SX110 or SX120?

[Scylene]

Hey guys, I have a beginner question.

I'm trying to decide between a SX110 and the SX120. About a $40 difference. The differences seem to be:

SX110-9MP CCD sensor with DigicIII processor, the CCD sensor is 1/2.3 inch
SX120-10MP CCD sensor with Digic4 processor, the CCD sensor is 1/2.5 inch

I don't think the 1MP makes much of a difference but my big question is which is more important? The processor or the sensor size?

The SX120 has the better processor but the smaller sensor and the SX110 has the slower processor and the larger sensor. Do they sort of cancel each other out? Or is one definitely more important than the other? Are the numbers between the two so small it doesn't make much of a difference?

[Immaculens]

Hello Scylene,

I am an SX110 owner and love it. It can produce very good 11x14" photos. I can only speculate the image quality of the SX120 will be a little better but not much. I think the benefit will likely be in operation speed due to the Digic 4 processor, better face-detection. If I lost my SX110 - my replacement would be the SX120, despite not seeing any professional reviews on the 120 yet. The SX110 appears to outperform the SX200 in image quality & ISO if I interpret the www.dpreview.com reviews. The SX110 is Highly Recommended, where the SX200 is 'middle of the road'
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209grouplongzoom/page16.asp

but you did not ask about the SX200. Consider searching for SX120 unbiased pro reviews. I'm trying to find one.

Hey guys, I have a beginner question.

I'm trying to decide between a SX110 and the SX120. About a $40 difference. The differences seem to be:

SX110-9MP CCD sensor with DigicIII processor, the CCD sensor is 1/2.3 inch
SX120-10MP CCD sensor with Digic4 processor, the CCD sensor is 1/2.5 inch

I don't think the 1MP makes much of a difference but my big question is which is more important? The processor or the sensor size?

The SX120 has the better processor but the smaller sensor and the SX110 has the slower processor and the larger sensor. Do they sort of cancel each other out? Or is one definitely more important than the other? Are the numbers between the two so small it doesn't make much of a difference?

[Scylene]

Thanks for replying Digipanther.

I know a lot of people like the SX200 since it's smaller and has more features, but it's $100 more and I wanted to stay at $250 or less. I've tried looking for SX120 reviews however since it's so similar to the SX110 it seems like most sites aren't even bothering to review. I'll continue looking.

So if a better processor = faster operation speed, what does a larger sensor do? Sorry, I'm kind of new at this.

[Immaculens]

I've tried looking for SX120 reviews however since it's so similar to the SX110 it seems like most sites aren't even bothering to review. I'll continue looking.

So if a better processor = faster operation speed, what does a larger sensor do? Sorry, I'm kind of new at this.

The SX120 is really new and it takes time for qualified reviewers to do their thing.

Size of sensor and megapixels is a finicky thing...

The larger the sensor - provided its good quality - the more light can be exposed on it (not "exactly" the correct technical answer, but lets run with it for the moment) and essentially equates to better image quality.

The real issue in the last few years is that camera manufacturers (pressed by the marketing departments of those companies) have been in a megapixel glutton race because they successfully told the consuming masses that "more megapixels = better image quality!"

This, of course, is not true.

There is a curious ratio between sensor size and how many megapixels are crammed onto that sensor.

I'm not off my rocker to say that a 14mp point & shoot camera likely has poorer image quality than a 10mp one.

yet, take my EOS 450D XSi 12mp as an example. It has better image quality than its 10mp predecessor - but the 15mp 500D that followed my camera - only has 'slightly' better image quality. Its a good bet the 500D would have had excellent resolution & I-Q had it remained at 12mp.

So - it seems I did not attempt to answer your initial "big question" in your original post - what is more important - sensor or processor?

There are so many variables - that is why we appreciate professional reviews to finally come along for a camera model - and sometimes a pro review is not even really done, alas...

Keep an eye out at www.dpreview.com for the SX120 or anything else you have interest in. I think 'processor' helps run the various features on a camera, even auto-focus, yet I know they also play a part in processing resolution or some such thing which is info I do not have in my brain yet....

[Scylene]

Thanks so much for that thorough answer, it was very informative. I can see where it would be hard to clearly say which factor is better...too many variables. I'll be sure to keep an eye on that site for any new reviews. Thanks again!

[MerryMegs]

Consider searching for SX120 unbiased pro reviews. I'm trying to find one.

And if you find one, will you post it here, please?

Thanks Digipanther!

[MerryMegs]

Does anyone happen to know when the SX120 will be available in Canada, and how much they will retail for?

Thanks!

[MerryMegs]

Just checked Futureshop and they are available as of yesterday, for $299 CAD