• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • Detailed specifications
  • Canon PowerShot S120
  • Canon PowerShot G5 X
Links
Prices: Compare Prices Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Canon S110
S110 vs S120 		 
Successor:   Canon G5X Mark II
G5X vs G5X Mark II
General
Model Number: S120 G5X
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Compact Compact
Currently Manufactured: No Yes
Retail Price: $449.99 $799.99
Street Price: $449.00 $699.99
Date Available: 2013-10-15 2015-11-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 7.7 oz (217 g)
includes batteries 		13.3 oz (377 g)
includes batteries
Size: 3.9 x 2.3 x 1.1 in.
(100 x 59 x 29 mm) 		4.4 x 3.0 x 1.7 in.
(112 x 76 x 44 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer:    
Effective Megapixels: 12.1 20.2
Sensor Format: 1/1.7 inch 1 inch
Sensor size: 43.32mm2 (7.6mm x 5.7mm) 116.16mm2 (13.20mm x 8.80mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 1.90 microns 2.41 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: n/a 2.7x
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: No No
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 56  
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 21.3  
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 11.9  
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 246  
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4000 x 3000 (12.0 MP, 4:3),
4000 x 2664 (10.7 MP, 3:2),
4000 x 2248 (9.0 MP, 16:9),
2992 x 2992 (9.0 MP, 1:1),
2816 x 1880 (5.3 MP, 3:2),
2816 x 1584 (4.5 MP, 16:9),
2112 x 2112 (4.5 MP, 1:1),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1600 x 1200 (1.9 MP, 4:3),
1600 x 1064 (1.7 MP, 3:2),
1200 x 1200 (1.4 MP, 1:1),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3),
640 x 424 (0.3 MP, Other),
480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1),
2400 x 3000 (7.2 MP, Other),
1696 x 2112 (3.6 MP, Other),
960 x 1200 (1.2 MP, Other),
384 x 480 (0.2 MP, Other) 		5472 x 3648 (20.0 MP, 3:2),
4320 x 2880 (12.4 MP, 3:2),
2304 x 1536 (3.5 MP, 3:2),
720 x 480 (0.3 MP, 3:2),
5472 x 3080 (16.9 MP, 16:9),
4320 x 2432 (10.5 MP, 16:9),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
720 x 408 (0.3 MP, Other),
4864 x 3648 (17.7 MP, 4:3),
3840 x 2880 (11.1 MP, 4:3),
2048 x 1536 (3.1 MP, 4:3),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3),
3648 x 3648 (13.3 MP, 1:1),
2880 x 2880 (8.3 MP, 1:1),
1536 x 1536 (2.4 MP, 1:1),
480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1),
2912 x 3648 (10.6 MP, Other),
2304 x 2880 (6.6 MP, Other),
1232 x 1536 (1.9 MP, Other),
384 x 480 (0.2 MP, Other)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3), RAW (.CR2), RAW+JPEG JPEG (EXIF 2.3), 14-bit RAW (.CR2), RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 11.8 7.6
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (60p/​30p)
1280x720 (30p)
640x480 (30p/​120p)
320x240 (240p) 		1920x1080 (60p/​30p)
1280x720 (30p)
640x480 (30p)
1920x1080 (30p/​15p)
1280x720 (6p/​3p/​1.5p)
640x480 (6p/​3p/​1.5p)
Movie File Format: MOV (Image: H.264, Audio: Stereo Linear PCM) MP4 (Image: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264; Audio: MPEG-4 AAC-LC (Stereo))
Composite Video Out: Yes No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: n/a n/a
Lens: Canon Zoom Lens Canon Zoom Lens
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 24 - 120mm 24 - 100mm
Focal Length (actual): 5.2 - 26mm 8.8 - 36.8mm
Zoom Ratio: 5.00x 4.20x
Aperture Range: f/1.8 (W) / 5.7 (T) - f/8.0 f/1.8 (W) / f2.8 (T) - f/11, with 9-blade aperture; built-in 3-stop ND filter
Integrated ND Filter: Yes Yes
Normal Focus Range: 5 cm to Infinity
2.0 in to Infinity 		5 cm to Infinity
2.0 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range: 3 - 50 cm
1.2 - 19.7 in 		5 - 50 cm
2.0 - 19.7 in
Filter Thread: n/a n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 4x Up to 4x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Contrast Detect AF: AiAF (Face Detection / 9-point), 1-point AF (Any position is available, fixed centre or Face Select and Track) Contrast Detection: AiAF (31-point, Face Detection or Touch AF with Object and Face Select and Track), 1-point AF (any position is available or fixed center)
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: No / LCD EVF / LCD
Viewfinder Type:   0.39" 2.36M-dot OLED, 100% coverage, 22mm eyepoint, -3.0 to +1.0 m-1 diopter
Focus Peaking: Yes Yes
EVF Resolution: n/a 2,360,000 dots
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent):    
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed):    
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: No Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots (307,200 px) 1,040,000 dots (345,600 px)
Touchscreen: Yes Yes
Articulating Screen: No Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No Yes
Selfie Screen: No Yes
Max Playback Zoom: 10.0x 10.0x
