Canon SX160 IS vs Nikon D300

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Canon SX160 IS vs Nikon D300, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Canon and Nikon. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the SX160 IS (16MP) and D300 (12MP) and the SX160 IS (1/2.3") and D300 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The SX160 IS was unveiled 5 years later than the D300 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Canon SX160 IS being a Compact camera and the Nikon D300 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SX160 IS grades against the D300 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX160 IS and Nikon D300. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX160 IS Gallery and Nikon D300 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera often, you'll have to think about its weight and size. The Canon SX160 IS has got exterior measurements of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") having a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs) while the Nikon D300 has specifications of 147mm x 114mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") along with a weight of 925 grams (2.04 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX160 IS vs Nikon D300 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the SX160 IS vs the D300.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX160 IS and D300 is 86 and 55 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizing purely by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below may give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX160 IS and D300.

As you can see, the 2 cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SX160 IS having a tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Canon SX160 IS will resolve greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures more aggressively. The younger SX160 IS is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.