Canon SX160 IS vs Nikon S30

Following is a in depth review of the Canon SX160 IS versus Nikon S30, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Canon and Nikon. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the SX160 IS (16MP) and S30 (10MP) and the SX160 IS (1/2.3") and S30 (1/3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SX160 IS was announced 17 months after the S30 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SX160 IS scores against the S30 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX160 IS and Nikon Coolpix S30. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX160 IS Gallery and Nikon S30 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Canon SX160 IS provides physical dimensions of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs) while the Nikon S30 has specifications of 102mm x 65mm x 40mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.6") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

See the Canon SX160 IS versus Nikon S30 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the SX160 IS compared to the S30.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SX160 IS and S30 is 86 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to envision the difference in sensor sizes purely by checking out specifications. The picture here will give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX160 IS and S30.

To sum up, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SX160 IS with its larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Canon SX160 IS will show more detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images a little more aggressively. The more modern SX160 IS will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.