Canon A2100 IS vs Nikon S5100

Following is a thorough overview of the Canon A2100 IS versus Nikon S5100, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Canon and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the A2100 IS (12MP) and the S5100 (12MP) is fairly close and both cameras provide the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The A2100 IS was released 18 months before the S5100 making them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the A2100 IS grades versus the S5100 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot A2100 IS and Nikon Coolpix S5100. The complete galleries are available at Canon A2100 IS Gallery and Nikon S5100 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon A2100 IS enjoys exterior dimensions of 102mm x 64mm x 32mm (4.0" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Nikon S5100 has dimensions of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Look at the Canon A2100 IS versus Nikon S5100 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the A2100 IS compared to the S5100.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the A2100 IS and S5100 is 92 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizes only by researching a spec sheet. The pic below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the A2100 IS and S5100.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same resolution therefore you should expect comparable quality of pictures though you should always take the release date of the cameras into account. The more aged A2100 IS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.