Canon SX230 HS vs Nikon L820

Following is a comprehensive assessment of the Canon SX230 HS and Nikon L820, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Canon and Nikon. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX230 HS (12MP) and L820 (16MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX230 HS was manufactured 18 months prior to the L820 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX230 HS being a Compact camera and the Nikon L820 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the SX230 HS matches up vs the L820 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX230 HS and Nikon Coolpix L820. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon SX230 HS Gallery and Nikon L820 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Canon SX230 HS provides outer dimensions of 106mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 223 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Nikon L820 has specifications of 111mm x 76mm x 85mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 3.3") and a weight of 470 grams (1.04 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX230 HS and Nikon L820 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the SX230 HS versus the L820.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SX230 HS and L820 is 91 and 72 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizes simply by researching a spec sheet. The image underneath should offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX230 HS and L820.

Clearly, both the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different MP. You should count on the Nikon L820 to render extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged SX230 HS will be behind in sensor technology.