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Canon S120 vs Panasonic S1

The Canon PowerShot S120 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in August 2013 and February 2019. The S120 is a fixed lens compact, while the S1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a 1/1.7-inch (S120) and a full frame (S1) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon S120
versus
Panasonic S1
Canon S120   Panasonic S1
Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
24-120mm f/1.8-5.7 Leica L mount lenses
12 MP – 1/1.7" sensor 24 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO 80-12,800 ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
No viewfinder, LCD framing Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots)
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.2" LCD – 2100k dots
Fixed touchscreen Fully flexible touchscreen
12.1 shutter flaps per second 9 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
230 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
100 x 59 x 29 mm, 217 g 149 x 110 x 97 mm, 1017 g
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Check S120 offers at
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Check S1 price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot S120 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon S120 and the Panasonic S1 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon S120 vs Panasonic S1
Compare S120 versus S1 top
Comparison S120 or S1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic S1 is considerably larger (178 percent) than the Canon S120. It is noteworthy in this context that the S1 is splash and dust-proof, while the S120 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the S120 has a lens built in, whereas the S1 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the S120 gets 230 shots out of its Canon NB-6LH battery, while the S1 can take 400 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLJ31 power pack. The power pack in the S1 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon S120 100 mm 59 mm 29 mm 217 g 230 n Aug 2013 449ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 Y Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon R6 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 680 g 360 Y Jul 2020 2,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II 98 mm 58 mm 31 mm 206 g 235 n Jan 2017 529ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G9 X 98 mm 58 mm 31 mm 209 g 220 n Oct 2015 529ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 116 mm 74 mm 66 mm 553 g 240 n Feb 2014 799ebay.com
7.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 549ebay.com
8.
 
Canon G1 X 117 mm 81 mm 65 mm 534 g 250 n Jan 2012 799ebay.com
9.
 
Canon G15 107 mm 76 mm 40 mm 352 g 350 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX50 123 mm 87 mm 106 mm 595 g 315 n Sep 2012 429ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon P7800 119 mm 78 mm 50 mm 399 g 350 n Sep 2013 549ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 Y Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
13.
 
Panasonic S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 Y Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 Y May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
15.
 
Panasonic LF1 103 mm 62 mm 28 mm 192 g 250 n Apr 2013 499ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic LX7 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Jul 2012 499ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A900 156 mm 117 mm 82 mm 895 g 880 Y Sep 2008 2,999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The S120 was launched at a lower price than the S1, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon S120 features a 1/1.7-inch sensor and the Panasonic S1 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the S1 is 1870 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 4.5 and 1.0. The sensor in the S120 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the S1 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Canon S120 and Panasonic S1 sensor measures

With 24MP, the S1 offers a higher resolution than the S120 (12MP), but the S1 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 1.89μm for the S120) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the S1 is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 5 months) than the S120, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the S1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Panasonic S1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the S1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon S120 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the S120, the S1 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (96MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Canon PowerShot S120 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

In terms of underlying technology, the S120 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the S1 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

S120 versus S1 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under consideration, the S1 offers substantially better image quality than the S120 (overall score 39 points higher). The advantage is based on 3.9 bits higher color depth, 2.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 3.8 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon S120 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.311.924656
2.
 
Panasonic S1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.5333395
3.
 
Canon R6 Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484k/60p24.214.3339490
4.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.912.552265
5.
 
Canon G9 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.512.349563
6.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 1.5-inch 13.0 4160 31201080/30p21.510.858158
7.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
8.
 
Canon G1 X 1.5-inch 14.2 4352 32641080/24p21.710.864460
9.
 
Canon G15 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.911.516546
10.
 
Canon SX50 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p20.311.217947
11.
 
Nikon P7800 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/30p21.211.720054
12.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
13.
 
Panasonic S1R Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p26.414.13525100
14.
 
Panasonic S1H Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.214.2280594
15.
 
Panasonic LF1 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.811.621152
16.
 
Panasonic LX7 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p20.711.714750
17.
 
Sony A900 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.712.3143179
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the S1 provides a better video resolution than the S120. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the S1 has an electronic viewfinder (5760k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the S120 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon S120 and Panasonic S1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon S120none n3.0 / 922 fixed Y 1/2000s 12.1/s Y Y
2.
 
