Canon SX420 IS vs Nikon D3100

Lets look closer at the Canon SX420 IS and Nikon D3100, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Canon and Nikon. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX420 IS (20MP) and D3100 (14MP) and the SX420 IS (1/2.3") and D3100 (APS-C) boast different sensor dimensions.

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The SX420 IS was introduced 5 years later than the D3100 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX420 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Nikon D3100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a full comparison, here is a concise summation of how the SX420 IS scores vs the D3100 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX420 IS and Nikon D3100. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX420 IS Gallery and Nikon D3100 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Canon SX420 IS has outer dimensions of 104mm x 69mm x 85mm (4.1" x 2.7" x 3.3") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Nikon D3100 has measurements of 124mm x 96mm x 75mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 3.0") along with a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX420 IS and Nikon D3100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the SX420 IS against the D3100.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SX420 IS and D3100 is 80 and 68 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to picture the contrast in sensor measurements purely by researching specifications. The graphic underneath will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX420 IS and D3100.

To sum up, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SX420 IS using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Canon SX420 IS will render more detail using its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively. The younger SX420 IS provides an edge with regard to sensor technology.