Canon A3100 IS vs Sony S950

Here, we are evaluating the Canon A3100 IS and Sony S950, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Canon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the A3100 IS (12MP) and the S950 (10MP) is fairly close and both cameras boast the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The A3100 IS was manufactured 11 months after the S950 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the A3100 IS scores vs the S950 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot A3100 IS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S950. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon A3100 IS Gallery and Sony S950 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Canon A3100 IS offers outside measurements of 97mm x 58mm x 28mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Sony S950 has specifications of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check out the Canon A3100 IS and Sony S950 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the A3100 IS compared to the S950.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the A3100 IS and S950 is 94 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizes just by researching technical specs. The picture underneath might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the A3100 IS and S950.

As you can tell, both cameras come with the identical sensor size but different MP. You should anticipate the Canon A3100 IS to provide you with greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more recent A3100 IS provides a benefit with regard to sensor tech.