Canon SX230 HS vs Nikon P340

Its time to take a deeper look at the Canon SX230 HS and Nikon P340, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Canon and Nikon. The image resolution of the SX230 HS (12MP) and the P340 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the SX230 HS (1/2.3") and P340 (1/1.7") use totally different sensor measurements.

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The SX230 HS was announced 3 years before the P340 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the SX230 HS scores vs the P340 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX230 HS and Nikon Coolpix P340. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX230 HS Gallery and Nikon P340 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Canon SX230 HS has got outside dimensions of 106mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 223 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Nikon P340 has sizing of 103mm x 58mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 194 grams (0.43 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX230 HS and Nikon P340 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the SX230 HS and the P340.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX230 HS and P340 is 91 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes purely by checking out a spec sheet. The image below may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX230 HS and P340.

Clearly, both of those cameras posses the exact same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizes. The SX230 HS features the smaller sensor which will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging. The more aged SX230 HS will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.