Canon SX1 IS vs Nikon S9700

Below is a thorough comparison of the Canon SX1 IS versus Nikon S9700, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Canon and Nikon. There exists a considerable gap among the image resolutions of the SX1 IS (10MP) and S9700 (16MP) but they come with the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SX1 IS was introduced 5 years before the S9700 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX1 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Nikon S9700 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick view of how the SX1 IS matches up versus the S9700 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX1 IS & Nikon Coolpix S9700. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX1 IS Gallery & Nikon S9700 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon SX1 IS comes with outside dimensions of 128mm x 88mm x 88mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.5") with a weight of 615 grams (1.36 lbs) whilst the Nikon S9700 has proportions of 110mm x 64mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") and a weight of 232 grams (0.51 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX1 IS versus Nikon S9700 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the SX1 IS and the S9700.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX1 IS and S9700 is 64 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements purely by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath will offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX1 IS and S9700.

As you have seen, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You can count on the Nikon S9700 to produce greater detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older SX1 IS will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.