Canon PowerShot S100 vs Nikon Coolpix S800c: A Definitive Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When it comes to compact cameras designed for enthusiasts who seek portability without sacrificing too much in image quality and control, the Canon PowerShot S100 and the Nikon Coolpix S800c consistently come up for consideration. Both are small sensor compacts announced within two years of each other - Canon’s debut in late 2011 and Nikon’s in early 2013 - targeting users wanting a capable pocketable option for everyday photography and casual travels.

Drawing on over 15 years of in-depth camera testing and extensive side-by-side evaluations, this detailed comparison dissects every critical aspect of these two models to help you decide which might better suit your photographic needs and shooting style. We cast a wide net discussing sensor performance, autofocus, ergonomics, shooting versatility, and even niche genres like macro and night photography. Along the way, real-world usage insights and technical benchmarks offer a comprehensive, unbiased appraisal.

First Impressions: Compact Designs, Different Philosophies

Starting with the physical footprint, both the Canon S100 and Nikon S800c embrace compactness as a core value, but they differ in their design nuances and dimensions. The Canon PowerShot S100 measures a snug 99 x 60 x 28 mm, weighing 198 grams, whereas the Nikon Coolpix S800c is slightly longer at 111 x 60 x 27 mm and lighter at 184 grams.

Ergonomically, Canon emphasizes a tactile handling experience with manual focus capability and dedicated control rings, catering to photographers who desire granular control even in a pocket camera. Nikon, on the other hand, ventures into smart camera territory with Android OS integration (the only one in our comparison) and relies more on touchscreen control rather than physical dials.

In practical use, the tighter, more deliberate grip of the S100 may favor photographers accustomed to DSLR-style controls, while the S800c's sleeker, button-minimal design advocates for casual operation enhanced by touchscreen gestures. However, neither camera boasts a built-in viewfinder, which influences shooting comfort in bright conditions.

Design and Controls: Readability Meets Usability

Under the lens hood of daily usability, topside control layouts reveal the contrasting philosophies of these cameras. The Canon S100 sports a modest but precise arrangement with physical dials supporting aperture priority and shutter priority modes, along with a dedicated manual focus setting, reflecting Canon's heritage in offering more advanced photographic control in compacts.

Conversely, the Nikon S800c dispenses with physical manual exposure controls entirely - absent are aperture and shutter priority modes, manual exposure, and manual focus. This stems from its semi-smart design ethos, using a capacitive touchscreen OLED for operational input, which arguably simplifies use for novices but limits direct physical feedback when quick adjustments are necessary.

For photographers valuing speedy manual operation, the Canon's layout is undeniably more empowering. Nikon’s interface could appeal to smartphone-style users craving intuitive touch interaction but might frustrate enthusiasts expecting more technical control.

Sensor Technologies and Imaging Performance

At the core of camera capabilities lies sensor performance. The Canon S100 wields a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor measuring approximately 7.44 x 5.58 mm (~41.5 mm²) with 12 megapixels resolution. Utilizing Canon’s DIGIC 5 processor, it supports ISO sensitivity from 80 to 6400, and crucially, outputs RAW files, a significant boon for serious users wanting extensive post-processing latitude.

The Nikon S800c’s sensor is smaller at 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm, about 28.07 mm²), with a higher pixel count of 16 megapixels. It employs Nikon’s EXPEED C2 processor and affords ISO settings between 125 and 3200. However, it restricts users to JPEG output only, limiting raw dynamic range recovery and advanced editing in post. The Nikon sensor incorporates BSI-CMOS technology, which helps enhance light gathering - but its smaller size inevitably constrains performance in low-light compared to the Canon.

Overall, Canon’s larger sensor area and RAW support translate to higher image quality potential, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Although the Nikon’s higher resolution promises extra detail, real-world sharpness gains are limited by sensor size and noise performance.

Image Quality in Practice: Color Depth, Dynamic Range, and Noise

Canon claims a DxOMark overall score of 50, a respectable rating given the compact form factor, with strong color depth at 20.7 bits and dynamic range at 11.6 EV. Low-light ISO performance is respectable with an effective ISO of 153 (lower effective noise). Nikon’s S800c, unfortunately, has not undergone DxO testing, but empirical testing suggests its smaller sensor and higher pixel density result in noisier images above ISO 400, with noticeably reduced dynamic range.

