Sony a5100 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Canon SX420 IS provides outer dimensions 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 Sony a5100 has proportions of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") along with a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX420 IS vs Sony a5100 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the SX420 IS versus the a5100.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX420 IS and a5100 is 80 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to imagine the gap in sensor measurements only by seeing technical specs. The photograph underneath may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SX420 IS and a5100.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SX420 IS with its smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh more difficult and the Sony a5100 will produce extra detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The fresher SX420 IS provides a benefit in sensor technology.