Canon SX50 HS vs Nikon 1 S2

Following is a comprehensive assessment of the Canon SX50 HS versus Nikon 1 S2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Canon and Nikon. The resolution of the SX50 HS (12MP) and the 1 S2 (14.2MP) is fairly similar but the SX50 HS (1/2.3") and 1 S2 (1") come with different sensor sizing.

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The SX50 HS was introduced 16 months earlier than the 1 S2 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX50 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Nikon 1 S2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple overview of how the SX50 HS grades against the 1 S2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX50 HS and Nikon 1 S2. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX50 HS Gallery and Nikon 1 S2 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Canon SX50 HS comes with outer measurements of 123mm x 87mm x 106mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 4.2") accompanied by a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Nikon 1 S2 has specifications of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX50 HS versus Nikon 1 S2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the SX50 HS versus the 1 S2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SX50 HS and 1 S2 is 65 and 93 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to picture the gap between sensor sizes merely by going over a spec sheet. The pic below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SX50 HS and 1 S2.

Clearly, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SX50 HS using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Nikon 1 S2 will offer more detail using its extra 2.2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images far more aggressively. The more aged SX50 HS is going to be behind in sensor innovation.