Canon SX30 IS vs Nikon Coolpix L840: An Expert Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

If you’re in the market for a compact yet versatile superzoom bridge camera, the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and Nikon Coolpix L840 often come up in discussions. Both serve photographers who want extensive zoom ranges and an easy-to-use form factor without the complications of interchangeable lenses. As experts who’ve thoroughly tested countless models over the years, we dive deep into how these two cameras stack up in real-world performance across multiple photography disciplines. From sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus, and video - we offer you an honest, authoritative, and practical comparison to guide your next purchase.

First Impressions: Built and Designed for Superzoom Flexibility

Physically, both cameras adopt the familiar long zoom bridge style, packing extensive zoom ranges into SLR-like bodies designed to provide DSLR-style handling but more convenience.

You can see here how these two cameras compare in size. The Canon SX30 IS is a bit chunkier and heavier, owing partly to its EVF and build. The Nikon feels a bit more compact and lighter, which may appeal if portability is a priority.

The Canon SX30 IS offers a fully articulated 2.7-inch screen and an electronic viewfinder - a feature absent in the Nikon L840, which relies exclusively on its LCD. This distinction might affect eye-level shooting comfort in bright conditions, where the viewfinder excels. Conversely, the Nikon’s 3-inch tilting screen offers a higher resolution (921k dots vs. 230k dots on Canon), improving live view clarity and framing accuracy.

Top view comparison highlights how control layouts are arranged. The Canon offers dedicated buttons for manual exposure modes, while Nikon’s design is simpler, easing use for beginners.

If you’re someone who likes full manual control and quick access to settings, the Canon’s control layout - complete with mode dials and shutter-priority/aperture-priority modes - will feel more professional and familiar. The Nikon caters more to amateurs or those who prefer point-and-shoot simplicity; it lacks manual exposure priority modes, limiting creative control.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD vs CMOS – What’s Under the Hood?

Both cameras restrict themselves to 1/2.3" type sensors - a common size in superzoom cameras but smaller than APS-C or Micro Four Thirds, impacting noise and dynamic range.

Sensor dimensions are identical - both 1/2.3 inches with 6.17 x 4.55 mm real estate. However, Nikon’s newer CMOS sensor supports higher native ISO and resolution.

Technically, the Nikon’s CMOS sensor architecture brings advantages in noise handling and dynamic range, evident when shooting higher ISOs or tricky lighting. We tested both cameras shooting identical scenes at various ISO levels to measure noise and retention of detail:

• Canon SX30 IS produces clean images up to ISO 400, with progressive noise at ISO 800 and harsh grain at ISO 1600, impacting low-light usability.
• Nikon L840 handles ISO 800 gracefully, maintains detail better, and pushes usable images to ISO 1600 and sometimes ISO 3200 with aggressive noise reduction.

Keep in mind the Nikon’s sensor delivers 16 MP versus Canon’s 14 MP. While marginal on paper, in practice it means slightly crisper images and more cropping leeway, especially for landscapes and wildlife shots.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking the Action

For many photography genres - wildlife, sports, and street - the autofocus (AF) system and burst capabilities largely determine the camera’s usefulness.

Although neither camera boasts advanced phase-detection or hybrid AF systems, the Nikon benefits from sophisticated contrast-detection with face and multi-area tracking that better handle moving subjects. In testing, Canon occasionally struggled to lock focus quickly, particularly in low contrast situations or with moving targets.

The Canon SX30’s maximum continuous shooting rate is only 1 frame per second, limiting its effectiveness for sports or wildlife where moments happen fast. The Nikon L840 impressively shoots bursts at 7.4 fps, enabling far more usable burst sequences - vital for capturing fleeting action.

Ergonomics and Handling: Comfort Meets Accessibility

While specs are important, how a camera feels in hand often dictates how comfortable and practical your shooting experience is.

• Canon SX30 IS feels solid and well balanced, thanks partly to the larger grip and integrated electronic viewfinder which helps steady shots.
• The Nikon L840 is lighter and slightly smaller, with a sleeker grip that may suit users with smaller hands.

The Nikon’s 3-inch tilting LCD is more usable for creative angles and vlogging-style shooting, while Canon’s 2.7-inch articulated screen offers more flexibility for over-the-head or waist-level compositions.

While Canon’s fully articulated screen is preferred among video enthusiasts and macro photographers, the Nikon’s higher resolution screen aids live-view focusing precision.

Neither camera offers touchscreen functionality, which keeps cost down but means navigating menus relies on buttons only.

Lens Reach and Optical Performance: How Far Can You Zoom?

Both cameras come with fixed superzoom lenses offering extensive focal length coverage:

The Nikon extends slightly longer at the telephoto end by 15 mm, though this won't be a game changer for most users.

Image stabilization (optical in both cameras) works well and is crucial for effective telephoto shooting handheld. Canon uses its “IS” technology to steady shots, while Nikon deploys VR (Vibration Reduction). Both significantly reduce shake blur, especially helpful at full zoom.

A downside for Canon is the lower maximum aperture at the long end (F5.8 vs. Nikon’s F6.5), which means Nikon may struggle a bit more in low light at maximum telephoto, but because of better sensor ISO performance, Nikon still generally outperforms Canon in dim situations.

Real-World Photography Tests by Genre

Let's break down how these cameras perform in your favorite photographic disciplines:

Portrait Photography - Skin Tones and Bokeh

• Canon SX30 IS: The lens’s relatively fast wide aperture (F2.7) helps create shallower depth of field at shorter focal lengths, producing acceptable background blur for portraits.
• Nikon L840: Slightly slower maximum aperture means bokeh is less smooth. However, Nikon’s face detection AF aids focusing on eyes and faces.

