Canon G1 X vs Nikon L820

On this page, we are looking at the Canon G1 X and Nikon L820, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Canon and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the G1 X (14MP) and the L820 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the G1 X (1.5") and L820 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor size.

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The G1 X was revealed 10 months before the L820 which means that they are of a similar age. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Canon G1 X being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Nikon L820 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the G1 X scores against the L820 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot G1 X & Nikon Coolpix L820. The full galleries are viewable at Canon G1 X Gallery & Nikon L820 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and volume. The Canon G1 X has got external dimensions of 117mm x 81mm x 65mm (4.6" x 3.2" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 534 grams (1.18 lbs) whilst the Nikon L820 has sizing of 111mm x 76mm x 85mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 470 grams (1.04 lbs).

Look at the Canon G1 X and Nikon L820 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the G1 X vs the L820.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the G1 X and L820 is 75 and 72 respectively.

Often, it's hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizes merely by seeing technical specs. The image below might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the G1 X and L820.

As you have seen, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The G1 X with its larger sensor will make getting bokeh less difficult and the Nikon L820 will produce greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more aged G1 X will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.