Canon S95 vs Nikon AW100

Below, we will be matching up the Canon S95 and Nikon AW100, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by rivals Canon and Nikon. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the S95 (10MP) and AW100 (16MP) and the S95 (1/1.7") and AW100 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The S95 was released 9 months earlier than the AW100 and they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the S95 scores vs the AW100 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot S95 and Nikon Coolpix AW100. The complete galleries are available at Canon S95 Gallery and Nikon AW100 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon S95 comes with outside dimensions of 100mm x 58mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Nikon AW100 has proportions of 110mm x 65mm x 23mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Analyze the Canon S95 and Nikon AW100 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the S95 versus the AW100.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the S95 and AW100 is 93 and 93 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizes merely by viewing a spec sheet. The picture underneath will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the S95 and AW100.

As you can see, both the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The S95 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Nikon AW100 will result in extra detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged S95 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.