Canon PowerShot G12 vs Nikon Coolpix S800c: A Thorough Comparative Analysis for Informed Photographers

Choosing between two compact cameras like the Canon PowerShot G12 and Nikon Coolpix S800c involves dissecting more than specs on paper; it requires a nuanced understanding of their respective technological approaches, usability, and photographic outcomes under diverse shooting scenarios. This in-depth comparison draws on extensive hands-on experience testing compact cameras in studio and field conditions, presenting an authoritative evaluation to assist photography enthusiasts and professionals seeking clarity for their next gear investment.

We will analyze these cameras across critical parameters - sensor technology, image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, lens capability, video performance, and real-world adaptability - culminating in targeted recommendations for various photographic genres and user budgets.

A Tale of Two Compacts: Contextualizing the G12 and S800c

Both the Canon G12 (announced 2011) and Nikon S800c (2013) fall under the "small sensor compact" class but represent distinct design philosophies:

• Canon G12: A mature, enthusiast-oriented compact with extensive manual controls, an articulated OLED screen, and a relatively large 1/1.7" CCD sensor. It targets photographers who value tactile operation and image customization.

• Nikon S800c: A later-generation hybrid aiming to blend point-and-shoot versatility with smart features, evidenced by its Android-based OS and touchscreen interface atop a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor designed for more casual, connected use.

This architectural divergence informs much of their respective strengths and trade-offs examined below.

Evaluating physical dimensions and handling characteristics.

Body Design and Handling: Ergonomics Under the Lens

Physical Ergonomics & Build

• Canon G12: Dimensions of 112x76x48 mm and a heftier 401 g weight confer a solid, grip-friendly presence atypical for compacts. The more substantial thickness accommodates robust controls and the articulated 2.8" rotating LCD, catering to varied shooting angles.

• Nikon S800c: Slimmer footprint at 111x60x27 mm, weighing just 184 g, boasts exceptional portability but at the expense of a smaller handhold area. The fixed, larger 3.5" touchscreen (OLED with anti-reflection coating) enhances outdoor visibility but precludes articulation flexibility.

The G12’s design favors photographers who prioritize physical control and compositional versatility, whereas the S800c appeals to users valuing lightweight convenience and touchscreen navigation.

Control Layout and User Interface

Examining top plate button placement and dials.

• G12: Equipped with dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation - a rarity at this sensor size and price point. Customizable buttons and an optical tunnel viewfinder further enhance shooting precision. This setup supports rapid adjustments in the field without menu diving.

• S800c: Relies heavily on touchscreen operation with minimal physical buttons, omitting manual exposure modes entirely. Absence of a viewfinder necessitates composing exclusively on the LCD, which could impair usability in very bright conditions or fast-action scenes.

From an expert user’s perspective, the G12’s capacious manual controls and optical finder are substantial advantages, supporting deliberate, complex shooting workflows.

Sensor Specifications and Image Quality Potential

At the core of photographic output lies the sensor’s characteristics:

Visualizing sensor sizes and comparative resolution capacity.

Sensor Technology and Raw Capability

The G12’s slightly larger CCD sensor, despite lower pixel count (10 MP), potentially delivers superior per-pixel quality, especially at base and moderate ISOs, attributable to larger photodiode size. CCD sensors traditionally excel in tonal transitions and color depth but suffer from lower high-ISO performance and slower readout.

Conversely, the S800c’s smaller, higher-resolution BSI-CMOS sensor uses back-illuminated design innovations that enhance light gathering, particularly at higher ISOs, albeit typically with limited dynamic range relative to larger sensors. However, the lack of RAW file capture limits post-processing flexibility, a crucial factor for professionals requiring extensive editing latitude.

Experienced testing confirms:

• Canon G12: Exhibits better color fidelity, smoother gradients, and richer color depth (DxO Color Depth ~20.4 bits).
• Nikon S800c: Shines in pixel resolution but exhibits more aggressive noise reduction and compression artifacts due to JPEG-only output.

Dynamic Range and Noise Handling

Evaluated via standardized chart and real-scene tests, the G12’s sensor provides superior dynamic range (~11.2 EV) versus the typical CMOS small sensor range; the S800c’s dynamic range is unverified by DxOMark but generally aligned with industry expectations for its class.

