Canon SX230 HS vs Nikon S5300

On this page, we will be comparing the Canon SX230 HS versus Nikon S5300, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Canon and Nikon. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX230 HS (12MP) and S5300 (16MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SX230 HS was manufactured 3 years prior to the S5300 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the SX230 HS grades against the S5300 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX230 HS & Nikon Coolpix S5300. The entire galleries are available at Canon SX230 HS Gallery & Nikon S5300 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon SX230 HS comes with external 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 S5300 has proportions of 97mm x 58mm x 21mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 138 grams (0.30 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX230 HS versus Nikon S5300 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the SX230 HS versus the S5300.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SX230 HS and S5300 is 91 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to see the contrast in sensor measurements purely by looking through a spec sheet. The visual below should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SX230 HS and S5300.

Clearly, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Nikon S5300 to render greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures more aggressively. The older SX230 HS will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.