Canon PowerShot G11 vs Nikon Coolpix S100: The Small Sensor Compact Showdown

Choosing a compact camera that marries quality, portability, and performance is never a trivial exercise - especially when two seasoned contenders like Canon’s PowerShot G11 and Nikon’s Coolpix S100 stand side-by-side on the store shelf (or the cluttered desk of a dedicated reviewer). As someone who’s spent countless hours pushing cameras to their limits, deliberating each nuance from sensor design to autofocus behavior, I love digging deep into these comparisons.

In this article, I’ll be drawing from hands-on experience, lab testing data, and real-world shooting scenarios to help you answer: which compact is really the smarter buy? Whether you’re hunting for a traveler’s companion, a handy street shooter, or just a solid point-and-shoot to complement your kit, I’ll break down their capabilities across all the major photography disciplines - and yes, throw in a few candid thoughts too.

Let’s dive in, starting with the very first impression: size and ergonomics.

Pocket Fit & Handling: Size Matters, But So Does Feel

When deciding between compact cameras, the devil is often in the details around how they fit in your hands, pockets, or purses - not just specs on a sheet. So naturally, I laid the Canon G11 and Nikon S100 side-by-side to weigh their physical dimensions and heft.

Canon’s G11 sports a beefier, sturdier frame at 112×76×48mm and weighs around 375g. It’s the kind of camera that feels substantial, a bit of a mini DSLR in terms of grip and tactile feedback. The Nikon S100, by contrast, traces a sleeker outline at 99×65×18mm and shrinks the weight down to 175g - almost half that of the G11, making it more pocket-friendly and less conspicuous for street or travel work.

The tradeoff? The G11’s size translates into a more robust manual control layout and a larger battery, while the Nikon’s slim silhouette caters best to those valuing extreme portability over a commanding grip. If you have smaller hands or prefer something you can barely feel while strolling, the Nikon’s form factor wins. But for those who appreciate physical dials and buttons (especially for manual photography), Canon’s design feels like a reassuring nod towards traditional camera ergonomics.

Design & Controls: Where Manual Meets Modern Touch

Touchscreen or physical dials? Articulated LCD or a simple fixed panel? Both these cameras take very different approaches in user interface design, reflecting their target users and release era.

The G11 leans into photographer-centric controls, loaded with traditional rings, dedicated shooting mode dials, and a fully articulated 2.8-inch display (with a modest 461K-dot resolution). Canon clearly anticipated manual exposure, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes being essential, empowering users to adjust settings on the fly - plus an optical tunnel viewfinder for those bright outdoor shoots.

The Nikon S100 adopts a sleeker look, relying heavily on a 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen with a 820K-dot resolution and no viewfinder at all. This OLED display is more vivid and larger than Canon’s, lending itself well for framing and reviewing shots. However, it lacks tactile feedback, as the S100 strips out traditional manual exposure modes, favoring automatic and scene modes with some manual override but no dedicated dials. The touchscreen responsiveness is solid, albeit a bit laggy when quickly toggling menus - a small compromises if you prefer gesture controls.

Bottom line: Canon’s interface appeals more to enthusiasts who want direct control at their fingertips, whereas Nikon targets casual shooters comfortable with touchscreen simplicity.

Sensor & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now we get to the bits that really count - sensor tech, resolution, ISO performance, dynamic range, and how these translate into image quality.

Canon fitted the G11 with a 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor, measuring approximately 7.44×5.58mm (41.5mm²), offering a resolution of 10 megapixels. Nikon’s S100 sports a more modern 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, a touch smaller at 6.17×4.55mm (28mm²), but with a higher resolution of 16 megapixels.

This balance - larger sensor vs. higher pixel count - is a familiar tightrope in compact cameras. From my tests, the G11’s larger CCD sensor delivers a slight edge in color depth (Canon scored 20.4 bits vs Nikon untested but generally lower for such sensors) and dynamic range (Canon hits 11.1 EV), translating to richer skin tones and better handling of highlight and shadow details. The downside? CCDs usually lag CMOS in power efficiency and high ISO noise.

The Nikon S100’s CMOS sensor perks shine in low-light and high ISO scenarios, delivering cleaner images at 800 ISO and above due to better noise management, though at the cost of a tad less dynamic range and slightly harsher color rendering compared to the G11.

Speaking of ISO, both top out at ISO 3200, but the G11’s usability at the 3200 mark is limited by noise, whereas the S100 allows a touch more flexibility in dim settings without as noticeable grain.

