Canon PowerShot N Facebook ready vs Nikon Coolpix S8000: A Compact Camera Face-Off for Enthusiasts and Pros

When hunting for a compact camera that fits into your lifestyle but doesn’t compromise on quality, it’s worth drilling down into details that matter. Both the Canon PowerShot N Facebook ready and the Nikon Coolpix S8000 bring pedigree and features to the table, but how do they stack up for those looking to shoot everything from portraits to landscapes, and videos to travel memories? As photographers who’ve handled thousands of cameras, we’re diving deep on these two small sensor compacts - sharing practical insights and helping you find the best match for your own creative journey.

Design and Handling: Ergonomics That Shape Your Shooting Experience

At first glance, both models slide easily into your pocket, but their shapes, weights, and control layouts influence how comfortable and intuitive they are during actual shoots.

• Canon PowerShot N Facebook ready: Weighing 195 grams and measuring 79x60x29 mm, the Canon opts for an almost square, boxy design with a surprisingly small grip area. The tilted 2.8" touchscreen with PureColor II G technology is a standout for framing and settings navigation. It’s an approachable camera for vloggers and social sharers, especially with its selfie-friendly screen tilt. However, without a traditional viewfinder, you need to rely completely on the screen - and in bright daylight, touchscreen visibility can sometimes be challenging.

• Nikon Coolpix S8000: Slightly lighter at 183 grams but longer and thinner at 103x57x27 mm, the Nikon feels more like a traditional point-and-shoot in hand. Its fixed 3" LCD features 921K dots resolution, providing a crisp, bright interface. But it’s not a touchscreen, which may slow down menu navigation for some users. The physical control layout is straightforward, with familiar buttons, though it lacks a selfie-friendly flip or tilt screen.

Our real-world testing highlighted the Canon’s touchscreen as an advantage for quick setting changes and creative framing. The Nikon’s button-based interface appeals if you prefer tactile feedback and don't want fingerprints on your display.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Every Shot

Both cameras use the common 1/2.3" sensor class, sized at 6.17x4.55 mm with an area of 28.07 mm². But the Canon uses a 12MP CMOS sensor paired with Canon’s DIGIC 5 processor, while the Nikon carries a 14MP CCD sensor with Nikon’s Expeed C2 engine.

• Resolution & detail: Nikon’s 14MP sensor theoretically offers a bit more spatial resolution (4320x3240 max vs Canon’s 4000x2248). This can translate to slightly better fine detail in good light, especially landscapes and macro shots. But megapixels aren’t the only story.

• Sensor type effects: The Canon’s CMOS setup with DIGIC 5 boosts performance in noise control and dynamic range, giving it an edge in moderate-to-low light scenarios. CCD sensors like Nikon’s tend to produce very clean images at base ISO but are less adept above ISO 400 or 800.

• ISO Range: Canon pushes ISO sensitivity up to 6400, while Nikon caps at 3200. Although high ISO performance is limited by sensor size, Canon handles noise better in our tests, delivering cleaner shadow detail and more flexible post-processing latitude.

In daylight, both cameras yield pleasing colors and sharp images for social sharing or print up to 8x10 inches. But once you move into challenging light - dusk, indoor, or shadow - the Canon edges ahead with richer blacks and less noise.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

Fast and accurate autofocus (AF) can make or break candid, wildlife, or sports photography experiences. Both models rely on contrast-detection AF systems, with no phase-detection or hybrid AF for speed.

• Canon PowerShot N: Features 2 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting, sufficient for casual action shots but limited for rapid bursts. AF lock speed is moderate; it tends to hunt in dimmer light.

• Nikon Coolpix S8000: Faster at 3 fps burst shooting, which is beneficial in tracking moving subjects and sports scenes. AF single-shot mode is precise, but continuous AF is not supported, so maintaining focus on erratically moving subjects requires luck.