Panasonic S15760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon R63690 n3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
4.
 
Canon G9 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 8.2/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon G9 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 6.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIoptional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 5.2/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
8.
 
Canon G1 Xoptical n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/4000s 1.9/s Y Y
9.
 
Canon G15optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.1/s Y Y
10.
 
Canon SX50202 n3.0 / 461 swivel n 1/2000s 2.2/s Y Y
11.
 
Nikon P7800921 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Panasonic S52360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n Y
13.
 
Panasonic S1R5760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
14.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 Y3.2 / 2330 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
15.
 
Panasonic LF1200 n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Panasonic LX7optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony A900optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The S120 has one, while the S1 does not. While the built-in flash of the S120 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the S1 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Canon S120 and the Panasonic S1 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The S120 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the S1 uses SDXC or XQD cards. The S1 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the S120 only has one slot. The S1 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the S120 can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot S120 and Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon S120-stereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
2.
 
Panasonic S1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
3.
 
Canon R6Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
5.
 
Canon G9 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
8.
 
Canon G1 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon G15Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Canon SX50Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon P7800Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic S5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
13.
 
Panasonic S1RYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
14.
 
Panasonic S1HYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
15.
 
Panasonic LF1-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
16.
 
Panasonic LX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Sony A900Y- / ---mini2.0---
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It is notable that the S1 has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The S120 does not feature such a mic input.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Panasonic S1 (unlike the S120) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The S1 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the S120 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the S120 from Canon. Further information on the features and operation of the S120 and S1 can be found, respectively, in the Canon S120 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic S1 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon S120 or the Panasonic S1 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot S120:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12.1 vs 9 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the S1 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (100x59mm vs 149x110mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the S1).
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2013).

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Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 44%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (39 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (3.9 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2.6 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (3.8 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/60p).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 922k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (400 versus 230) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Reflects 5 years and 5 months of technical progress since the S120 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the S1 is the clear winner of the contest (29 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

S120 08:29 S1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon S120 and the Panasonic S1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the S120 and the S1 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon S120..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 449ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon R65/5+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 2,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II4/5..4/575/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2017 529ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G9 X3.5/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2015 529ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II3/5+..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2014 799ebay.com
7.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 549ebay.com
8.
 
Canon G1 X5/5+..76/1004/54.5/5 Jan 2012 799ebay.com
9.
 
Canon G154/5+..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX503/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 429ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon P78003/5......4/54.5/5 Sep 2013 549ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
13.
 
Panasonic S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
15.
 
Panasonic LF13/5+....4/54.5/5 Apr 2013 499ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic LX73/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2012 499ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A900..+ +..+ +4.5/55/5 Sep 2008 2,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Canon S120 vs Panasonic S1

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon S120 Panasonic S1
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens 24-120mm f/1.8-5.7 Leica L mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2013 February 2019
    Launch Price USD 449 USD 2,499
    Sensor Specs Canon S120 Panasonic S1
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/1.7" Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 7.6 x 5.7 mm 35.6 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 43.32 mm2 847.28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 9.5 mm 42.8 mm
    Crop Factor 4.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.89 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 27.70 MP/cm2 2.83 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 4K/60p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 12,800 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor Digic 6 Venus
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 56 95
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.3 25.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.9 14.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 246 3333
    Screen Specs Canon S120 Panasonic S1
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x
    Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 2100k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fully flexible screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon S120 Panasonic S1
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/2000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 12.1 shutter flaps/s 9 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/8000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC or XQD cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Canon S120 Panasonic S1
    External Flash no Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.1
    HDMI Port mini HDMI full HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Canon S120 Panasonic S1
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Canon NB-6LH Panasonic DMW-BLJ31
    Battery Life (CIPA)230 shots per charge400 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 100 x 59 x 29 mm
    (3.9 x 2.3 x 1.1 in)
    149 x 110 x 97 mm
    (5.9 x 4.3 x 3.8 in)
    Camera Weight 217 g (7.7 oz) 1017 g (35.9 oz)
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