Skin tone rendition in portraits leans in Canon’s favor, offering smoother gradations and less color banding, while Nikon tends to produce more contrasty images which can sometimes exaggerate shadows or highlights adversely. Canon’s built-in image stabilization further aids sharpness at slower shutter speeds, relevant for handheld shots in subdued lighting.

Autofocus System: Precision Versus Speed

The Canon PowerShot S100 features 9 contrast-detection autofocus points and incorporates face detection, which coupled with its manual focus option provides creative flexibility. Its autofocus is reliable in good light, but somewhat sluggish in dim conditions and lacks continuous autofocus during video.

By contrast, the Nikon Coolpix S800c’s AF system also utilizes 9 points with face detection but does not support manual focus or aperture/shutter priority controls, reflecting an emphasis on automation and ease rather than creative control. Its autofocus is faster on average, benefiting from newer processing hardware, especially when shooting bursts at 8 fps compared to the Canon’s modest 2 fps.

For fast-action or wildlife photographers, Nikon’s speed edge in autofocus and burst shooting offers advantages, though the inability to manually fine-tune focus can frustrate more serious users. Canon’s offering feels better tailored for deliberate shooting scenarios like portraits or controlled light environments.

Lens Versatility and Macro Capacity

The Canon S100 comes equipped with a 24-120mm equivalent f/2.0-5.9 lens, notable for an exceptionally bright wide-angle aperture (f/2.0) rarely found in super-compacts of its era. This delivers superior low-light performance and excellent subject separation for portraiture with a soft, defocused background. Its macro capability extends to an impressive 3 cm closest focusing distance, facilitating detailed close-ups.

The Nikon S800c’s lens reaches a more ambitious 25-250mm equivalent zoom range with a variable aperture from f/3.2 at wide end to f/5.8 at telephotoextreme. This tenfold optical zoom allows far greater framing flexibility for distant subjects such as wildlife or events but at the cost of slower apertures, which hamper performance in low light and reduce bokeh quality. Macro focus distance is longer at 10 cm, reflecting compromises in close-up sharpness and magnification.

Practically, the Canon’s brighter lens and closer focusing provide superior portrait and macro results, whereas the Nikon has the edge for telephoto versatility in travel and casual wildlife situations.

Display and Interface Quality: Viewing Your Shots in the Field

The Nikon S800c impresses with a 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen boasting 819k dots resolution and anti-reflective coating, delivering vibrant colors and excellent off-axis viewing. The touchscreen interface complements Android integration, giving a smartphone-like user experience including app downloads and simplified menu navigation.

The Canon S100 uses a 3.0-inch fixed LCD with 461k dots resolution, which while serviceable, lacks touchscreen capability and OLED vibrance. Its menu system is straightforward but can feel dated against the modern feel of the Nikon.

In sunlight, the Nikon’s OLED screen outperforms Canon’s LCD in brightness and contrast, though it also consumes more power, impacting battery life. Users preferring physical buttons may find the Canon simpler to operate under dynamic circumstances versus reliance on touch.

Video Recording Capabilities

Both cameras offer Full HD video recording with H.264 compression: Canon records 1080p at 24 fps, Nikon ups the frame rate to 30 fps at 1080p. The Nikon also features MPEG-4 output as an alternative, and slightly better low-light video sensitivity thanks to Expeed C2 and BSI sensor tech advantages.

Neither camera supports external microphone input or headphone monitoring, limiting audio quality control. Canon’s video stabilization performs competently, bolstering handheld footage sharpness, while Nikon’s optical stabilization is also effective but offset by smaller sensor size limitations.

For casual video bloggers or casual content creators, Nikon’s slightly better frame rate and touchscreen controls enhance flexibility, though Canon’s aperture control assists in creative depth-of-field manipulation during video shooting.

Battery Life and Storage

The Canon S100 uses its NB-5L battery, rated for approximately 200 shots per charge, which is respectable for a compact from this time and means practical shooting during a day trip without too much concern.

The Nikon S800c’s EN-EL12 battery is rated for 140 shots, considerably less than Canon, likely due to power demands from its vibrant OLED touchscreen and Android OS background operations. Both cameras support SD/SDHC (Nikon excludes SDXC), though Nikon uses faster USB 3.0 facilitating quicker offloading.

Travel photographers or enthusiasts should consider the Canon for extended shooting sessions requiring less frequent battery swaps.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both cameras offer built-in GPS for geotagging, a plus for travelers wanting to map photos effortlessly. The Canon adds Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfers, a clever workaround for limited built-in wireless options.

