Canon PowerShot SD780 IS vs Nikon Coolpix S640: A Hands-On Comparison for Compact Camera Shoppers

In an era where smartphone cameras are continually encroaching on compact camera territory, the Canon PowerShot SD780 IS and Nikon Coolpix S640 represent a fascinating slice of the late 2000s compact camera evolution. Both announced in 2009, these cameras aimed to satisfy photography enthusiasts desiring something pocketable without sacrificing too much control or optical zoom reach.

Having spent many hours shooting with each in various settings - urban streets, scenic landscapes, and modest low-light interiors - I’ll guide you through a detailed, experience-driven comparison across all facets that matter: image quality, handling, focusing capabilities, and more.

Let’s dive in with a sense of scale and build before progressing through their abilities in various photographic disciplines.

Seeing and Feeling: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

At first glance, both cameras cater to users who prize portability, but their physical dimensions and handling nuances diverge in meaningful ways.

The Canon SD780 IS is decidedly an ultracompact model, measuring just 87 x 56 x 18 mm and weighing approximately 155 g. Its slim profile easily slips into any pocket, making it an ideal daily carry camera. The lens extends modestly when powered on, contributing to its compact silhouette.

In contrast, the Nikon S640, classified as a small sensor compact, is slightly larger at 91 x 55 x 21 mm and lighter at 130 g. While only a few millimeters thicker, that added depth means it feels a little more substantial in the hand - and the slight increase in size accommodates a lens with a longer zoom range.

Both cameras sport fixed lenses, but the varying ergonomic choices shape their handling:

• Canon: The SD780 IS’s body is minimalist, with limited physical buttons and no dedicated manual dials. The rear features a 2.5" fixed LCD, small but adequate for framing and image review. Its warm, metallic finish lends a premium feel.

• Nikon: The S640 edges ahead in screen size at 2.7", though resolution matches the Canon’s modest 230k-dot count. The control layout emphasizes simplicity, with few physical buttons and no electronic viewfinder on either model.

Neither camera features touchscreens or articulated rear displays, so composing requires a steady hand. The lack of an EVF might be frustrating in bright outdoor environments, though the Canon’s optical tunnel viewfinder (albeit limited) offers a tiny consolation.

From the top view, the Nikon integrates a longer zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent) compared to Canon’s 33-100 mm equivalency, a difference that will matter when framing distant subjects.

Users seeking pocketability will favor the Canon for sheer slimness; those wanting a longer reach with a compact footprint might lean subtly toward Nikon’s dimension trade-off.

Sensor and Image Quality: Pixel Peeping the Details

Both cameras employ 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors, offering roughly equivalent resolution at 12 megapixels. This sensor size was typical for compact models during this era, balancing cost constraints with respectable image detail.

Key sensor metrics here:

Despite similar resolutions, Nikon’s extended ISO range (up to ISO 6400) theoretically allows better performance in dim settings. However, in practice, both cameras’ small sensors limit usable ISO beyond 400–800 due to noise issues - a well-known CCD limitation amplified at higher ISOs.

The Canon’s marginally larger sensor area provides a subtle edge in dynamic range and color depth. It also supports face detection autofocus, beneficial when photographing people.

Both cameras include optical image stabilization, critical at these sensor sizes and focal lengths to minimize blur from hand shake.

Shooting in the Real World: Autofocus, Burst Modes & Exposure

Diving into how each camera tackles the core photography task - focusing, exposure, and continuous shooting - gives insight into their usability beyond specs sheets.

Autofocus System

Both rely on contrast-detection autofocus with nine or multiple focus points but lack phase detection and advanced tracking capabilities.

• Canon offers face detection autofocus, which helps keep human subjects sharp, a useful feature in portrait and street situations.

• Nikon does not have face detection, which can hinder accuracy in busy scenes or candid moments.

Neither camera supports manual focus, offering only single AF mode with no continuous AF tracking. This limitation impacts action or wildlife photography, where tracking moving subjects is essential.

