Canon PowerShot S95 vs Nikon Coolpix L840: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Contenders

In the crowded compact camera arena, two models often catch the eye for vastly different reasons: the Canon PowerShot S95 - a venerable small sensor compact prized for its pocketability and image quality - and the Nikon Coolpix L840, a superzoom bridge camera designed to put an enormous focal range at your fingertips in a consumer-friendly package. Both excel in different niches, but which suits your photographic ambitions better? Having spent extensive hands-on time with both, I’ll break down their real-world strengths and limitations across major photography disciplines, while weaving in technical analysis and usage insights that only come from careful, long-term testing.

Design and Ergonomics: Pocketable Precision vs. SLR-Style Handling

Starting with form factor, the Canon S95’s compactness is immediately striking. With dimensions of 100x58x30mm and a featherlike 195g weight, it slips into nearly any pocket. The Nikon L840 tips the scales considerably heavier and bulkier at 538g and 114x89x96mm, following the traditional bridge camera design - its SLR-like grip offers a more substantial hold, which some photographers prefer for stability during long focal length shots.

The control layout echoes this difference: the S95 opts for a streamlined top plate that balances manual exposure controls in a minimalist package, favoring precision over button abundance. The L840’s top view is busier, featuring a more prominent mode dial and easy access to zoom controls and playback, tailored for enthusiasts wanting quick telephoto access without menu dives.

In practical shooting, the S95’s smaller size aids street and travel photography situations where discretion and portability matter. Conversely, the L840’s heft helps when using its prodigious zoom range - less shakiness, better grip.

Sensor and Image Quality: Classic CCD Charm Meets Modern CMOS Zoomers

The S95 packs a 1/1.7” CCD sensor measuring 7.44x5.58mm (41.52mm²), outputting 10MP images at 3648x2736 resolution. Its larger sensor area grants it a notable advantage in color depth (20.4 bits) and dynamic range (11.3 EV) as per DxOMark benchmarks. The CCD technology lends a distinctive smooth filmic quality to images, often preferred for portraits and low-ISO landscapes.

The Nikon L840 employs a smaller 1/2.3” CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55mm, 28.07mm²) with a higher pixel count - 16MP at 4608x3456. While the increased resolution challenges the sensor's smaller size, noise performance is limited past ISO 800, and overall image quality tends to favor versatility over refinement.

Testing both side-by-side under daylight conditions revealed the S95’s superior detail retention and richer color gradations at base ISO 80–100. However, the L840’s sensor excels at capturing contrasty scenes quickly, aided by its advanced image processor that reduces noise and boosts sharpness for casual shooting.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder: Touchless Interface and Live View Focus

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders - a common trait in smaller compacts and superzooms outside the enthusiast mirrorless segment. Instead, rely on rear LCDs for framing.

The S95’s fixed 3” screen delivers a modest 461k-dot resolution - adequate but not spectacular, especially in bright outdoor light where reflections hamper visibility. Its fixed positioning limits composition flexibility in challenging angles.

In contrast, the L840 sports a higher-resolution 921k-dot 3” tilting LCD - a significant advantage for macro, low angle, and video work, offering better clarity and composition options on the fly. While neither screen is touchscreen-enabled, the Nikon’s articulation adds a practical edge.

Neither camera features extensive touchscreen menus, relying on buttons and dials, which for me warrants a brief mention: while tactile controls offer precision, they sometimes feel dated compared to newer models’ integrated touch.

Autofocus Behavior: Contrast Detection Challenges vs. Zoom-Aware Tracking

Autofocus systems represent a clear divide.

The Canon S95 utilizes a nine-point contrast-detection AF system with no continuous tracking or eye detection. In practical terms, this means it’s precise but slow and struggles with moving subjects or low-light focusing - something I experienced firsthand when attempting casual street shots under dim lighting.

Conversely, the Nikon L840 employs enhanced contrast detection with multi-area AF, face detection, and continuous autofocus options. Its autofocus proved quicker and more reliable for fast-moving subjects during burst shooting at 7.4 fps. The L840’s AF tracking held up reasonably well during wildlife and sports test shoots, albeit with some hunting at full zoom.

This performance gap underscores the cameras’ intended user profiles: the S95 is suited for photographers emphasizing static or slowly moving subjects with precise framing, while the L840 leans toward active zoom and dynamic subject tracking.

Lens Reach and Optical Performance: Fast Standard vs. Massive Zoom

Lens design is perhaps the most striking difference.

Canon’s fixed focal range of 28-105mm (35mm equivalent) with a bright F2.0 aperture at wide-angle provides excellent low-light capability and pleasant background separation - beneficial for portraits and close-up shooting. Its 3.8x zoom magnification is modest but covers key focal lengths for everyday shooting.

The Nikon L840 offers an impressive 23-855mm range (38x zoom) with a maximum aperture varying from F3.0 to F6.5. This telephoto reach is exceptional for wildlife and sports, offering versatility unrivaled in point-and-shoot categories - but optical quality suffers towards the extreme zoom end, exhibiting chromatic aberrations and softness - common in superzoom designs.

For macro enthusiasts, the L840’s 1cm closest focus distance beats the S95’s 5cm, though the S95’s wider aperture and optical stabilization partially compensate with cleaner detail.

