Canon SX1 IS vs Nikon D3S

Below, we are comparing the Canon SX1 IS and Nikon D3S, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Pro DSLR by competitors Canon and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the SX1 IS (10MP) and the D3S (12MP) is fairly similar but the SX1 IS (1/2.3") and D3S (Full frame) enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The SX1 IS was manufactured 10 months prior to the D3S which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX1 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Nikon D3S being a Large SLR camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick overview of how the SX1 IS matches up against the D3S when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and Nikon D3S. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon SX1 IS Gallery and Nikon D3S Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon SX1 IS features physical dimensions of 128mm x 88mm x 88mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.5") having a weight of 615 grams (1.36 lbs) whilst the Nikon D3S has proportions of 160mm x 157mm x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 1240 grams (2.73 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX1 IS and Nikon D3S in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is the front view size comparison of the SX1 IS vs the D3S.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX1 IS and D3S is 64 and 51 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to visualize the difference between sensor measurements only by reading specifications. The visual below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX1 IS and D3S.

Plainly, both of those cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SX1 IS because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Nikon D3S will deliver more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images much more aggressively. The older SX1 IS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.