Canon SX400 IS vs Nikon S30

On this page, we are evaluating the Canon SX400 IS and Nikon S30, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Canon and Nikon. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the SX400 IS (16MP) and S30 (10MP) and the SX400 IS (1/2.3") and S30 (1/3") have totally different sensor measurements.

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The SX400 IS was revealed 2 years later than the S30 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a full comparison, here is a brief overview of how the SX400 IS grades versus the S30 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX400 IS & Nikon Coolpix S30. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX400 IS Gallery & Nikon S30 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Canon SX400 IS has external measurements of 104mm x 69mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.7" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Nikon S30 has measurements of 102mm x 65mm x 40mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.6") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX400 IS and Nikon S30 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the SX400 IS compared to the S30.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX400 IS and S30 is 81 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing simply by checking a spec sheet. The visual underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX400 IS and S30.

Clearly, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SX400 IS with its larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Canon SX400 IS will give greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos more aggressively. The newer SX400 IS is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.