• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 7.2 megapixels
  • 32.00mm - 128.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 392.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSC-W120 advantages over Canon SX230 HS

  • Less expensive
    $200 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.88 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 210 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 33 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    123g vs 218g
    Lighter weight

Canon SX230 HS advantages over Sony DSC-W120

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • More telephoto lens reach
    392 mm vs 128 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    461k vs 115k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 7.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    28 mm vs 32 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 1 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/3200 vs 1/1600 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
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • 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

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony DSC-W120

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SX230 HS

Review Excerpt

  • Great zoom range from 28mm to 392mm equivalent; Full HD and slow-motion video; excellent print quality.

  • Low battery life; some chromatic aberration; flash pops up when powered on every time.

  • Read our Canon SX230 HS Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-S780

Sony DSC-W120
Sony DSC-S780
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $180
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More dots on screen

Compare Sony DSC-W120 vs Sony DSC-S780

Canon SX230 HS
Sony DSC-S780
  • $269
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $180
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SX230 HS vs Sony DSC-S780

Compared to Fujifilm J10

Sony DSC-W120
Fujifilm J10
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $150
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen

Compare Sony DSC-W120 vs Fujifilm J10

Canon SX230 HS
Fujifilm J10
  • $269
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $150
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Canon SX230 HS vs Fujifilm J10

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FS3

Sony DSC-W120
Panasonic DMC-FS3
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Longer exposure

Compare Sony DSC-W120 vs Panasonic DMC-FS3

Canon SX230 HS
Panasonic DMC-FS3
  • $269
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SX230 HS vs Panasonic DMC-FS3

Compared to Samsung HZ35W

Sony DSC-W120
Samsung HZ35W
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Sony DSC-W120 vs Samsung HZ35W

Canon SX230 HS
Samsung HZ35W
  • $269
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in GPS
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Canon SX230 HS vs Samsung HZ35W

Compared to Canon SX210 IS

Sony DSC-W120
Canon SX210 IS
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $262
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Sony DSC-W120 vs Canon SX210 IS

Canon SX230 HS
Canon SX210 IS
  • $269
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $262
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels

Compare Canon SX230 HS vs Canon SX210 IS

Compare Other Cameras?