Canon S120 Vs Canon G12: Clash Of The Compact Camera Titans! (see The Results)
What To Know
- The S120 offers better image quality, a more compact design, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, while the G12 has a slightly better lens, a longer battery life, and a more affordable price point.
- This means that the G12 provides a slightly wider field of view at the wide end and a slightly longer reach at the telephoto end.
- The S120 embodies a sleek and compact form factor, making it a perfect companion for travel and everyday shooting.
The Canon S120 and Canon G12 are two of the most popular compact cameras on the market, known for their portability, versatility, and image quality. Both cameras offer a range of features that make them suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios, from everyday snapshots to creative photography. However, there are some key differences between the two models that may influence your purchasing decision.
Image Quality:
Canon S120:
- 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 6 image processor
- ISO range of 100-12800
- Excellent image quality with good dynamic range and low noise levels
Canon G12:
- 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 4 image processor
- ISO range of 80-12800
- Good image quality, but slightly less detail and dynamic range compared to the S120
Lens:
Canon S120:
- 24-120mm equivalent lens (5x optical zoom)
- f/1.8-5.9 aperture range
- Good image sharpness and minimal distortion
Canon G12:
- 28-140mm equivalent lens (5x optical zoom)
- f/2.8-4.5 aperture range
- Slightly better image sharpness and less vignetting compared to the S120
Design and Handling:
Canon S120:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Metal body construction
- Good grip and tactile feel
- 3.0-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 922k dots
Canon G12:
- Larger and heavier design
- Plastic body construction
- Less comfortable grip and tactile feel
- 2.8-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 461k dots
Features:
Canon S120:
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
- Full HD video recording (1080p) at 24 fps
- Continuous shooting speed of 5.9 fps
- Creative filters and shooting modes
Canon G12:
- No built-in Wi-Fi or NFC connectivity
- HD video recording (720p) at 24 fps
- Continuous shooting speed of 4.2 fps
- Fewer creative filters and shooting modes
Battery Life:
Canon S120:
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Approximately 250 shots per charge
Canon G12:
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Approximately 370 shots per charge
Price:
Canon S120:
- Typically priced around $400-$500
Canon G12:
- Typically priced around $300-$400
Which Camera Is Right for You?
The Canon S120 and Canon G12 are both excellent compact cameras with their own strengths and weaknesses. The S120 offers better image quality, a more compact design, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, while the G12 has a slightly better lens, a longer battery life, and a more affordable price point. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Deciding Factors:
- Image Quality: If image quality is your top priority, the S120 is the better choice.
- Portability: If you’re looking for a compact and lightweight camera, the S120 is the clear winner.
- Features: If you want a camera with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and full HD video recording, the S120 is the way to go.
- Price: If you’re on a budget, the G12 is a more affordable option.
Resolution Revolution: The Power of Pixels
The Canon S120 and G12 both feature impressive image sensors, but the S120 takes the lead with its 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor compared to the G12’s 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor. This resolution advantage translates into sharper images with more detail, especially when printing or viewing at larger sizes.
Lens Versatility: Exploring Focal Lengths
Both cameras offer a 5x optical zoom lens, but there are subtle differences in their focal length ranges. The S120’s lens covers a 24-120mm equivalent focal length, while the G12’s lens spans a 28-140mm equivalent focal length. This means that the G12 provides a slightly wider field of view at the wide end and a slightly longer reach at the telephoto end.
Design Distinction: Form and Function
The Canon S120 and G12 exhibit distinct design philosophies. The S120 embodies a sleek and compact form factor, making it a perfect companion for travel and everyday shooting. Its metal body construction exudes durability and sophistication. In contrast, the G12 adopts a more traditional DSLR-like design, featuring a larger and heavier body. While it may not be as portable as the S120, the G12 offers a more substantial grip and tactile feel.
Feature Face-Off: Connectivity and Creativity
The Canon S120 outshines the G12 in terms of connectivity and creative features. The S120 boasts built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing for seamless image sharing and remote camera control via compatible smartphones or tablets. Additionally, the S120 offers full HD video recording at 1080p resolution, while the G12 is limited to 720p HD video.
Battery Endurance: Powering Your Shots
When it comes to battery life, the Canon G12 holds a slight edge over the S120. The G12’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery is rated for approximately 370 shots per charge, while the S120’s battery lasts for about 250 shots. This difference may be significant for photographers who plan on extended shooting sessions without access to a power source.
Price Positioning: Value for Your Money
The Canon S120 and G12 occupy different price brackets, reflecting their respective features and capabilities. The S120 typically retails for around $400-$500, while the G12 can be found for approximately $300-$400. The price difference may be a deciding factor for budget-conscious shoppers.
Verdict: Choosing Your Compact Camera Champion
After weighing the strengths and weaknesses of the Canon S120 and G12, the S120 emerges as the victor. Its superior image quality, compact design, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, and full HD video recording make it the more versatile and capable choice for photographers of all skill levels. However, the G12 remains a solid option for those seeking a more affordable camera with a slightly longer zoom range and a longer battery life.
The Final Showdown:
- Image Quality: Canon S120
- Portability: Canon S120
- Features: Canon S120
- Price: Canon G12
- Overall Winner: Canon S120
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q1. Which camera has a better sensor?
The Canon S120 has a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, while the G12 has a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor. The S120’s higher resolution sensor provides better image quality with more detail and dynamic range.
Q2. Which camera has a longer zoom range?
The Canon G12 has a slightly longer zoom range, covering a 28-140mm equivalent focal length compared to the S120’s 24-120mm equivalent focal length. This means that the G12 can capture subjects that are farther away.
Q3. Which camera is better for video recording?
The Canon S120 offers full HD video recording at 1080p resolution, while the G12 is limited to 720p HD video recording. The S120 provides better video quality with more detail and smoother motion.
Q4. Which camera has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity?
The Canon S120 has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing for easy image sharing and remote camera control via compatible smartphones or tablets. The G12 does not have built-in Wi-Fi or NFC connectivity.
Q5. Which camera has a longer battery life?
The Canon G12 has a longer battery life, with its rechargeable lithium-ion battery rated for approximately 370 shots per charge, compared to the S120’s battery, which lasts for about 250 shots.
