Canon SD4000 IS vs Nikon S30

Following is a in-depth overview of the Canon SD4000 IS versus Nikon S30, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Canon and Nikon. The image resolution of the SD4000 IS (10MP) and the S30 (10MP) is very close but the SD4000 IS (1/2.3") and S30 (1/3") offer totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SD4000 IS was revealed 18 months prior to the S30 making them a generation away from each other. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a concise summary of how the SD4000 IS scores vs the S30 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS and Nikon Coolpix S30. The full galleries are available at Canon SD4000 IS Gallery and Nikon S30 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon SD4000 IS enjoys exterior measurements of 100mm x 54mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Nikon S30 has proportions of 102mm x 65mm x 40mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.6") and a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

See the Canon SD4000 IS versus Nikon S30 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the SD4000 IS and the S30.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SD4000 IS and S30 is 94 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to see the gap in sensor sizes purely by viewing specs. The picture below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SD4000 IS and S30.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have the same resolution but not the same sensor sizes. The SD4000 IS provides the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF less difficult. The more aged SD4000 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.