Canon SX600 HS vs Nikon Coolpix L840: The Definitive Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

When selecting a small-sensor superzoom camera, your priorities range from zoom reach and image quality to portability and ergonomics. Both the Canon PowerShot SX600 HS and the Nikon Coolpix L840 have long attracted enthusiasts seeking versatile all-in-one solutions at reasonable prices. Having tested and compared hundreds of cameras in this class over the years, I’ll walk you through their real-world strengths, technical underpinnings, and which model fits various photographic ambitions best.

Let’s break down these two titans of the compact superzoom category - released just over a year apart but offering markedly different value propositions - to help you zero in on the camera that makes your creative journey smooth and enjoyable.

First Look: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

The physical form and feel of a camera massively affect your shooting comfort, especially on long outings.

The SX600 HS is remarkably pocketable - at just under 190 grams and slim, easily slipping into everyday bags. It’s ideal if you’re prioritizing lightness and on-the-go shooting. In contrast, the L840 impresses with an SLR-style grip and heftier frame, lending a sense of stability, especially for long telephoto shots, but its chunky size and weight (over half a kilogram) demand more commitment when transporting.

Build quality across both is solid but plainly plastic, typical for this class and price point. Neither provides environmental sealing - keep them sheltered from rain or dust.

The Nikon’s bulkier body includes a tilting rear LCD screen (a plus for creative angles), while Canon offers a fixed display.

Control Layout and Interface: Ease of Use in Action

How a camera’s buttons and dials are laid out influences your ability to shoot intuitively, a non-negotiable for seizing fleeting moments.

• Canon SX600 HS opts for minimalism. With no mode dial or manual exposure control, it targets point-and-shoot simplicity.
• The Nikon L840 offers slightly more control with dedicated AF modes and a shutter-speed range up to 1/4000s, though lacking full manual exposure modes.
• Neither camera has touchscreen capability or an electronic viewfinder, so you’re relying on the rear LCD for composing shots.
• Both include common flash modes; Nikon’s built-in flash offers greater range.

For beginners or casual shooters wanting auto-focused shooting without fuss, the Canon’s straightforward design appeals. If you want to tweak focus areas or benefit from continuous AF, Nikon’s extra options help bridge the gap toward advanced usage.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: What’s Behind the Lens?

Despite similar nominal sensor sizes, image quality can vary significantly with processing power and sensor design.

Both cameras share identical sensor dimensions, but the Canon uses a Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, which improves low-light sensitivity by capturing more light in the pixel wells. Nikon’s sensor lacks this BSI design but compensates with a higher max ISO rating, theoretically enabling brighter images in darker conditions.

In practice, the Canon SX600 HS renders slightly cleaner images at ISO 800 and below, useful for daylight and modest indoor lighting. However, Nikon’s expanded ISO range provides more exposure flexibility at the cost of increased noise.

Neither supports RAW format - meaning image processing happens internally, limiting post-processing latitude. This is a trade-off of the superzoom compact class, emphasizing convenience over maximal image control.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Reach, Speed, and Sharpness

A hallmark of superzoom cameras is the extraordinary zoom range, perfect for diverse shooting scenarios without swapping lenses.

The Nikon’s 38× zoom truly dwarfs Canon’s 18× reach, especially valuable when photographing subjects at a distance - wildlife, sports, or architectural details.

• Nikon’s wider aperture at the wide end (f/3.0 vs f/3.8) allows marginally more light in, beneficial for indoor and low-light shooting.
• Macro photography favors Nikon again, with a minimum focusing distance down to 1 cm versus Canon’s 5 cm, letting you get closer to insect or texture details.
• Both cameras feature optical image stabilization, helping reduce blur at long focal lengths or handheld shooting.

Sharpness and chromatic aberration vary with focal length and zoom extent. The Canon lens produces relatively consistent, good-quality images across its range, while Nikon’s extreme zoom introduces some softness and edge distortion when fully zoomed.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus performance is key for action, wildlife, and casual shooting alike.

The Nikon Coolpix L840 stands out in this category:

• It offers continuous autofocus and tracking, maintaining focus on moving subjects.
• Nearly double the burst frame rate (7.4 fps versus Canon’s 4 fps) makes it much more capable for fast action or sports scenarios.
• Canon’s autofocus system is limited to center point and face detection, better suited for static subjects or portraits.

In busy street photography or wildlife environments, Nikon’s autofocus capability and shooting speed add a crucial advantage.