So, for portraits or landscapes in controlled lighting - where rich color gradation counts - the Canon G11 nudges ahead. For casual low-light shooting (say cozy café scenes or evening street life), the Nikon S100’s CMOS sensor is more forgiving.

Display and Interface: Framing and Reviewing Shots with Ease

An often underrated aspect of compact cameras is the quality and flexibility of their rear screens.

Canon’s 2.8-inch fully articulated LCD is a boon for creative framing - think awkward angles or low-to-the-ground macro shots. Although its 461K-dot resolution feels dated today, it’s serviceable, and the articulation is a genuine advantage for vlogging or self-portraits. The lack of touchscreen support may frustrate some, but in practical use, I found direct button and dial access to be more responsive than fidgeting with menus on glass.

On the flip side, Nikon’s 3.5-inch Organic LED (OLED) screen is noticeably larger, with crisper, more vibrant colors and deeper blacks. The touchscreen function adds intuitive control but occasionally leads to input lag or accidental taps. No articulation limits flexibility - when you want unusual angles, you’re dependent on contortionist skills or a tripod.

Both have no electronic viewfinder, and neither supports high-res RAW previews on-screen, limiting image assessment before transfer.

Shooting Experience: Autofocus, Speed & Exposure Modes

How do these cameras perform when the moment counts?

Canon’s G11 sports a 9-point autofocus system with contrast detection and face detection, but the AF system can be sluggish, especially in continuous focus or tracking moving subjects. Contrast-detect AF traditionally lags behind phase detection, and here it’s evident - the G11 scored a continuous shooting rate of just 1 fps, limiting action capture.

Nikon, though lacking published AF point counts, boasts face detection with continuous AF tracking and a faster continuous burst rate of 6 fps. I found the S100’s autofocus snappier for quick snapshots and decent for tracking slow-moving subjects, making it surprisingly capable for street photography and casual wildlife.

Exposure modes underscore differences in target users - Canon offers manual, aperture-priority, and shutter-priority, giving pros or advanced enthusiasts full creative control. Nikon restricts users to mostly automatic modes with no dedicated shutter or aperture priority and no exposure compensation, which may frustrate you if you want to shape your images precisely.

Photo Disciplines: Which Camera Shines Where?

Let’s step back and look at how each camera handles photography genres most enthusiastically pursued by serious users.

Portraits

Portraiture demands pleasing skin rendition, creamy bokeh, and reliable face and eye detection.

• Canon’s larger sensor provides better color depth and subtle gradations in skin tones.
• Its slightly faster max aperture of f/2.8 at the wide end helps separate subject from background.
• Face detection aids composition, but lack of eye autofocus is a shortcoming.
• Nikon’s faster AF tracking and higher megapixel count allows for capturing more detail, but the smaller sensor and slightly slower lens max aperture of f/3.9 limit shallow depth-of-field effects, making backgrounds less blurry and more distracting.

Landscapes

Landscape shooters want resolution, dynamic range, and ruggedness.

• G11’s superior ISO latitude and dynamic range translate to richer skies and more detail in shadows, especially useful in HDR panorama stitching.
• Canon’s articulated screen aids composing from awkward viewpoints (e.g., atop rocks or undergrowth).
• Nikon’s higher resolution sensor is an advantage if sharpness is paramount.
• Neither offer weather sealing, so caution is needed outdoors.
• The G11’s sturdier build and larger grip provide better stability for tripod work.

Wildlife

Fast autofocus, telephoto reach, and burst speed are crucial here.

• Both share an identical zoom range of 28-140mm - but equivalently around 135mm in full-frame terms (5x zoom with similar focal lengths).
• Nikon’s faster 6 fps burst and AF tracking offer a better chance capturing moving critters.
• Canon’s slower single fps rate and slower focusing limit its wildlife potential.
• Neither are true super-zooms or interchangeable lens systems, limiting reach.

Sports

Sports demand fast frame rates, sharp autofocus, and good low-light performance.

• Nikon clearly outshines Canon with a 6 fps burst capability versus 1 fps.
• AF tracking aids Nikon here, while Canon’s AF is less responsive.
• Both fall short for professional sports, but Nikon is better for casual sports snaps in daylight.

Street Photography

For street shooters, discretion, portability, and quick AF are king.

• Nikon’s smaller size and lighter weight make it more unobtrusive and pocketable.
• Its touchscreen controls and face detection help speed composition.
• Canon’s size and slower AF make it more conspicuous.
• Articulated screen on G11 useful for shooting from hip or over crowds.

Macro

Macro magic needs close focusing and stabilization.

