Reasons to choose PowerShot SX120 IS
Released in 2009, PowerShot SX120 IS has about 25 mm² of sensor area, 10 MP effective resolution, and a 245 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Canon PowerShot SX120 IS
vs Canon PowerShot SX230 HS
VS
Sensor area
25 mm²
PowerShot SX120 IS28 mm²
PowerShot SX230 HS- Area ratio
- 1.15:1
- Absolute difference
- 4 mm²
- Relative difference
- 14.6%
The PowerShot SX230 HS has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 2 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
PowerShot SX120 ISMetricPowerShot SX230 HS
10 MPEffective pixels12.1 MP
5.75 × 4.32Sensor6.16 × 4.62
1.58 µmPixel pitch1.53 µm
2.48 µm²Pixel area2.35 µm²
40.26 MP/cm²Pixel density42.52 MP/cm²
6.02Crop factor5.62
—Maximum video—
245 gWeight223 g
SDHC, Secure DigitalStorageSDHC, SDXC, Secure Digital
2 x AA batteries (NiMH recommended)BatteryLithium-Ion NB-5L rechargeable battery Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The PowerShot SX230 HS has the larger sensor area. The PowerShot SX230 HS has the lighter body. The PowerShot SX230 HS has the higher effective resolution. The PowerShot SX230 HS is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose PowerShot SX230 HS
Released in 2011, PowerShot SX230 HS has about 28 mm² of sensor area, 12.1 MP effective resolution, and a 223 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.