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Canon S120 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Canon S120

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    Main Features

    • 12MP - 1/1.7" BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 80 - 12800
    • 24-120 mm F1.8-5.7 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3" Fixed Type Screen
    • 12 fps continuous shooting
    • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video
    • 240 fps High-Speed Video
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 217g. 100 x 59 x 29 mm
    • Replaced Canon S110
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Canon S120 Overview

    First introduced in November 2013 , Canon PowerShot S120 is a 12.0MP Small Sensor Compact camera with a 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 24-120 mm F1.8-5.7 lens. Canon replaced the older S110 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
    Compare Canon PowerShot S120 vs Canon S110

    Canon S120 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Canon S120 has an Overall Score of 59/100 and ranked #16 out of 629 in Compact cameras (Top 10 Compact), and ranked #312 out of 1220 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Canon S120 Physical Specs
    Canon S120 weighs 217 g (0.48 lb / 7.65 oz) and has external dimensions of 100 x 59 x 29 mm (3.94 x 2.32 x 1.14″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 29mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Canon S120
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Canon S120
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Canon S120 with the dimensions:

    Canon S120 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Canon S120 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon S120, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Canon S120 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Canon S120 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Canon S120 with its main competitors:

    Canon S120 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs S120 Thickness vs S120
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Canon S110
    Compare
    198g 19g lighter 27mm 2mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Canon S100
    Compare
    198g 19g lighter 28mm 1mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Canon G7 X
    Compare
    304g 87g heavier 40mm 11mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Sony RX100
    Compare
    240g 23g heavier 36mm 7mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Canon G9 X II
    Compare
    206g 11g lighter 31mm 2mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Canon S95
    Compare
    195g 22g lighter 30mm 1mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Canon G9 X
    Compare
    209g 8g lighter 31mm 2mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Canon S200
    Compare
    181g 36g lighter 26mm 3mm thinner

    Weather Sealing

    Canon S120 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Canon S120 Sensor and Photography Features

    Canon S120 has a 12.0MP 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Digic 6 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. S120 has a native ISO range of 80 - 12800 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Canon S120 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon S120 vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Canon S120 DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Canon S120 sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 56 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Canon S120 here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Canon S120's 1/1.7" sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Canon S120 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Canon S120 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Canon S120 Lens

    Canon S120 features a 24-120 mm F1.8-5.7 5× zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end, while 120mm on the tele end means that the medium telephoto angle is also well covered, only lacking the reach for wildlife and sports.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    S120
    Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    S120
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    Providing a max aperture of f1.80 at 24mm, this lens is remarkably fast on wide end, but max aperture of f5.70 at tele end makes is really slow at longer focal lengths.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    S120
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    S120
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    S120 is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Canon S120's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.



    Canon S120 LCD

    Canon S120 has a Fixed Type 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 922k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

    LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

    Canon S120 back view and LCD

    S120 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Nikon Coolpix P7100 (Compare) or Nikon Coolpix P7000 (Compare).
    If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

    Canon S120 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Canon S120 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( Wireless LAN (IEEE802.11 b/g/n)) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.

    You can connect S120 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Canon S120 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 230 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 255 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Compact Cameras

    Canon S120
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Fujifilm X30 with its 470shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Compact cameras. Check the comparison of Canon S120 vs Fujifilm X30 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Canon S120 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Canon S110
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 200shots Yes No No
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Canon S100
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 200shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Canon G7 X
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 210shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Sony RX100
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 330shots No No Yes
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Canon G9 X II
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 235shots Yes Yes Yes
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Canon S95
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Canon G9 X
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 220shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot S120 Camera Canon S200
    Compare
    1280 x 720 200shots Yes No No

    Canon S120 Video Features

    With Canon S120, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60,30 fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Canon S120 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    S120 also a high speed mode where it captures videos at 240 fps for ultra slow motion videos. S120 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker.
    Canon S120 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Coolpix P7100 or Nikon Coolpix P7000 in a similar price range.

    Canon S120 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Canon S120 can shoot continuously at max speed of 12 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately S120 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Canon S120 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

    Canon S120 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Canon S120 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Canon S120 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Image Stabilization
    Full HD Video
    Touch Screen
    RAW Shooting
    Face Detection Focusing
    12.800 Max ISO
    922k dots LCD Resolution
    12.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    217g Light Body
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    Timelapse Recording
    24mm Wide Angle Lens
    Fast 1.80 Lens at Wide
    240 fps High Speed Video
    AE Bracketing
    Report a correction

    Buy Canon S120 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    Low Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Only 9 Focus Points
    Low Battery Life: 230 shots
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.70
    Poor Low Light image quality
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Canon S120 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Canon S120 in 5 different photography areas.

    Canon S120 for Portrait Photography

    Canon S120 has a score of 45 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Image Stabilization
    RAW shooting capability
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Canon S120 for Portrait Photography

    Canon S120 for Street Photography

    Canon S120 has a score of 78 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Wide: f1.80
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Small Body
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Canon S120 for Street Photography

    Canon S120 for Sports Photography

    Canon S120 has a score of 30 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theS120.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
    Wireless Connection
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Image Stabilization
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
    120 mm Tele Lens
    Environmental Sealings
    9 Focus Points
    Poor Battery Life: 230 shots
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Flash Shoe
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.70

    Read the details of how we scored Canon S120 for Sports Photography

    Canon S120 for Daily Photography

    Canon S120 has a score of 71 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    217g
    RAW shooting capability
    5.0X Optical Zoom
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Canon S120 for Daily Photography

    Canon S120 for Landscape Photography

    Canon S120 has a score of 34 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theS120.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Canon S120 for Landscape Photography
    Canon S120 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Canon S120 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Canon S120 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Canon S120

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon S120 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Canon S110
    Canon S110
    Compare
    Canon S100
    Canon S100
    Compare
    Canon G7 X
    Canon G7 X
    Compare
    Sony RX100
    Sony RX100
    Compare
    Canon G9 X II
    Canon G9 X II
    Compare
    Canon S95
    Canon S95
    Compare
    Canon G9 X
    Canon G9 X
    Compare
    Canon S200
    Canon S200
    Compare

    Canon S120 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Canon S120 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Canon S120's price range.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon S120
    Does the Canon S120 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Canon S120 have RAW support?
    Does the Canon S120 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Canon S120 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Canon S120?
    What is the Sensor Size of Canon S120?
    is the Canon S120 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Canon S120 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Canon S120 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon S120?
    What is the Weight of Canon S120?
    What are the Dimensions of Canon S120?
    Canon PowerShot S120 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Canon
    Model Canon PowerShot S120
    Announced 2013-11-26
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 24-120 mm (5×)
    Max Aperture F1.8-5.7
    Macro Focus Range 3cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology TFT PureColor II G Touch screen LCD
    Screen Size 3"
    Screen Resolution 922k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 15s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 12.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 7.00 m
    Flash Modes Auto, on, slow synchro, off
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 56
    DxO Color Depth 21.3
    DxO Dynamic Range 11.9
    DxO Low Light ISO 246
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Size 1/1.7"
    Sensor Dimensions 7.44 x 5.58 mm
    Sensor Area 41.52mm2
    Sensor Resolution 12 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000
    Max Native ISO 12,800
    Min Native ISO 80
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 9
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60 or 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 217g
    Physical Dimensions 100 x 59 x 29mm
    Battery Life 230 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model NB-6LH
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS Optional
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


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