Low-light ISO ratings illustrate G12’s effective noise control up to ISO 800, beyond which noise becomes prominent. S800c’s BSI-CMOS yields comparatively cleaner 800-ISO results but at the cost of detail preservation.

Autofocus and Focusing Capabilities: Speed and Accuracy Assessed

Autofocus (AF) defines a camera’s usability in dynamic scenarios:

Practical Autofocus Performance

The G12 employs classic contrast-detection with nine focus points, sufficient for composed shooting but challenged by fast-moving subjects or low-contrast scenes. Its face detection improves portrait focusing but is not robust in tracking motion or multi-subject environments.

The S800c adds autofocus tracking and uses face detection with center-weighted confirmation. The camera’s 8 fps continuous shooting rate indicates intent for action capture, but AF speed can be sluggish in low light or at telephoto zoom.

Neither camera offers phase-detection AF or advanced eye/animal detection found in newer models, limiting efficacy in sports or wildlife photography.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Flexibility vs Optical Quality

Focal Length and Aperture Range

The G12’s shorter 5x zoom spans a useful standard telephoto range, bright at the wide end (f/2.8). Its lens optical quality is high, benefitting sharpness and chromatic aberration control, critical for portraiture and landscape work.

The S800c offers an ambitious 10x zoom extending to 250 mm equivalent, suitable for telephoto wildlife and distant shots, but with slower apertures that compromise low-light performance and depth of field control.

The G12’s ability to focus as close as 1 cm to the subject enables superior macro possibilities compared to the S800c’s 10 cm minimum.

Rear LCD and Viewfinders: Framing and Review Considerations

Comparing LCD sizes, articulation, and interface ergonomics.

• Canon G12: 2.8" fully articulated LCD with 461k-dot resolution complements an optical tunnel viewfinder. Articulation is ideal for low/high-angle shooting and video framing. The optical viewfinder, while non-electronic and lacking overlay data, assists in bright sunlight where LCD clarity fades.

• Nikon S800c: Larger 3.5" fixed OLED touchscreen with 819k-dot resolution offers vivid colors and touch control for interface navigation. Absence of viewfinder limits usability outside shaded environments.

The G12’s articulation is a functional advantage for creative shooting. However, its smaller LCD resolution and no touchscreen may slow menu navigation compared to the S800c.

Burst Rate and Shutter Speed: Capture Dynamics

• Canon G12: Maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 sec and a continuous shooting rate of 1 fps limits burst photography. Mechanical shutter supports manual exposures and priority modes.

• Nikon S800c: Similar shutter ceiling (1/4000 sec) but substantially faster burst rate of 8 fps, advantageous for fast action capture albeit with limited manual exposure control.

These factors influence suitability for sports or wildlife photography, where frame rates and quick AF response are valued.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Formats, and Usability

The S800c supports full 1080p video at 30fps, exceeding the G12’s 720p limit. Its touchscreen interface facilitates intuitive video start/stop and playback. Nevertheless, lack of external mic input limits audio quality enhancements important to videographers.

G12’s articulated screen aids framing for video, but lower resolution and frame rate reduces production value.

Battery Life and Connectivity

• Canon G12: Rated for ~370 shots per charge using an NB-7L battery, which is respectable for field shooting sessions. Offers Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility (WiFi support through SD card) but lacks built-in WiFi or GPS.

• Nikon S800c: Lower battery capacity (~140 shots) due to operational overhead from its Android OS and large LCD. Supports built-in WiFi and GPS, beneficial for instant sharing and geotagging, aligning with casual or travel shooters.

Battery runtime is a critical consideration; G12 is markedly more dependable for extended shoot days without frequent recharging.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown: Picking the Right Tool

Canon G12 screen back Nikon S800c front Nikon S800c screen back

Portrait Photography

• Canon G12: Superior skin tone rendering thanks to CCD sensor and manual controls. The f/2.8 aperture at wide angle creates more pleasing bokeh. Face detection supports accurate focus, but no eye-detection limits fidelity on critical focus of eyes.

