Canon XC10 vs Sony S980

On this page, we are evaluating the Canon XC10 versus Sony S980, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Canon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the XC10 (12MP) and the S980 (12MP) is very well matched but the XC10 (1") and S980 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizing.

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The XC10 was announced 6 years after the S980 which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Canon XC10 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a brief overview of how the XC10 matches up against the S980 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon XC10 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The whole galleries are provided at Canon XC10 Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Canon XC10 has outside dimensions of 125mm x 102mm x 122mm (4.9" x 4.0" x 4.8") having a weight of 1040 grams (2.29 lbs) and the Sony S980 has measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon XC10 versus Sony S980 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is a front view scale comparison of the XC10 and the S980.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XC10 and S980 is 54 and 94 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions merely by checking a spec sheet. The picture here will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the XC10 and S980.

As you can see, both cameras provide the same megapixels but different sensor dimensions. The XC10 features the larger sensor which will make getting bokeh easier. The more recent XC10 should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.