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Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon D3S

Portability
96
Imaging
35
Features
21
Overall
29
Canon PowerShot SD940 IS front
 
Nikon D3S front
Portability
51
Imaging
57
Features
63
Overall
59

Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon D3S Key Specs

Canon SD940 IS
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-112mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
  • 120g - 89 x 55 x 20mm
  • Released August 2009
  • Additionally referred to as Digital IXUS 120 IS
Nikon D3S
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 200 - 12800 (Push to 102400)
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 1240g - 160 x 157 x 88mm
  • Launched February 2010
  • Old Model is Nikon D3
  • Newer Model is Nikon D4
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Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon D3S Overview

Here, we will be reviewing the Canon SD940 IS versus Nikon D3S, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Pro DSLR by competitors Canon and Nikon. The image resolution of the SD940 IS (12MP) and the D3S (12MP) is relatively similar but the SD940 IS (1/2.3") and D3S (Full frame) provide different sensor dimensions.

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The SD940 IS was revealed 6 months before the D3S so they are of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Canon SD940 IS being a Ultracompact camera and the Nikon D3S being a Large SLR camera.

Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the SD940 IS scores versus the D3S in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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Reasons to pick Canon SD940 IS over the Nikon D3S

 SD940 IS D3S 

Reasons to pick Nikon D3S over the Canon SD940 IS

 D3S SD940 IS 
Manual focus Dial accurate focus
Screen size3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")
Screen resolution921k230kCrisper screen (+691k dot)

Common features in the Canon SD940 IS and Nikon D3S

 SD940 IS D3S 
LaunchedAugust 2009February 2010Similar generation
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Selfie screen Lack of selfie screen
Touch screen Lack of Touch screen

Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon D3S Physical Comparison

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon SD940 IS provides exterior dimensions of 89mm x 55mm x 20mm (3.5" x 2.2" x 0.8") and a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Nikon D3S has proportions of 160mm x 157mm x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5") along with a weight of 1240 grams (2.73 lbs).

See the Canon SD940 IS versus Nikon D3S in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the SD940 IS against the D3S.

Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon D3S size comparison

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SD940 IS and D3S is 96 and 51 respectively.

Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon D3S top view buttons comparison

Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon D3S Sensor Comparison

Usually, it can be tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizes simply by reading technical specs. The picture below will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SD940 IS and D3S.

As you can tell, both the cameras come with the identical MP albeit different sensor sizes. The SD940 IS includes the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field tougher.

Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon D3S sensor size comparison

Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon D3S Screen and ViewFinder

Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon D3S Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Canon SD940 IS Portrait photography advice
Nikon D3S Portrait photography advice
21
no manual focus
no manual mode
no external flash support
low MP (12MP)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
64
manual focus
sensor size is large (Full frame)
saves RAW files
low resolution (12 megapixels)
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Street Comparison

Canon SD940 IS Street photography information
Nikon D3S Street photography information
57
built in image stabilization (Optical)
screen is fixed
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
55
sensor size is large (Full frame)
saves RAW files
weather proof
no moving screen
does not have image stabilization
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Sports Comparison

Canon SD940 IS Sports photography highlights
Nikon D3S Sports photography highlights
25
built in image stabilization (Optical)
low fps (1.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority mode
low MP (12MP)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect AF
66
high shutter speed (1/8,000s)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
includes tracking autofocus
weather proof
good battery (4,200 per charge)
supports phase detect auto focus
does not have image stabilization
low resolution (12MP)
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Travel Comparison

Canon SD940 IS Travel photography information
Nikon D3S Travel photography information
58
flash built-in
really wide (28mm)
missing Timelapse recording
low MP (12 megapixels)
screen is not selfie friendly
sluggish maximum aperture (f2.8)
51
good battery (4,200 CIPA)
weather proof
low resolution (12MP)
doesn't have a selfie friendly display
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Landscape Comparison

Canon SD940 IS Landscape photography advice
Nikon D3S Landscape photography advice
32
really wide (28mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
no manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f2.8)
screen is somewhat small (2.7")
no manual mode
low MP (12 megapixels)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
missing Timelapse recording
67
manual focus
switch lenses (Nikon F mount)
screen size is good (3")
sensor size is large (Full frame)
saves RAW files
weather proof
good battery (4,200 per charge)
2 card slots
does not have image stabilization
low resolution (12MP)
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Canon SD940 IS
Vlogging with Nikon D3S
29
really wide (28mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
sluggish maximum aperture (f2.8)
screen is not selfie friendly
video quality not great (1280 x 720 pxls)
missing microphone jack
15
doesn't have a selfie friendly display
does not have image stabilization
low res video (1280 x 720 resolution)
no external microphone support
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Canon SD940 IS vs Nikon D3S Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Canon SD940 IS and Nikon D3S
 Canon PowerShot SD940 ISNikon D3S
General Information
Make Canon Nikon
Model Canon PowerShot SD940 IS Nikon D3S
Otherwise known as Digital IXUS 120 IS -
Class Ultracompact Pro DSLR
Released 2009-08-19 2010-02-16
Physical type Ultracompact Large SLR
Sensor Information
Powered by Digic 4 Expeed
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" Full frame
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 36 x 23.9mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 860.4mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixel 12 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 5:4 and 3:2
Maximum resolution 4000 x 3000 4256 x 2832
Maximum native ISO 1600 12800
Maximum boosted ISO - 102400
Lowest native ISO 80 200
RAW data
Lowest boosted ISO - 100
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Number of focus points 9 51
Cross focus points - 15
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens Nikon F
Lens focal range 28-112mm (4.0x) -
Maximal aperture f/2.8-5.9 -
Macro focus distance 3cm -
Number of lenses - 309
Crop factor 5.8 1
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display sizing 2.7 inches 3 inches
Display resolution 230 thousand dots 921 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Display tech - Low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage - 100%
Viewfinder magnification - 0.7x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 15s 30s
Maximum shutter speed 1/1500s 1/8000s
Continuous shooting rate 1.0fps 11.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation - Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range 4.00 m no built-in flash
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Maximum flash synchronize - 1/250s
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps)
Maximum video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video file format H.264 Motion JPEG
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None Optional
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 120 gr (0.26 lb) 1240 gr (2.73 lb)
Physical dimensions 89 x 55 x 20mm (3.5" x 2.2" x 0.8") 160 x 157 x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5")
DXO scores
DXO All around score not tested 82
DXO Color Depth score not tested 23.5
DXO Dynamic range score not tested 12.0
DXO Low light score not tested 3253
Other
Battery life - 4200 photos
Battery style - Battery Pack
Battery model NB-4L EN-EL4a
Self timer Yes (2, 10, Custom, Face) Yes (2 to 20 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus, HC MMCplus Compact Flash (Type I or II) x 2, UDMA
Card slots Single Dual
Price at launch $299 $5,200