Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon Coolpix S810c: The Small Sensor Superzoom Smackdown

When it comes to compact superzoom cameras, the market is bursting at the seams - and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed deciphering specs and marketing blurbs. Today, I’m diving deep into two curious contenders from the mid-2010s era that still attract enthusiasts on a budget or travelers looking for pocketable zoom magic: the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS (announced in February 2016) and the Nikon Coolpix S810c (released in April 2014).

Both cameras belong to the small sensor superzoom category - cue the ubiquitous 1/2.3" sensor dimension and big zoom ranges - yet their target users and feature sets diverge in notable ways. As someone who has tested hundreds of compact shooters across various genres, I want to guide you through the practical differences that matter, not just the spec sheet wars.

We’ll unpack physical design, image quality, autofocus, handling quirks, video chops, and performance across photography disciplines - tapping real-world experience and technical know-how to reveal which camera fits your style and needs best.

So, without further ado, let's zoom in!

A Tale of Size and Shape: Handling the SX720 HS and S810c

First impressions count, and size plus ergonomics often dictate whether you’ll carry a camera for months or shove it in a drawer. The Canon SX720 HS and Nikon S810c both flaunt compact dimensions designed for portability - but subtle differences affect how they feel during extended use.

Looking at the Canon SX720 HS, it wears a thicker, somewhat boxier body (110x64x36 mm) weighing 270 grams. Contrast that with the Nikon S810c’s sleeker, flatter build (113x64x28 mm) tipping the scales at a lighter 216 grams. The Canon's extra heft translates into a slightly more substantial grip, which I found lends some stability during zoomed-in shots - a real boon for wildlife and sports.

The Nikon S810c’s slimmer profile is great if you’re prioritizing pocketability, but the lack of a pronounced grip might invite fumbling, especially with longer telephoto reach.

From personal experience, in-the-field handheld stability matters - a camera that feels planted encourages shooting in varied conditions. Additionally, button layout and accessibility influence your workflow speed, which we’ll explore next.

Topside Controls: Intuitiveness vs Simplicity

Nothing derails a photographic moment faster than hunting for the right dial or button. Let’s peek at the top controls for these two.

Canon sticks to its familiar PowerShot formula with a well-placed mode dial allowing quick selection among Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual exposure modes - making it a versatile option for enthusiasts who want some creative control. The Canon also sports a zoom rocker, dedicated video button, and a traditional shutter release - layout that felt intuitive during my run-and-gun shooting routines.

Nikon’s S810c, in contrast, embraces simplicity dramatically. No manual modes here, primarily Program mode with automatic exposure. The top panel hosts a zoom rocker and shutter button, but no dedicated mode dial. This aligns with Nikon’s aim at casual users who want point-and-shoot convenience merged with smartphone-like operation, especially considering the S810c’s Android-based touchscreen interface.

So, if you’re an enthusiast craving manual control and exposure tweaking, the Canon will feel more “at home.” Casual snappers or those used to smartphone photography might appreciate Nikon’s streamlined approach with touch input.

Under the Hood: Sensor, Processor, and Image Quality

Here’s where small sensor superzooms typically share a love-hate relationship: their portability comes at the cost of smaller sensors, which often struggle compared to APS-C or full-frame counterparts in low light and dynamic range.

Both the Canon SX720 HS and Nikon S810c feature a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor with an identical 6.17x4.55 mm size yielding an area around 28.07 mm². The Canon boasts a higher resolution at 20.3 megapixels versus the Nikon’s 16 megapixels. On paper, this suggests a slight edge in detail capture for the Canon, and indeed, in bright conditions, Canon's images show crisper edges and more pixel-level detail.

Yet, more megapixels on a small sensor doesn’t always mean better real-world quality - higher resolution can also exacerbate noise in dim environments. Both cameras cap ISO at 3200 native, but I noticed Nikon’s slightly larger pixel pitch helps it keep noise in check better at high ISOs. The difference isn’t dramatic, but results show Nikon producing smoother noise patterns around ISO 1600–3200.

Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor excels in color rendition, delivering punchier skin tones and lively saturation without looking artificial - ideal for portraits and travel shots. Nikon’s colors lean cooler and may require more tweaking in post, but it does well to maintain natural skin tone accuracy.

Dynamic range is a balancing act here, with both cameras suffering common small sensor limitations - shadow detail crushes under low light - and highlights blowing out easily. Canon’s exposure latitude feels slightly better, especially with exposure compensation options.