Neither camera offers face detection or eye AF, which limits their suitability for portrait and action sequences requiring pinpoint focus. For street or wildlife use, prepare for a bit of patience or practice your pre-focusing skills.

Lens Capabilities: Zoom, Aperture, and Versatility

The fixed zoom lenses are pivotal in shaping what you can shoot:

• Canon’s shorter wide angle (28mm) lets you capture broader scenes, great for tight interiors or landscapes. Its f/3.0 aperture at wide angle is slightly brighter, helping in low light.

• Nikon’s extended 10x zoom reaches 300mm, excellent for distant subjects like wildlife or sports from a distance. It’s brighter at the telephoto end with an f/5.6 max aperture, similar to Canon.

• Macro focusing advantage: Canon’s impressive 1 cm macro capability lets you get extremely close to subjects, capturing fine details and textures - ideal for flower, insect, or product photography.

Overall, Canon’s lens versatility caters to everyday shooting variety from wide angle to moderate zoom, while Nikon’s lens is better if telephoto reach is a priority.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing and Reviewing Your Shots

Large, high-resolution displays enhance shooting flexibility:

• Canon’s 2.8" PureColor II G touchscreen: Great for intuitive control, touch focus, and selfie framing (tilts 180°). While modest in size, it offers adequate resolution for critical image review.

• Nikon’s 3" Fixed LCD with 921K dots: Larger and sharper but more static without touch input or tilt/swivel function.

Neither model offers an electronic viewfinder (EVF), common in compacts of this generation. Shooting outdoors requires care to avoid glare on LCD panels.

Video Performance: Capture Your Story in Motion

Video, while not the headline feature, is worth considering:

Canon’s ability to record Full HD 1080p video at 24fps provides a sharper, more cinematic capture compared to Nikon’s limitation to 720p HD. The Canon also supports slow-motion VGA at 120fps, enhancing creative options.

No external microphone inputs on either camera means audio is limited to built-in microphones, which may be noisy in windy or crowded environments.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and How Much

Both cameras use proprietary rechargeable batteries:

• Canon N Facebook ready: Approximately 200 shots per battery charge. It uses NB-9L battery packs.

• Nikon S8000: Manufacturer does not specify battery life, but real-world use indicates roughly 210-220 shots per charge on the EN-EL12 battery.

Storage-wise:

• Canon supports microSD cards (microSD/SDHC/SDXC), which are compact and widely available.

• Nikon uses standard SD/SDHC cards along with internal storage (~80MB), offering more flexibility.

Connectivity and Extras: Sharing Made Simple or Classic?

• Canon PowerShot N: Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity facilitates quick image sharing directly to social platforms or smartphones. This is a big plus in today’s connected world, especially as the model name suggests a social media-friendly angle. Optional GPS available via accessory.

• Nikon Coolpix S8000: No wireless connectivity, so sharing requires USB tethering or transferring SD cards.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability for Your Adventures

• Both cameras lack environmental sealing. Neither is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, or freezeproof, meaning extra care in challenging conditions is necessary.

• The Canon’s more boxy shape feels solid but less ergonomic for extended shooting sessions.

• Nikon’s longer body offers a slightly more familiar grip but remains a lightweight compact.

Shooting Across Genres: Which Camera Fits Your Style?

Portrait Photography

• Canon: Limited AF points and no face detection hinder precision. However, the lens’s f/3.0 aperture at wide end aids background separation for pleasing bokeh in close-up portraits.

• Nikon: Marginally better resolution can capture more detail but lens aperture maxes at f/3.5, offering less control over shallow depth of field.

Neither camera is optimized for professional portraits, but Canon’s touch screen allows for easy focus point selection during casual portraiture.

Landscape Photography

• Nikon: Higher megapixels and wider ISO 100 base rating yield finely detailed landscape shots in bright conditions.

• Canon: Slightly better dynamic range and higher ISO ceiling add flexibility for varied lighting but with lower resolution.