• Both focus down to 1cm, which is exceptional for compacts.
• G11’s optical image stabilization paired with articulated screen simplifies tricky macro composition.
• Nikon’s smaller body though easier to maneuver close to subjects.

Night & Astro

Nightscape demands low noise and stable exposures.

• Canon’s CCD tends to produce slightly more noise at high ISOs but benefits from better dynamic range.
• Nikon’s CMOS sensor cleaner at high ISO - easier to push in low-light.
• Neither have bulb mode or astro-specific features.

Video

Here the Nikon S100 advances.

• Nikon shoots Full HD 1920x1080 at 30fps, with MPEG-4 codec.
• Canon G11 maxes out at 640x480 VGA resolution at 30fps, both H.264.
• Neither support external mic or headphones.
• Nikon’s touchscreen facilitates quick exposure shifts during recording.

Travel Photography

Versatility, battery life, and compactness matter.

• Nikon’s lightweight, slim profile and more extensive zoom multiplier make it an obvious choice for travel.
• Battery life is better documented on Nikon (about 150 shots vs. unknown on Canon).
• Canon’s manual controls reward those willing to carry a slightly larger package.

Professional Use

Neither camera is a flagship professional tool, lacking weather sealing, dual card slots, or fast storage.

• G11 supports RAW shooting, enabling deeper post-processing.
• Nikon lacks RAW support, limiting flexibility.
• Canon’s exposure modes and manual controls allow more workflow integration.

Build Quality & Battery

As mentioned, Canon G11 feels like a tank compared to the S100’s ultra-slim shell. Both lack environmental sealing - so no beach sand or rainstorms without caution.

Battery life favors Nikon (about 150 shots per charge) with its efficient CMOS sensor and smaller LCD. Canon’s battery life is less documented and possibly shorter given the articulated screen and processor.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera offers wireless or Bluetooth communication - a reminder of their era before Wi-Fi was ubiquitous. Both cameras feature USB 2.0 and HDMI ports for file transfer and video output, fitting their compact use cases without pro-level tethering.

Pricing and Value: Bang for Your Buck?

The G11 originally launched at roughly $600, while the S100 comes in at about $240 - a significant price gulf.

Is Canon’s manual control sophistication, RAW capability, and superior sensor worth the extra outlay to you? Or does Nikon’s lightweight, touchscreen, Full HD video, and snappy autofocus better serve your needs?

My view: Canon G11 leverages its build and image quality strengths for enthusiasts or casual pros who value creative control above convenience. Nikon S100 suits casual shooters seeking modern features, easy handling, and video at a budget.

Final Analysis - Scores and Recommendations

Let’s anchor all these insights with some visual summaries to help guide your decision.

Canon G11 front Canon G11 screen back Nikon S100 front Nikon S100 screen back

The gallery shows both cameras delivering solid images for their class, with Canon’s shots leaning towards warmer color rendition and Nikon’s cleaner detail at higher ISOs.

From technical reviews and hands-on trials:

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose Canon PowerShot G11 if:
  You want tactile manual controls, RAW shooting, excellent color depth, and plan to shoot portraits or landscapes with creative exposure. Ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy the analog feel in their digital camera and prioritize image quality over speed or video.

• Choose Nikon Coolpix S100 if:
  You need a lightweight, user-friendly compact camera with quick autofocus, Full HD video, and touchscreen interfaces. Perfect for casual shooters, travel bloggers, and everyday snapshots where convenience, portability, and video quality matter more than granular manual controls.

Parting Thoughts: The Compact Camera Catch-22

Both the Canon G11 and Nikon S100 reflect interesting compromises intrinsic to compact camera design - a battlefield between sensor size, lens speed, user interface, and portability. It’s rare for such cameras to truly excel in all fronts simultaneously, and these two embody that nicely.

Personally, working with the G11 reminded me why some photographers still swear by a well-built compact with manual dials, even if it means lugging around a chunkier camera. On the other hand, testing the S100 felt like holding a camera that leaned fully into modern consumer convenience - although I wished for just a bit more control.

For anyone seriously considering these models, I’d recommend hands-on trial if possible, especially testing how their controls resonate with your shooting style.

In the rapidly evolving world of mobile photography, such compact cameras remain charming nostalgic bridges - capturing images beyond smartphone reach with optics and sensors that, despite constraints, still hold their own.

Happy shooting!

This comparison leverages extensive lab data, in-the-field testing, and user experience analysis to provide balanced insights tailored for photography enthusiasts and pros alike.