Image Stabilization and Burst Shooting: Balancing Steadiness with Speed

Both cameras include optical image stabilization crucial for handheld shooting.

The Canon S95 benefits from an effective optical stabilizer that compensates well for camera shake, especially at slower shutter speeds - useful given its modest burst speed of just 1 fps. This indicates the S95 isn’t built for action but excels in deliberate handheld shots and low-light handheld landscapes.

The Nikon L840’s stabilizer also performs admirably, particularly when zoomed in. Combined with its 7.4 fps continuous shooting at up to 4000 shutter speed, the L840 is better positioned to capture fleeting moments in sports and wildlife contexts.

Video Capabilities: From Basic HD to Full HD in Smooth Motion

The S95 offers HD video at 1280x720 pixels and 24 fps in H.264 format, sufficient for casual home use but not for videography enthusiasts expecting 1080p or higher frame rate options.

The L840 advances to Full HD 1080p video recording up to 60i fps and comes equipped with various frame rates in MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. While lacking external microphone or headphone ports limits audio quality control, its tilting screen aids in composing creative angles.

If combined stills and video versatility are priorities, the L840’s specs provide functional advantages.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance and Convenience

Battery longevity often makes or breaks enjoyment during long shooting sessions.

Here, the Canon S95 uses a proprietary NB-6L lithium-ion battery (rated modestly), and while exact shot counts vary, it’s fair to say it suffers shorter battery life compared to bridge-style cameras.

Meanwhile, the Nikon L840 runs on four commonly available AA batteries - alkaline or rechargeable NiMH - offering approximately 590 shots per charge. While heavier to carry spares, AA batteries are globally ubiquitous and replaceable, making the L840 a dependable companion on extended trips.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards for storage, though only the L840 supports newer SDXC formats explicitly.

Wireless Connectivity and Extras

In connectivity, the S95 leans on Eye-Fi card support (now dated technology) and HDMI out for image transfer and playback. No Bluetooth or NFC options limit wireless pairing.

The Nikon L840 features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling quicker image transfer to smartphones - a handy feature for social sharing and backup.

Neither camera includes GPS, weather sealing, or rugged features, emphasizing their entry to mid-level market positioning.

Performance Scores and Summary Ratings

While Nikon’s L840 lacks official DxOMark sensor scores, the Canon S95 scores 47 overall - respectable for its sensor class and vintage.

Breaking down genre-specific strengths:

• Street Photography: The S95’s compact stealth and fast lens are definite assets.
• Wildlife/Sports: The L840’s extended zoom and burst dominate.
• Macro: L840’s close focusing distance leads.
• Landscape: S95 wins on dynamic range and color fidelity.
• Video: L840 pulls ahead with Full HD and frame rate options.
• Travel: Compactness vs. versatility trades off uniquely here.

Real-World Image Gallery: What Do They Shoot Like?

Looking at sample images side-by-side showcases the Canon’s crisp detail and pleasing skin tones against the Nikon’s flexible framing options and reach.

Canon S95 front Canon S95 screen back Nikon L840 front Nikon L840 screen back

In portraits, the S95’s wide aperture permits more attractive subject isolation. For landscapes, its better dynamic range renders subtle tonal transitions adeptly. The L840's longer zoom captures distant objects in detail but with less refinement.

Bottom Line: Who Should Choose Which?

Both cameras have their place, but your choice depends on priorities and shooting style.

Choose the Canon PowerShot S95 if you:

• Prioritize compact size and portability - for example, street photographers valuing discretion.
• Need better image quality with richer color depth and dynamic range.
• Prefer manual control with aperture and shutter priority modes.
• Shoot mostly static or slow-moving subjects.
• Want a camera that excels in low-light conditions with a fast lens.

Opt for the Nikon Coolpix L840 if you:

• Want an all-in-one superzoom covering from wide-angle to telephoto extreme.
• Shoot wildlife, sports, or other fast action requiring burst shooting and autofocus tracking.
• Need better video quality with full HD and flexible frame rates.
• Favor battery convenience from AA cells.
• Appreciate a tilting LCD for versatile composition angles.
• Require built-in Wi-Fi/NFC for streamlined wireless transfer.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Legacy Craft with Modern Convenience

The Canon PowerShot S95 remains a testament to Canon’s compact camera mastery - punching above its sensor class with superior optics and thoughtful ergonomics. However, its dated features and limited zoom might leave those desiring more reach or modern conveniences wanting.

The Nikon L840, meanwhile, caters to users who prize zoom versatility and video capabilities over sensor refinement. Its larger size and weight make it less “grab-and-go,” but its performance envelope extends further for diverse shooting scenarios.

For enthusiasts and professionals, both are stepping stones rather than destinations - solid options if budget or specific needs align, but eclipsed today by mirrorless systems offering larger sensors and more advanced features.

Appendix: Technical Specifications at a Glance

I hope this detailed comparison helps you decide between the Canon PowerShot S95 and Nikon Coolpix L840, two compelling but distinctly targeted cameras. Always consider your shooting priorities first, and choose the tool that best fits your personal photographic journey.

Happy shooting!