Canon SX540 HS vs Sony HX20V

Lets look a bit more closely at the Canon SX540 HS vs Sony HX20V, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Canon and Sony. The image resolution of the SX540 HS (20MP) and the HX20V (18MP) is pretty similar and they enjoy the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX540 HS was launched 3 years later than the HX20V and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX540 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SX540 HS scores versus the HX20V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX540 HS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX540 HS Gallery and Sony HX20V Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Canon SX540 HS offers physical dimensions of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") having a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) while the Sony HX20V has measurements of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX540 HS vs Sony HX20V in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the SX540 HS against the HX20V.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX540 HS and HX20V is 69 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reviewing specs. The photograph underneath should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SX540 HS and HX20V.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Canon SX540 HS to offer you more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The newer SX540 HS is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.