Canon Powershot S95 Vs S120: The Ultimate Comparison Guide For Photography Enthusiasts

The Canon PowerShot S95 and S120 are two renowned compact cameras that have captured the attention of photography enthusiasts worldwide. With their sleek designs, advanced features, and exceptional image quality, these cameras have become favorites among those seeking a balance between portability and performance. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the intricacies of the Canon PowerShot S95 and S120, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences to help you make an informed decision.

1. Sensor and Image Quality: Unveiling the Power of Pixels

At the heart of every camera lies the sensor, responsible for capturing light and converting it into digital information. The Canon PowerShot S95 features a 10.1-megapixel CCD sensor, while the S120 boasts a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor. While the S120 offers a slight advantage in terms of resolution, both cameras deliver impressive image quality, capturing sharp and detailed images with accurate colors and minimal noise, even in low-light conditions.

2. Lens and Optical Zoom: Exploring the World Through Different Perspectives

The lens is another crucial element that determines the versatility and capabilities of a camera. The Canon PowerShot S95 is equipped with a 3.8x optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 28-105mm (35mm equivalent), providing a versatile range for capturing wide-angle landscapes to zoomed-in portraits. The S120, on the other hand, features a 5x optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 24-120mm (35mm equivalent), offering a wider angle for capturing expansive scenes and group shots. Both cameras feature optical image stabilization to minimize camera shake and ensure sharp images, even at longer focal lengths.

3. Design and Build Quality: A Fusion of Form and Function

The Canon PowerShot S95 and S120 share a compact and lightweight design, making them ideal for travel and everyday use. The S95 is slightly smaller and lighter, weighing approximately 195 grams, while the S120 weighs around 218 grams. Both cameras feature a sturdy metal body construction, ensuring durability and longevity. The S95 has a more traditional design with a rubberized grip for a secure hold, while the S120 features a sleek and minimalist design with a textured surface for enhanced grip.

4. Display and User Interface: Navigating with Clarity and Ease

The Canon PowerShot S95 and S120 both feature a 3-inch LCD display with a resolution of 461k dots. The displays offer bright and clear viewing, allowing for easy composition and playback of images. The user interface of both cameras is intuitive and user-friendly, with dedicated buttons and dials for quick access to various settings and functions. The S120, however, introduces a touch-sensitive control ring around the lens, providing an additional way to adjust settings and navigate through menus.

5. Performance and Responsiveness: Capturing the Decisive Moment

When it comes to performance, the Canon PowerShot S95 and S120 deliver impressive results. Both cameras offer fast autofocus speeds, ensuring you won’t miss a shot. The S120 has a slight edge in terms of continuous shooting speed, capable of capturing up to 9.4 frames per second compared to the S95’s 8 frames per second. Both cameras offer a range of shooting modes, including manual controls for those who prefer to fine-tune their settings.

6. Video Recording: Capturing Life in Motion

The Canon PowerShot S95 and S120 offer Full HD video recording capabilities, allowing you to capture life’s moments in stunning detail. The S95 records video at 1080p resolution at 24 frames per second, while the S120 goes a step further, offering 1080p video recording at 60 frames per second, resulting in smoother and more fluid motion. Both cameras feature stereo microphones for capturing clear and crisp audio.

7. Connectivity and Sharing: Sharing Memories with the World

The Canon PowerShot S95 and S120 offer a range of connectivity options for transferring and sharing images and videos. Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, allowing for wireless connection to smartphones and tablets for easy sharing. The S120 also supports Bluetooth connectivity, enabling remote control of the camera and image transfer without the need for a direct Wi-Fi connection. Additionally, both cameras have a mini HDMI port for connecting to external displays and TVs.

Wrapping Up: Choosing the Ideal Compact Camera for Your Needs

The Canon PowerShot S95 and S120 are both excellent compact cameras that offer a compelling blend of portability, performance, and image quality. While the S95 is a more budget-friendly option with a slightly smaller sensor and a 3.8x optical zoom lens, the S120 offers a higher-resolution sensor, a wider 5x optical zoom lens, a touch-sensitive control ring, and faster continuous shooting speed.

Ultimately, the choice between the Canon PowerShot S95 and S120 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize affordability, compactness, and a versatile zoom range, the S95 is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for a camera with a higher resolution sensor, a wider zoom range, and advanced features like a touch-sensitive control ring and faster continuous shooting, the S120 is the way to go.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Which camera has a higher resolution sensor?
A1: The Canon PowerShot S120 has a higher resolution sensor, with 12.1 megapixels compared to the S95’s 10.1 megapixels.

Q2: What is the optical zoom range of each camera?
A2: The Canon PowerShot S95 has a 3.8x optical zoom lens, while the S120 features a 5x optical zoom lens.

Q3: Does either camera offer touch screen functionality?
A3: Only the Canon PowerShot S120 features a touch-sensitive control ring around the lens, allowing for intuitive navigation and adjustment of settings.