• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 38.00mm - 380.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 448.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony DSC-H20 advantages over Canon SX160

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.58 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.8 fps vs 0.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon SX160 advantages over Sony DSC-H20

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Less expensive
    $230 vs $279 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    448 mm vs 380 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 380 vs 290 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    28 mm vs 38 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 100 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/3200 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony DSC-H20

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SX160
Canon SX160
All SX160 Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-H10

Sony DSC-H20
Sony DSC-H10
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More pixels
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch

Compare Sony DSC-H20 vs Sony DSC-H10

Canon SX160
Sony DSC-H10
  • $146
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer exposure

Compare Canon SX160 vs Sony DSC-H10

Compared to Panasonic DMC-TZ5

Sony DSC-H20
Panasonic DMC-TZ5
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $350
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony DSC-H20 vs Panasonic DMC-TZ5

Canon SX160
Panasonic DMC-TZ5
  • $146
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $350
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More dots on screen

Compare Canon SX160 vs Panasonic DMC-TZ5

Compared to Canon SX130 IS

Sony DSC-H20
Canon SX130 IS
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less shutter lag
  • Longer exposure
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Sony DSC-H20 vs Canon SX130 IS

Canon SX160
Canon SX130 IS
  • $146
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Canon SX160 vs Canon SX130 IS

Compared to Canon SX150 IS

Sony DSC-H20
Canon SX150 IS
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Less shutter lag
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Manual focus

Compare Sony DSC-H20 vs Canon SX150 IS

Canon SX160
Canon SX150 IS
  • $146
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Canon SX160 vs Canon SX150 IS

Compared to Canon SX170

Sony DSC-H20
Canon SX170
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer exposure
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony DSC-H20 vs Canon SX170

Canon SX160
Canon SX170
  • $146
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • HDMI out
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Canon SX160 vs Canon SX170

Compare Other Cameras?