Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Canon SX120 IS and Sony A560 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon SX120 IS has external dimensions of 111 x 71 x 45 mm (4.37 x 2.8 x 1.77″) and weighs 285 g (0.63 lb / 10.05 oz) (including batteries). Sony A560 has external dimensions of 137 x 104 x 84 mm (5.39 x 4.09 x 3.31″) and weighs 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon SX120 IS and the Sony A560. Canon SX120 IS is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 26mm narrower, 33mm shorter and 39mm thinner than Sony A560. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Canon SX120 IS has a built-in lens but Sony A560 doesn't. Once you put a lens on A560, its thickness will increase significantly.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Canon SX120 IS is significantly lighter (314g ) than the Sony A560 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on A560, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Canon PowerShot SX120 IS nor Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Canon SX120 IS and Sony A560's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
On the other hand, Sony A560 features a
Tilting screen where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels whereas the Canon SX120 IS has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to A560.