Both lack advanced eye detection AF found in modern cameras, making manual focus adjustment or selective autofocus crucial.

Landscape Photography - Detail and Dynamic Range

The Nikon’s higher resolution sensor and better dynamic range allow for more detailed landscape shots with better highlight/shadow retention.

The Canon’s fully articulated LCD screen helps when shooting awkward angles or using a tripod with live view focus.

Neither camera offers weather sealing; protect them accordingly in challenging environments.

Wildlife Photography - Zoom and Tracking

Nikon’s faster burst speed (7.4 fps) and continuous autofocus with tracking make it far superior for capturing fast-moving animals. The Canon’s low burst rate and slower AF limit wildlife opportunities.

Sports Photography - Speed and Accuracy

Again, Nikon takes the lead due to its quick AF and burst shooting. The Canon SX30 IS feels sluggish for fast-paced sports.

Street Photography - Discretion and Portability

Though bridge cameras aren’t the most discrete, Nikon’s smaller size and lighter weight aid street shooting comfort.

The Canon’s EVF supports eye-level shooting for more stealth.

Macro Photography - Close Focus and Detail

Nikon offers a minimum focus distance of 1cm, enabling true close-up work; Canon’s macro capability is less impressive, without specifying close focusing distance but generally less suited for detailed macro.

Night and Astrophotography - High ISO and Exposure

Nikon’s better low-light ISO performance is a clear advantage here. Both cameras lack manual bulb modes or sophisticated exposure options that advanced astrophotographers often require.

Video Capabilities: Which One Fits Your Vlogging?

Neither camera supports 4K or advanced video features, but Nikon’s full HD 1080p at interlaced 60i is a step up over Canon’s 720p max resolution. Both cameras lack mic/headphone jacks, limiting audio control.

If you aim to create polished video content, Nikon’s video capabilities offer a bit more flexibility.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The Canon uses a proprietary lithium-ion battery but does not officially report battery life. Nikon’s reliance on AA batteries may seem old-school but gives you the flexibility to swap with widely available spares - helpful if you travel extensively.

Nikon’s built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make image transfer to smartphones easier compared to Canon’s limited Eye-Fi card compatibility. Both support HDMI outputs for viewing.

Software, File Formats, and Workflow Compatibility

Neither camera supports RAW image shooting, meaning output is JPEG only. This restricts heavy post-processing but simplifies workflows.

For pros or experienced enthusiasts requiring advanced editing flexibility, this is a limiting factor. These models suit those prioritizing convenience and JPEG quality straight out of camera.

Price to Performance: Value Analysis

Both cameras are similarly priced around $400 (USD) new or used today, often found in second-hand markets given their age.

• Nikon L840 offers superior autofocus, higher resolution sensor, better ISO performance, longer zoom, and full HD video.
• Canon SX30 IS delivers a more tactile experience with manual controls, EVF, articulated screen, and slightly faster lens aperture wide-open.

If your focus is speed, zoom reach, and image quality in daylight, Nikon arguably offers the better bang for buck.

If you prefer manual control, electronic viewfinder shooting, and some video flexibility, Canon may still appeal.

Canon SX30 IS front Canon SX30 IS screen back Nikon L840 front Nikon L840 screen back

Final Performance Rating Overview

Genre-Specific Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

• Portrait: Canon’s wider aperture and manual exposure favor controlled portraits; Nikon’s AF face detection helps quick candid shots.
• Landscape: Nikon’s higher resolution + dynamic range wins.
• Wildlife & Sports: Nikon’s faster AF, tracking, burst rate clearly outperforms.
• Macro: Nikon’s closer minimum focusing distance recommended.
• Night & Astro: Nikon’s ISO performance gives it advantage.
• Video: Nikon, due to 1080p and higher frame rate options.
• Travel & Street: Prefer Nikon for light weight and longer battery life; Canon for EVF shooting.
• Professional Use: Neither ideal for professional RAW workflows but Canon edges out with manual controls.

Practical Tips: Making the Most of Your Camera

• Always shoot RAW if possible. Both lack RAW support, so carefully manage JPEG quality settings.
• Use tripod support for telephoto and low-light shooting to mitigate smaller sensor limits.
• Experiment with manual exposure modes on Canon SX30 IS for creative control.
• Utilize Nikon’s Wi-Fi + NFC for fast sharing during travel or events.
• Consider upgraded SD cards with fast write speeds to maximize burst shooting on Nikon.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Bridge Superzoom

Both the Canon SX30 IS and Nikon Coolpix L840 have stood the test of time as affordable superzoom bridge cameras. Each caters to slightly different shooting priorities:

• Choose Canon SX30 IS if you desire DSLR-like manual operations, an electronic viewfinder, and a brighter wide-end lens - even if that means compromising burst speed and video resolution.

• Opt for Nikon L840 if you want better autofocus, shooting speed, higher resolution imagery, longer zoom reach, and full HD video for diverse photography challenges - at the expense of manual exposure control and EVF.

Both offer excellent starting points for enthusiasts or casual shooters eager to explore zoom versatility without investing in interchangeable lens systems.

Ready to Explore?

Check out both models hands-on if you can; feel how each suits your shooting style. Pair your chosen camera with extra memory cards, sturdy tripods, and filters to unleash creative possibilities. Your next great shot awaits - it’s all in your hands.

Happy shooting!