Exposure, White Balance, and Metering: Control and Flexibility

Neither camera features full manual aperture or shutter speed controls, so exposure is largely program-driven.

• Both cameras include custom white balance, helping you handle tricky lighting.
• Exposure compensation and bracketing features are mostly absent or minimal.
• Metering uses center-weighted patterns with spot metering available on Canon and Nikon.

This setup suits casual users better than professionals needing precise manual overrides.

Rear Screen and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shots

Your viewfinder or screen greatly impacts how comfortably you can compose images.

The Nikon’s 921k-dot screen is nearly twice as sharp, enhancing visibility in bright light. Its tilting design enables low or high-angle shooting - ideal for creative compositions or video.

The Canon’s fixed screen is basic and less sharp but perfectly serviceable for casual use. Neither offers an electronic viewfinder (EVF), requiring composition via the LCD.

Video Capabilities: Quality and Usability

Small sensor superzooms usually target stills shooters, but video is an increasingly important feature for content creators.

The Nikon L840 provides full HD at 1080p with both 30 and 60 interlaced or progressive frames per second, resulting in smoother motion capture compared to the Canon’s 1280-pixel vertical resolution and 30fps cap.

Neither camera supports external microphones, limiting audio control and quality, but the optical stabilization aids handheld video use.

For casual video blogging or family moments, Nikon’s video specs give it the edge.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting Longer

Battery endurance and storage options dictate how practicable a camera is on extended trips.

Nikon’s use of common AA batteries means easier field replacement but results in heavier weight. The longer rated battery life (~590 shots) is impressive in this low-end zoom category.

The Canon’s proprietary lithium-ion battery is lighter but requires recharging.

Both cameras support standard SD cards, ensuring accessible and expandable storage.

Connectivity and Extras: Staying Connected on the Go

Both cameras offer Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling easy image transfer to smartphones for social media sharing or backup.

Sample Images: Real-World Performance Comparison

Canon SX600 HS front Canon SX600 HS screen back Nikon L840 front Nikon L840 screen back

From landscapes to portraits, both produce vibrant photos. The Nikon shows a bit more versatility with zoom reach and better macro capability. Canon delivers reliable colors and sharpness but struggles slightly at the telephoto end.

Camera Scores and Overall Performance Ratings

The Nikon L840 ranks higher overall, especially excelling in autofocus, zoom range, and battery life metrics. The Canon SX600 HS scores well for portability and straightforward usability.

Specialized Performance Across Photography Types

Who Should Choose Canon SX600 HS?

• You want the most compact and lightweight superzoom that fits easily in pockets or small bags.
• You’re a beginner or casual shooter wanting reliable automatic shooting with simple controls.
• Your budget is tight - Canon retails for about $249.
• Occasional travel or family events where ease of use outweighs advanced features.
• Everyday photography with some zoom flexibility without ergonomic bulk.

Who Should Choose Nikon Coolpix L840?

• You desire maximum zoom reach and faster autofocus to shoot wildlife, sports, or distant subjects.
• You want longer battery life with easy AA replacement on remote trips.
• Video capture at Full HD 60fps is important to you.
• Macro photography and more robust burst rates matter.
• Ergonomics and tilt screen versatility enhance your composition.
• You’re willing to carry a larger bridge-style camera for a more capable all-in-one.

Closing Thoughts: Expert Recommendations

Both the Canon SX600 HS and Nikon L840 provide strong value in the small sensor superzoom niche, but their fundamental differences dictate distinct user profiles.

Choose the Canon SX600 HS for lightweight, casual photography with respectable zoom and good image quality for its class. Its intuitive design suits beginners and travelers prioritizing convenience without sacrificing essential features.

Opt for the Nikon Coolpix L840 if your creative pursuits demand longer zoom reach, faster shooting, and greater versatility, particularly for wildlife, sports, and video. Despite its heft, it offers more control and robust performance, appealing to serious enthusiasts wanting a bridge camera experience on a reasonable budget.

Feel free to check out in-store demos or online sample galleries to get a hands-on feel for these cameras’ ergonomics and output, and consider the lenses or accessories you might pair with them for your photographic goals.

Thanks for joining us on this detailed exploration - here’s to capturing countless inspiring moments with your next camera!

Appendix: Specs Summary Table

If you’re ready to dive into photography with the right superzoom companion, explore these models in depth, and discover what matches your shooting style best!