• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon S120 advantages over Sony QX100

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • More telephoto lens reach
    120 mm vs 100 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Thinner
    29 mm vs 55 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    250 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Sony QX100 advantages over Canon S120

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/1.7 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.41 vs 1.90 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More pixels
    20.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm XF1

Canon S120
Fujifilm XF1
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Sony QX100
Fujifilm XF1
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Rear display
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Olympus XZ-10

Canon S120
Olympus XZ-10
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Hot shoe
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Sony QX100
Olympus XZ-10
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive

Compared to Nikon P330

Canon S120
Nikon P330
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS
Sony QX100
Nikon P330
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive

Compared to Fujifilm XQ1

Canon S120
Fujifilm XQ1
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
Sony QX100
Fujifilm XQ1
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More pixels
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Rear display
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Nikon P340

Canon S120
Nikon P340
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $347
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Sony QX100
Nikon P340
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $347
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive
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