• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1008.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Canon SX420 IS advantages over Olympus PEN-F

  • Less expensive
    $279 vs $999
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Lighter weight
    325g vs 434g
    Lighter weight

Olympus PEN-F advantages over Canon SX420 IS

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.36 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer video battery life
    80 vs 50 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 195 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Thinner
    37 mm vs 85 mm
    Thinner
  • 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
  • Higher-res screen
    346k vs 77k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.4 fps vs 0.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds

Common Weaknesses

  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SX420 IS

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus PEN-F

Review Excerpt

  • Highest resolution Olympus 4/3" camera yet; Excellent image quality for its class; Very good dynamic range; Fast autofocus; Fast burst speeds; Lots of fun creative filter options; Built-in EVF, Wi-Fi.

  • Expensive; No weather sealing; Mediocre battery life; No 4K video; No mic or headphone jacks.

The Competition

Compared to Canon SX500

Canon SX420 IS
Canon SX500
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • HDMI out
Olympus PEN-F
Canon SX500
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compared to Canon SX400 IS

Canon SX420 IS
Canon SX400 IS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More pixels
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
Olympus PEN-F
Canon SX400 IS
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Internal flash
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Canon SX410 IS

Canon SX420 IS
Canon SX410 IS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
Olympus PEN-F
Canon SX410 IS
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Internal flash
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Canon SX420 IS
Panasonic GX85
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GX85
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Canon SX420 IS
Olympus E-PL8
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Internal flash
  • More pixels
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-PL8
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
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