Canon SX40 HS vs Nikon L810
64 Imaging
35 Features
50 Overall
41


74 Imaging
39 Features
38 Overall
38
Canon SX40 HS vs Nikon L810 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fully Articulated Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-840mm (F2.7-5.8) lens
- 600g - 123 x 92 x 108mm
- Announced September 2011
- Superseded the Canon SX30 IS
- Renewed by Canon SX50 HS
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- 23-585mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 430g - 111 x 76 x 83mm
- Launched February 2012
- Newer Model is Nikon L820

Canon SX40 HS vs Nikon L810 Overview
On this page, we are evaluating the Canon SX40 HS vs Nikon L810, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Canon and Nikon. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the SX40 HS (12MP) and L810 (16MP) but both cameras have the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

The SX40 HS was released 4 months prior to the L810 and they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Canon SX40 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Nikon L810 being a Compact camera.
Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the SX40 HS grades versus the L810 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Canon SX40 HS vs Nikon L810 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX40 HS and Nikon Coolpix L810. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX40 HS Gallery and Nikon L810 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SX40 HS over the Nikon L810
SX40 HS | L810 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Very accurate focusing | ||
Display type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Fixed | Fully Articulating display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies |
Reasons to pick Nikon L810 over the Canon SX40 HS
L810 | SX40 HS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 230k | Sharper display (+691k dot) |
Common features in the Canon SX40 HS and Nikon L810
SX40 HS | L810 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | September 2011 | ![]() | February 2012 | Similar generation |
Touch display | ![]() | Missing Touch display |
Canon SX40 HS vs Nikon L810 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon SX40 HS features external dimensions of 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") along with a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) and the Nikon L810 has measurements of 111mm x 76mm x 83mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 3.3") with a weight of 430 grams (0.95 lbs).
See the Canon SX40 HS vs Nikon L810 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the SX40 HS against the L810.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SX40 HS and L810 is 64 and 74 respectively.

Canon SX40 HS vs Nikon L810 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it's difficult to see the gap between sensor dimensions just by reviewing technical specs. The image below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX40 HS and L810.
As you have seen, each of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should anticipate the Nikon L810 to deliver extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos more aggressively.

Canon SX40 HS vs Nikon L810 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SX40 HS vs Nikon L810 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS | Nikon Coolpix L810 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Canon | Nikon |
Model | Canon PowerShot SX40 HS | Nikon Coolpix L810 |
Type | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Announced | 2011-09-15 | 2012-02-01 |
Physical type | SLR-like (bridge) | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 1600 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch to focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | - |
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 24-840mm (35.0x) | 23-585mm (25.4x) |
Largest aperture | f/2.7-5.8 | f/3.1-5.9 |
Macro focus range | 0cm | 1cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fully Articulated | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 2.7" | 3" |
Display resolution | 230 thousand dots | 921 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Display tech | PureColor II VA TFT LCD | TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 15 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/3200 secs | 1/8000 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 10.0 frames/s | 1.2 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 7.00 m | - |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Fill-in | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow-sync |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Max flash synchronize | 1/2000 secs | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (24fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 240 fps) | 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4 |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 600g (1.32 pounds) | 430g (0.95 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 123 x 92 x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") | 111 x 76 x 83mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 3.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall 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 | 380 pictures | 300 pictures |
Battery type | Battery Pack | AA |
Battery model | NB-10L | 4 x AA |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail price | $330 | $280 |