Canon SD3500 IS vs Nikon P7100

In this article, we will be reviewing the Canon SD3500 IS and Nikon P7100, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Canon and Nikon. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the SD3500 IS (14MP) and P7100 (10MP) and the SD3500 IS (1/2.3") and P7100 (1/1.7") use different sensor dimensions.

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The SD3500 IS was manufactured 24 months prior to the P7100 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise summation of how the SD3500 IS grades vs the P7100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS and Nikon Coolpix P7100. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon SD3500 IS Gallery and Nikon P7100 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon SD3500 IS features outside dimensions of 99mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Nikon P7100 has dimensions of 116mm x 77mm x 48mm (4.6" x 3.0" x 1.9") along with a weight of 395 grams (0.87 lbs).

See the Canon SD3500 IS and Nikon P7100 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the SD3500 IS and the P7100.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SD3500 IS and P7100 is 95 and 82 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to picture the gap in sensor measurements just by viewing technical specs. The graphic underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SD3500 IS and P7100.

As you have seen, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SD3500 IS featuring a smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Canon SD3500 IS will provide you with greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older SD3500 IS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.