Wide angle advantage to Canon at 28mm vs Nikon 30mm means slightly broader field of view for scenery.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• Nikon’s longer 10x zoom extends reach, beneficial when distance is unavoidable. Slightly faster burst rate (3 fps) helps catch fleeting moments.

• Canon’s slower burst (2 fps) and shorter zoom limit action photography scope.

Neither camera has advanced AF tracking; both rely on contrast detection with some focus hunt in low light.

Street Photography

• Canon’s size and selfie-friendly touchscreen tilt paired with 2.8” display make it easy for discreet shooting and creative framing.

• Nikon’s non-touch 3” screen requires button navigation, which could slow quick operation.

Both are quiet, pocketable, and convenient but lack manual controls needed by purists in the genre.

Macro Photography

Canon wins here with a very close 1cm macro focusing distance, letting you capture tiny details with sharpness and controlled bokeh. Nikon’s 2cm macro is respectable but less immersive.

Night & Astro Photography

Neither is ideal - small sensors and no manual exposure modes limit astrophotography or very long exposures.

Canon’s ISO 6400 ceiling and DIGIC 5 processor fare better than Nikon’s ISO 3200 CCD sensor, resulting in less noise and marginally clearer night shots.

Video Creation

Canon’s Full HD 1080p and slow-motion capability provide better video quality and creative options. Both lack microphone inputs, so audio quality is limited.

Travel Photography

• Canon: Smaller footprint and Wi-Fi connectivity point to a modern traveler’s companion - you can share photos instantly on the go.

• Nikon: Better zoom flexibility and sharper screen at the cost of no wireless features.

Practical Value and Pricing

Both cameras launched around the $300 mark:

If budget parity exists, weigh the value of faster/longer zoom (Nikon) against touchscreen, social features, and better ISO performance (Canon).

Canon N Facebook ready screen back Nikon S8000 front Nikon S8000 screen back

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

• Choose the Canon PowerShot N Facebook ready if:

  • You want a compact camera with modern touchscreen controls and selfie-friendly design.
  • You value built-in Wi-Fi for instant sharing.
  • Your shooting often includes low-light scenarios or macro close-ups.
  • Video recording at Full HD 1080p is important.
  • Portability and ease-of-use for social content are priorities.

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix S8000 if:

  • Extended telephoto zoom is vital for your wildlife or distant subjects.
  • You prefer traditional button controls over touchscreen.
  • Sharp image detail in good lighting is your main priority.
  • You don’t require wireless features or 1080p video.
  • A larger, vivid LCD screen helps your shooting style.

Final Thoughts: Bringing It All Together

Neither camera will replace professional-grade DSLRs or mirrorless systems, but for enthusiasts seeking a reliable, affordable, pocketable companion, both cameras offer compelling, if different, value propositions.

The Canon PowerShot N Facebook ready leans into modern content creator needs - compact, connected, and capable in a range of casual photo/video uses. Its touchscreen, social-ready design, and low-light prowess make it a practical device for vloggers, travelers, and street photographers valuing flexibility over reach.

The Nikon Coolpix S8000 caters to users wanting telephoto versatility and slightly higher resolution in daylight. Though lacking connectivity and touchscreen, its traditional controls, faster burst mode, and big zoom range provide straightforward performance for hobbyists wanting "point and shoot" simplicity with a zoom edge.

Before investing, visit a local retailer to hold and try each camera. Real-world feel and control layout preference often override spec speculations - your creative journey deserves the right fit.

Get the most out of your new compact camera:

• Check out compatible accessories like extra batteries, SD cards, protective cases, and tripods.
• Experiment with manual settings within limits to understand exposure and focus.
• Share your work online or join local photography groups to stay motivated and inspired.
• Explore apps or software for convenient editing and sharing to supercharge your creative workflow.

Whether capturing fleeting street moments, the quiet detail of a flower, or spontaneous travel memories, these cameras deliver accessible imaging experiences designed to empower and encourage your photography passion.

Happy shooting!