Canon SX540 HS vs Nikon S9700

Here, we are matching up the Canon SX540 HS vs Nikon S9700, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Canon and Nikon. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the SX540 HS (20MP) and S9700 (16MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX540 HS was unveiled 24 months after the S9700 making them a generation away from one another. The two cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX540 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Nikon S9700 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a full comparison, here is a concise summary of how the SX540 HS scores vs the S9700 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX540 HS and Nikon Coolpix S9700. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX540 HS Gallery and Nikon S9700 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Canon SX540 HS offers outer measurements of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") with a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) whilst the Nikon S9700 has sizing of 110mm x 64mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 232 grams (0.51 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX540 HS vs Nikon S9700 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the SX540 HS vs the S9700.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX540 HS and S9700 is 69 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reading a spec sheet. The image below might provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX540 HS and S9700.

As you can see, both cameras feature the identical sensor size but different MP. You should expect to see the Canon SX540 HS to offer you greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The fresher SX540 HS should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.