Continuous Shooting

With burst speeds limited to approximately 1 fps (Canon) or unavailable in Nikon’s spec, neither camera is suited for sports or fast action. The Nikon’s shutter speed range stretches from 30 to 1/8000 s, far longer in minimum shutter duration than Canon’s 15 to 1/1500 s. This flexibility could assist photographers seeking creative exposure control or shooting bright daylight scenes with shallow depth of field.

Exposure Control

Neither camera offers manual exposure modes or priority modes, restricting photographers to fully automatic shooting or a small selection of scene modes. Canon allows custom white balance, while Nikon does not, limiting its ability to adapt to complex lighting.

LCD Screens and Interface: How You See Your Shot Matters

The rear LCD screen is the primary interface for composing and reviewing images on compact cameras.

Canon’s 2.5” screen is slightly smaller than Nikon’s 2.7”, but both share the same 230k resolution. Neither is a touchscreen or articulated, limiting the framing flexibility, especially at odd angles.

Menus on both cameras are straightforward but minimalistic. Canon’s inclusion of face detection is complemented by simple retouch features and scene modes. Nikon’s interface is similarly easy-going but lacks some of Canon’s niceties.

Versatility in Photography Genres: Where Does Each Shine?

Let’s unpack how each camera stands in a variety of photographic disciplines based on direct comparative field testing.

Portrait Photography

Portraiture benefits from precise skin tone rendition, accurate autofocus on eyes, and aesthetically pleasing background separation.

The Canon SD780 IS’s face detection autofocus gives it a leg up in locking focus on faces, reducing missed shots. Its lens aperture maxes at f/3.2 (wide) and f/5.8 (telephoto), yielding modest but present background blur in close distances. Macro focusing distance at 3 cm permits detailed close-ups useful in portraits with environmental detail.

Nikon’s wider aperture at the short end (f/2.7) offers slightly better low-light capture, but lack of face detection occasionally leads to misfocused portraits. Macro focusing down to 2 cm enables impressive close-ups but isn’t always perfectly sharp unless lighting conditions support faster shutter speeds.

Landscape Photography

High resolution and dynamic range are priorities for landscapes.

While both cameras deliver 12 MP sensors capable of 4000 x 3000 images, the Canon’s sensor is marginally better in dynamic range and color fidelity, producing cleaner skies and foliage tones. Neither camera has weather sealing, restricting harsh outdoor use.

Nikon’s longer zoom range (28-140 mm equivalent) allows for more framing options from wide to telephoto compositions, a definite asset for landscapes varying from expansive vistas to compressed distant scenes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera is ideally suited to wildlife or sports due to:

• Slow autofocus (single AF only, no tracking)
• Modest zoom ranges (Canon capped at 33-100mm equivalent)
• Slow continuous shooting (around 1 fps or less)
• No burst mode effectiveness

Nikon’s longer 5x zoom in a compact body provides marginal benefit for distant subjects, but image quality and AF speed limit action capture.

Street and Travel Photography

For hikers, street shooters, and travelers, pocketability and ease of operation are paramount.

Canon’s slimmer form factor and optical viewfinder (although limited) support discreet shooting in tight or bright areas. Its modest zoom offers enough versatility for everyday framing.

Nikon’s slightly larger size is still very portable and its wider lens (28mm equivalent start) favors environmental context shots. The longer zoom adds flexibility for travel scenarios, while its lighter weight contributes to all-day carry comfort.

Both cameras lack wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi - instant sharing is out.

Macro Photography

Close focusing ability resembles the ideal compact camera trait for casual macro enthusiasts.

• Nikon’s 2 cm minimum focusing distance lets you fill the frame with small subjects, capturing fine detail even on flowers or textures.
• Canon’s 3 cm macro range is respectable but slightly less versatile.

Neither camera offers focus stacking or advanced macro assist - stabilization and lighting are key to successful macro with these.

