Canon ELPH 180 vs Nikon S02

On this page, we will be reviewing the Canon ELPH 180 and Nikon S02, both Ultracompact cameras by rivals Canon and Nikon. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the ELPH 180 (20MP) and S02 (13MP) and the ELPH 180 (1/2.3") and S02 (1/3") provide different sensor sizes.

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The ELPH 180 was revealed 2 years after the S02 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Ultracompact).

Before we go straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the ELPH 180 grades vs the S02 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 and Nikon Coolpix S02. The full galleries are provided at Canon ELPH 180 Gallery and Nikon S02 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and volume. The Canon ELPH 180 provides physical measurements of 95mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Nikon S02 has sizing of 77mm x 51mm x 18mm (3.0" x 2.0" x 0.7") and a weight of 100 grams (0.22 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon ELPH 180 and Nikon S02 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the ELPH 180 and the S02.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the ELPH 180 and S02 is 96 and 97 respectively.

Often, its difficult to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions simply by researching a spec sheet. The pic below should provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ELPH 180 and S02.

As you can see, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ELPH 180 with its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Canon ELPH 180 will provide you with more detail because of its extra 7MP. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The fresher ELPH 180 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.