In summary, Canon edges out in resolution and color vibrancy, while Nikon offers a smoother high ISO performance. Neither camera supports RAW format, limiting flexibility, but the JPEG engine on Canon is slightly more advanced.

The All-Important Display and User Interface: Touch vs Fixed Screen

For compact shooters without an electronic viewfinder (EVF), the rear LCD is the main window to your framing and settings.

Canon equips the SX720 HS with a fixed 3-inch LCD at a moderate 922k-dot resolution - decent but not jaw-dropping. The screen is non-touch but sufficiently bright, with straightforward menu navigation using physical buttons. This is great for users who prefer tactile feedback and glove-friendly operation in cold environments or rugged use.

Meanwhile, Nikon’s S810c sports a larger 3.7-inch touchscreen at 1229k dots, embracing a smartphone-inspired UI reflective of its Android OS. The touchscreen interface is fluid and intuitive for scrolling through images, adjusting focus points, and changing settings - but does introduce some lag and occasional touch screen misfires, especially in bright sunlight or when wearing gloves.

From hands-on, the Nikon's touchscreen appeals to users accustomed to smartphones, while Canon’s physical button approach suits photographers valuing precision and reliability over bells and whistles.

Autofocus: Snap to It with 9 Points and Tracking Features

Autofocus is a key differentiator in real-world use, especially for fast-moving subjects or challenging lighting.

Both cameras feature 9-point contrast-detection autofocus systems with face detection. However, Canon adds a slight edge with support for continuous AF and AF tracking modes alongside single shot AF. In practice, while the SX720 doesn’t boast phase-detection AF, its refined contrast detection and processor improve focusing speed and accuracy noticeably over older Canon models I’ve tested.

The Nikon is also capable of continuous autofocus and tracking but relies heavily on contrast detection and tends to hunt more under low light or high zoom. I found it slightly slower locking focus on distant or moving subjects.

Neither camera supports advanced features like animal eye AF or focus bracketing, limiting macro and wildlife prowess.

Summing up, Canon's AF system feels more responsive and reliable for varied scenarios, though both cameras lag behind modern hybrid or phase-detection systems seen in mirrorless models.

Zoom Lenses: How Much Reach, How Much Quality?

Here lies the true charm of superzooms - the ability to really get in close without swapping lenses.

The Canon SX720 HS flaunts a staggering 24-960mm (equivalent) 40x zoom range with a maximum aperture spanning F3.3 at wide angle to F6.9 at telephoto. This is a massive reach ideal for wildlife, travel, and sports snapshots where subjects may be distant or fleeting.

Vision-wise, that 40x zoom is enticing but a double-edged sword - the lens experiences noticeable softness and chromatic aberrations at extreme zoom ends, especially beyond 600mm. Classic small superzoom compromises. However, optical image stabilization and careful hunting for detail can still yield frame-worthy results.

The Nikon S810c features a more modest 25-300mm 12x zoom range with a maximum aperture of F3.3 to F6.3 - a respectable but less aggressive zoom suited more for travel and street photography than distant wildlife. Optics are a bit sharper edge-to-edge and exhibit fewer distortions than Canon's at their long end.

If I had to choose for telephoto-heavy use, Canon's 40x zoom is remarkable for its class, provided you manage expectations around image quality. Nikon is cleaner but limited in reach.

Burst and Speed: Continuous Shooting and Shutter Range

Speed matters not only for sports but for capturing fleeting moments in life.

Canon offers 5.9 frames per second continuous burst with a shutter speed range of 15 to 1/3200 sec - flexible enough to capture action and freeze motion in daylight. I found the 5.9 fps a solid performer for casual sports or kids' activities, though buffer depth is limited.

Nikon retails 8 fps burst (impressively fast for superzooms), with a shutter speed range from 4 to 1/4000 sec. The higher max shutter speed is a nice touch for shooting wide open in bright light. However, the practical advantage diminishes without manual exposure modes and with the autofocus lag previously mentioned.

Overall, Nikon may appeal to those chasing slightly higher burst rates for casual action, but Canon’s more robust exposure controls win for versatility.

Macro, Stability, and Flash: The Up-Close and Personal Details

Both cameras feature macro focusing abilities, with Canon reaching as close as 1cm and Nikon at 2cm. This proximity difference is subtle but appreciated for capturing intricate flower patterns or textures.

Each includes optical image stabilization - vital for hand-held shooting at long zoom or low light. Canon’s system is tried-and-true; Nikon’s performs adequately but feels less effective at maximum reach.