Top Deck Display: No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 12800 12800
Minimum ISO (native): 80 125
ISO Settings: Auto with selectable upper limit (400-12800), ISO 80-12800 in 1/3 EV steps Auto, ISO 125-12800 in 1/3 EV steps
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash, Custom (2), Underwater Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash, Underwater, Custom 1, Custom 2, Multi-area White Balance, White Balance Correction (Underwater mode), White Balance Correction
Shutter Speed Range: 1/2500 - 250 sec 1/2000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: No Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: Evaluative, Centre-weighted average, Spot; Facial brightness evaluated in Face Detection AF Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot (linked to AF frame), Face Detect AE
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: SCN: Portrait, Smart Shutter, Star (Star Nightscape, Star Trails, Star Time-Lapse Movie), Handheld Night Scene, Underwater, Snow, Fireworks; Creative Filters: High Dynamic Range, Nostalgic, Fisheye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Background Defocus, Soft Focus, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect Custom, Hybrid Auto, Creative Shot, SCN (Portrait, Self-Portrait, Star (Star Nightscape, Star Trails, Star Portrait, Star Time-Lapse Movie), Handheld Night Scene, Fireworks, High Dynamic Range, Nostalgic, Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Background Defocus, Soft Focus, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect), Movie
Self Timer: 10, 2, Custom (1-30s (1-10 shots)) seconds 1 - 30 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer): Yes No
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes Yes
Flash Modes: Auto, Auto w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash Off; FE lock, Safety FE, Slow Synchro Auto, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Flash Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a n/a
Flash Range Description: 1.6 ft. – 23 ft. (W), 1.6 – 7.5 ft. Auto ISO: (T) (50cm – 7m (W), (50cm – 2.3m (T)) Auto ISO: 1.6 (50cm) -23 ft. (7.0m) (W), 1.6 ft. (50cm) - 13 ft. (4.0m) (T)
Max Flash Sync:   1/2000
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: n/a Hot Shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:   No
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support: UHS-I UHS-I
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW (.CR2), RAW+JPEG 14-bit RAW (.CR2), RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: MOV (Image: H.264, Audio: Stereo Linear PCM) MP4 (Image: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264; Audio: MPEG-4 AAC-LC (Stereo))
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: Yes Yes
NFC: No Yes
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No No
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: No Yes
Remote Control Type:   Via Wi-Fi or optional RS-60E3 cable remote
Connections (extended): Mini (Type-C) HDMI Micro HDMI (Type D)
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.94 0.87
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 1.18  
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): Unlimited  
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): 1.31 1.95
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 11.8 7.6
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 5 8
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 1.9 0.8
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): Unlimited Unlimited
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 1.4 0.6
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): Unlimited Unlimited
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.17 seconds 0.27 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele): 0.30 seconds 0.26 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.262 seconds 0.265 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.71 seconds 0.56 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.095 seconds 0.022 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes):    
Startup Time: 1.5 seconds 2.0 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 1.3 seconds 1.7 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 6.2 seconds 3.1 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 230 shots 210 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):   215 shots
Battery Life, Video:   40 minutes
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary NB-6LH Proprietary NB-13L
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NB-6LH Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary NB-13L Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No Yes
Software
Included Software: Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM  
OS Compatibility: Windows; Mac OS X  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: DIGIC 6 processor, BSI sensor, f/1.8-5.7 5x lens, built-in Wi-Fi.