Canon SX280 HS vs Nikon P950

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Canon SX280 HS and Nikon P950, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Canon and Nikon. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the SX280 HS (12MP) and P950 (16MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX280 HS was manufactured 7 years before the P950 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX280 HS being a Compact camera and the Nikon P950 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting through a detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the SX280 HS grades versus the P950 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX280 HS and Nikon Coolpix P950. The entire galleries are available at Canon SX280 HS Gallery and Nikon P950 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Canon SX280 HS offers outside measurements of 106mm x 63mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 233 grams (0.51 lbs) while the Nikon P950 has proportions of 140mm x 110mm x 150mm (5.5" x 4.3" x 5.9") and a weight of 1005 grams (2.22 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX280 HS and Nikon P950 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the SX280 HS vs the P950.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SX280 HS and P950 is 91 and 52 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to envision the difference between sensor measurements purely by reading a spec sheet. The photograph underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SX280 HS and P950.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Nikon P950 to offer extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The older SX280 HS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.