Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon S31
91 Imaging
36 Features
44 Overall
39


90 Imaging
33 Features
18 Overall
27
Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon S31 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-500mm (F3.5-6.8) lens
- 231g - 106 x 61 x 33mm
- Launched June 2012
- Replaced the Canon SX240 HS
- Renewed by Canon SX270 HS
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.9" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- 1280 x 720 video
- 29-87mm (F) lens
- 185g - 105 x 65 x 42mm
- Released June 2013

Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon S31 Overview
Lets take a more detailed look at the Canon SX260 HS and Nikon S31, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Waterproof by competitors Canon and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the SX260 HS (12MP) and the S31 (10MP) is pretty comparable but the SX260 HS (1/2.3") and S31 (1/2.9") posses different sensor sizes.

The SX260 HS was introduced 12 months earlier than the S31 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before going right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the SX260 HS grades against the S31 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon S31 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX260 HS and Nikon Coolpix S31. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX260 HS Gallery and Nikon S31 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SX260 HS over the Nikon S31
SX260 HS | S31 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More exact focus | ||
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Screen resolution | 461k | ![]() | 230k | Sharper screen (+231k dot) |
Reasons to pick Nikon S31 over the Canon SX260 HS
S31 | SX260 HS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | June 2013 | ![]() | June 2012 | Newer by 12 months |
Common features in the Canon SX260 HS and Nikon S31
SX260 HS | S31 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither includes Touch screen |
Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon S31 Physical Comparison
If you're planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and size. The Canon SX260 HS features exterior measurements of 106mm x 61mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 231 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Nikon S31 has specifications of 105mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs).
Compare the Canon SX260 HS and Nikon S31 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the SX260 HS compared to the S31.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SX260 HS and S31 is 91 and 90 respectively.

Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon S31 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it's difficult to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions just by going through technical specs. The image below will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX260 HS and S31.
As you can tell, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SX260 HS using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Canon SX260 HS will provide extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged SX260 HS will be behind with regard to sensor technology.

Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon S31 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon S31 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS | Nikon Coolpix S31 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Canon | Nikon |
Model | Canon PowerShot SX260 HS | Nikon Coolpix S31 |
Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Waterproof |
Launched | 2012-06-04 | 2013-06-21 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Digic 5 | - |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.9" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 4.96 x 3.72mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 18.5mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 10MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | - |
Highest resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 3648 x 2736 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 1600 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | - |
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 25-500mm (20.0x) | 29-87mm (3.0x) |
Maximal aperture | f/3.5-6.8 | - |
Macro focus distance | 5cm | - |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 7.3 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3 inches | 2.7 inches |
Screen resolution | 461 thousand dots | 230 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Screen tech | PureColor II TFT LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 15s | 4s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/3200s | 1/2000s |
Continuous shooting rate | 2.0 frames/s | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 3.50 m | - |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | - |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 240 (240 fps) | 1280 x 720 |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | H.264 | - |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | BuiltIn | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 231g (0.51 lb) | 185g (0.41 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 106 x 61 x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") | 105 x 65 x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 230 shots | 260 shots |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | NB-6L | EN-EL12 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | - |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD / SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | One | One |
Pricing at launch | $349 | $90 |