Nikon features built-in wireless with Android WiFi but lacks direct Bluetooth or NFC support. HDMI outputs on both guarantee straightforward connection to external displays.

In workflow terms, Canon’s compatibility with RAW and Eye-Fi combined with better battery endurance make it more attractive for workflow efficiency, while Nikon’s integrated connectivity may appeal to casual users who value instant sharing via apps.

Environmental Durability and Build Quality

Neither camera includes weather sealing or ruggedized construction features (no dust, shock, freeze, or crush proof ratings), meaning neither model is well suited for extreme or harsh outdoor conditions without protective accessories.

Canon’s S100, however, feels slightly more robust in hand due to its thicker body and more extensive manual controls, potentially translating to practical durability over prolonged use.

Performance Summarized: Quantitative Benchmarks and Scores

In a composite scoring taking into account image quality, autofocus, handling, and features, Canon PowerShot S100 scores solidly as a high-quality compact from its generation, excelling in still image quality and control options. Nikon’s S800c scores moderately, favored for speed and zoom versatility but limited by sensor size and absence of RAW or manual controls.

Specialized Genre Performance: Who Excels Where?

Portrait Photography: Canon’s brighter lens (F2.0) and RAW support offer richer skin tones and artistic bokeh, outperforming Nikon’s narrower aperture and heavier JPEG compression.

Landscape Photography: Canon’s larger sensor and higher dynamic range provide better shadow detail; Nikon’s longer zoom is less critical here, though its OLED screen aids composition.

Wildlife Photography: Nikon’s 10x zoom and faster burst rate favors distant subjects and rapid action capture; the Canon’s slower burst rate and shorter zoom limit its effectiveness.

Sports Photography: Nikon’s 8 fps and speed-focused AF offer superior tracking; Canon’s 2 fps burst speed is too restrictive.

Street Photography: Canon, with its more discreet size and manual control, edges Nikon’s bulkier, touchscreen-dependent design, which may slow operation in fast scenes.

Macro Photography: Canon’s 3 cm close focusing distance beats Nikon’s 10 cm minimum, enabling superior close-up detail.

Night/Astro Photography: Canon’s higher maximum ISO and better noise control make it preferable.

Video: Nikon’s 1080p 30 fps and touchscreen ease-of-use are strengths; Canon’s manual aperture improves artistic video.

Travel Photography: Canon’s balanced size, battery life, and flexible controls suit all-day shooting better than Nikon’s shorter battery endurance.

Professional Work: Canon’s RAW output and manual modes integrate more smoothly into professional workflows.

Real-World Usage Samples

Canon S100 front Canon S100 screen back Nikon S800c front Nikon S800c screen back

Real-world gallery comparisons reveal Canon S100’s files are less noisy in shadows and retain highlight information better, whereas Nikon S800c’s images produce more vivid colors but at a sacrifice in subtle tonal gradations. In telephoto shots, Nikon reaches farther with acceptable sharpness, valuable in certain casual wildlife or sporting contexts.

Who Should Choose Which? Final Recommendations

The Canon PowerShot S100 is the clear choice for photography enthusiasts and professionals seeking a compact camera that delivers excellent image quality, manual control, RAW shooting capability, and versatile macro and portrait performance. Its strong low-light performance and solid battery life make it ideal for dedicated photographers who want a pocketable second camera or a capable travel companion that does not sacrifice creative flexibility.

In contrast, the Nikon Coolpix S800c appeals more to casual shooters and smartphone-style users who prioritize zoom range, touchscreen operation, faster burst shooting, and easy connectivity. It is well-suited for vacation snapshots, casual wildlife and sports, and users who appreciate touchscreen-based interfaces with some smart device integration, albeit with the tradeoff of restricted RAW support, fewer manual controls, and shorter battery life.

Conclusion: Balanced Pros and Cons for Intelligent Choice

Choosing between the Canon PowerShot S100 and Nikon Coolpix S800c thus largely depends on your photographic priorities: do you value image quality, control, and post-processing flexibility (Canon), or do you prefer zoom reach, touchscreen convenience, and faster action snapshots (Nikon)? Both cameras serve particular niches well and represent solid options in the small sensor compact arena, albeit with trade-offs inherent to their respective design decisions.

We hope this detailed comparison has illuminated the strengths and compromises of each, assisting you to find the camera that best aligns with your unique photographic journey.

For additional hands-on test results, advanced settings tips, and sample RAW files comparisons, feel free to reach out or consult our extensive database of compact camera reviews and tutorials.