Night and Astrophotography

Here, sensor noise and long exposure control come into play.

• Nikon can do exposures up to 30 seconds and boosts ISO to 6400, theoretically allowing better low-light shots.
• Canon maxes at 15 seconds shutter speed and ISO 1600 max native.

However, CCD sensor noise limits clean images above ISO 400-800. Neither provides RAW output, restricting post-processing flexibility for night scenes.

Video Performance: Modest HD Capture but Missing Pro Features

Both cameras can record HD video at 1280 x 720 pixels and 30 fps - a respectable specification in 2009 but now very basic.

• Canon saves videos in MPEG-4 with H.264 compression.
• Nikon uses Motion JPEG, generally producing larger files with marginally lower quality.

Neither camera features external microphone inputs, headphone jacks, or stabilization specifically optimized for video. The lack of microphone ports limits audio recording quality.

For casual clips, these cameras suffice well enough, but serious videographers will seek more capable tools.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance & Durability

Neither model boasts any notable weather sealing or ruggedness - no dust, splash, freeze, or shock resistance. These ultracompact and small sensor compacts cater more to careful usage rather than hardcore outdoor abuse.

Shell materials are mostly polycarbonate with metallic finishes; hold the Canon SD780 IS’s metal-look surface carefully as it can show wear over extended use.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

The Canon SD780 IS uses the NB-4L battery, and Nikon employs the EN-EL12. Both are proprietary lithium-ion packs yielding approximately 200 to 250 shots per charge in mixed use. This is typical for compact cameras of the time, requiring spares for extended shooting days.

Storage is via SD or SDHC cards; Nikon adds an internal memory buffer. Both rely on USB 2.0 for data transfer with no wireless connectivity.

Lens Ecosystem and Manual Controls

Both provide fixed lenses with no interchangeable options - a common limitation in ultracompacts and small sensor compacts, focusing on simplicity over modularity.

Neither has manual exposure or focus controls, appealing to those who want point-and-shoot convenience but frustrating for photographers craving creative control.

Price Performance and User Recommendations

When first released, the Nikon S640 marketed at around $225, while the Canon SD780 IS became available at a lower entry-level price point (now discontinued). Market availability means buying used or as collectors’ items today.

Comparing their strengths:

Visual Comparisons: Sample Images and Genre Performance

To ground the analysis in real output, here are side-by-side samples from both cameras across various scenarios:

Canon SD780 IS screen back Nikon S640 front Nikon S640 screen back

While the Canon tends to render warmer tones and slightly better skin hues, Nikon images benefit from more vibrant color saturation and sometimes better shadow detail at higher ISOs.

Synthesizing the Data: Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

After putting both through rigorous testing - including lab measurements and field usage - the overall performance scores reflect their intended user groups.

Breaking down the ratings by photography type:

Canon leads in portrait, landscape, and street photography, while Nikon’s strengths emerge in macro and travel versatility due to its longer zoom and macro closeness.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Deserves Your Pocket?

Neither the Canon PowerShot SD780 IS nor Nikon Coolpix S640 will satisfy professional demands today - both are relics in comparison to modern mirrorless and advanced compacts. However, for enthusiasts who appreciate the charm and convenience of these compact cameras, each offers thoughtful features tuned to different priorities.

The Canon SD780 IS excels with face detection, superior color science, and discreet handling for portraits and street photography.

The Nikon S640 impresses with greater zoom reach, macro capability, and expanded ISO, serving travelers and close-up photographers well.

Choosing between these two comes down to balancing zoom range vs. body compactness, and convenience versus versatility. My experience suggests casual users and beginners lean Canon, while more adventurous compact shooters edge toward Nikon.

In closing: Both cameras remain elegant little helpers - proof cameras do not have to be bulky or complicated to capture memorable moments. Choosing either today is as much about appreciating their design heritage and usability as about pixel counts - something I encourage every photographic enthusiast to experience firsthand.

Happy shooting!