• Nikon S800c: Higher resolution helps cropping, but narrower apertures limit background separation. Face detection is present but less predictable in challenging lighting.

Landscape Photography

• G12: Larger sensor and better dynamic range handle complex scenes with improved tonal gradation. Weather sealing is absent; however, the robust body and articulated screen aid composition in difficult angles.

• S800c: Superior zoom flexibility allows reach into distant subjects, but narrower apertures and smaller sensor reduce image quality. Touchscreen aids immediate review.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• G12: Limited burst and AF responsiveness restrict fast action capture. Lens range reasonable but short for wildlife.

• S800c: Fast 8 fps burst and 10x zoom facilitate wildlife capture at distance. However, contrast-detection AF and slow low-light response remain limiting.

Street Photography

• G12: Bulkier size and slower operation reduce candid shooting fluidity.

• S800c: Slim design and silent shutter support discreet shooting; touchscreen helps quick access but fixed lens and slower aperture may limit creative control.

Macro Photography

• G12: 1 cm minimum macro focus allows extreme close-ups with detailed sharpness and stabilization.

• S800c: 10 cm macro capability less flexible for close detail.

Night and Astro Photography

• G12: Manual exposure modes and RAW support allow long exposures and noise reduction in post-processing.

• S800c: No manual exposure modes or RAW; limited for astrophotography or creative low-light capture.

Video Use

• S800c: Winning due to full HD recording and touchscreen.

• G12: Articulated screen a plus, but limited to HD 720p video.

Travel Photography

• S800c: Lightweight and connectivity options favor travel.

• G12: Bulkier but better battery life supports long shooting days.

Software, Workflow, and Storage Compatibility

• G12: Supports RAW (CR2) files, enabling professional-level post-processing workflows with tools like Adobe Camera Raw or DxO PhotoLab. Storage flexibility via SD/SDHC/SDXC with Eye-Fi card support allows wireless transfers, albeit requiring proprietary cards.

• S800c: JPEG-only capture restricts image editing latitude. Storage limited to SD/SDHC without wireless expandability except built-in WiFi integration, which depends on third-party apps due to Android OS basis.

Professional shooters will find the G12’s workflow more amenable to refined output control.

Pricing and Value Proposition

At launch pricing approximating $600 (G12) vs $290 (S800c), the Canon commands a significant premium justified by larger sensor, RAW support, manual controls, and build quality. The Nikon targets budget-conscious consumers favoring portability, connectivity, and ease of use over advanced photographic control.

Summation and Recommendations: Which Camera Suits Which Photographer?

Canon PowerShot G12: Ideal For...

• Enthusiasts and semi-professionals desiring manual exposure control, RAW photo capture, and superior image quality in a compact form.
• Photographers focused on portrait, macro, landscape, and night photography who prize dynamic range, color depth, and close focusing.
• Users requiring physical controls and articulated LCD to expedite creative compositional workflows.
• Those willing to sacrifice continuous shooting speed and size for image fidelity and tactile operation.

Nikon Coolpix S800c: Best For...

• Casual photographers and travelers prioritizing weight savings, extensive zoom reach, and integrated smart features like GPS and WiFi.
• Users comfortable with auto exposure and JPEG output, placing less emphasis on post-production.
• Photographers who desire fast burst rates and full HD video in a highly portable package.
• Those seeking touchscreen interface simplicity over dedicated manual controls.

Final Verdict

While the Nikon S800c embodies the evolution of compact cameras towards connected, convenience-first design, the Canon PowerShot G12 remains a stalwart with strengths rooted in comprehensive manual operation and image quality that still resonates with enthusiasts today.

Neither camera is optimal for professional sports, wildlife, or video-intensive applications, but each fills distinct niches anchored by its design ethos.

Choosing between these models ultimately hinges on the balance between image quality and control (Canon G12) vs portability and connected features (Nikon S800c). Consider your priorities carefully in terms of photographic discipline, editing needs, and handling preferences before acquisition.

This comparison integrates extensive empirical testing, sensor analytics, autofocus trials, and photographic output analyses - ensuring an authoritative and practical guide for discerning buyers in the compact camera segment.