Flash range tips slightly to Nikon at 5.60 m vs Canon’s 4.00 m, though both provide standard close-range illumination. Canon offers slow sync flash mode for more natural portraits in mixed lighting; Nikon keeps it simpler.

If macro work is occasional, either camera suffices, but Canon's closer focusing distance and flash modes provide a delicate advantage.

Video Capabilities: What Are These Shooters Offering in 2024?

Though neither are video powerhouses by today’s standards, a quick look is worthwhile.

Both cameras record Full HD 1080p video, with Canon delivering up to 60p frame rate and Nikon limited to 30p. Canon’s higher fps allows smoother motion rendering and small slow-motion effects.

Nikon incorporates a headphone jack for audio monitoring - a rare feature in compact cameras - whereas Canon lacks microphone or headphone ports altogether.

Neither supports 4K recording or advanced video features like log profiles, so video is more an add-on than a primary function here.

If video is a priority, Canon’s 60p and Canon’s manual exposure during recording (though limited control) slightly tip the scales toward video flexibility. For audio geeks, Nikon’s headphone jack could be worth considering.

Storage, Connectivity, and Battery: Practical Considerations

The efficacy of a camera is often judged by its freedom to work seamlessly in your flow.

Both support SD cards, but Canon uses the common SD/SDHC/SDXC format, while Nikon adds microSD and internal storage - unique and handy for quick sharing but not a serious gigabyte reservoir.

In wireless, Canon supports NFC for one-touch pairing with compatible devices, great for speedy image transfer. Nikon skips NFC but includes built-in GPS, a sweet bonus for travel photographers wanting automatic tagging.

Battery life favors Nikon by a small margin - 270 shots vs Canon’s 250. Both use proprietary battery packs (NB-13L for Canon, EN-EL23 for Nikon) which means lugging spares if you’re away from charging.

USB 2.0 and HDMI ports standard on both; neither supports Bluetooth - the disappointment continues.

These shared limitations mean tethering your expectations; neither is a marathon companion, but GPS on Nikon and NFC on Canon are nice perks in their respective niches.

Shooting Across Genres: How Do They Stack Up?

Here’s where theory meets practice: how do these cameras handle specific photography scenarios - from portrait to astro?

Canon SX720 HS front Canon SX720 HS screen back Nikon S810c front Nikon S810c screen back

Portraits: Canon’s richer skin tones and manual exposure modes allow refined results. The 40x zoom lens can produce decent bokeh at telephoto, but limited aperture caps blur potential. Nikon’s touchscreen helps fast framing but colors might feel cooler or less inviting.

Landscapes: Both cameras struggle with dynamic range, but Canon’s higher resolution brings more detail for prints or crops. Neither has weather sealing - proceed with care outdoors.

Wildlife: Canon’s longer zoom and faster AF help here; Nikon’s lesser reach and hunting AF make missed shots more frequent.

Sports: Nikon’s 8 fps burst is tempting, but slower AF counts against it. Canon’s manual modes and continuous AF better suit sports enthusiasts in controlled light.

Street: Nikon’s slim profile and touchscreen make it nimble; Canon, bulkier, but manual controls provide creative freedom.

Macro: Canon’s 1cm focusing distance and flash modes aid tiny detail capture; Nikon reliable but less versatile.

Night/Astro: Both limited by small sensor noise and max ISO, but Canon’s exposure compensation and longer shutter speed (max 15 sec) mean longer exposures are possible.

Video: Canon clearly better with Full HD 60p, but both lack modern codecs or 4K.

Travel: Nikon’s GPS tagging and lower weight are travel-friendly; Canon offers more zoom versatility - pick your travel style.

Professional: Neither targets pro market - no RAW support, modest build quality, limited lens flexibility - still, reliable compact backups for casual professional use.

Build Quality and Durability: Can They Take a Beating?

Neither camera boasts environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproofing - the usual compromises in the compact superzoom category. The Canon SX720’s thicker body felt slightly more robust in my handling tests, while the Nikon's slenderness rewards portability at the expense of ruggedness.

For frequent outdoor shoots, exercise caution. Both cameras need protective bags and careful treatment to ensure longevity.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed but Faithful?

Neither camera has interchangeable lenses - the price of such compactness and the superzoom magic. You’re locked into the built-in lens, which means your zoom flexibility depends entirely on the built-in optics.

Canon’s 24-960mm equivalent (40x) lets you experiment across focal lengths; Nikon’s 25-300mm (12x) lens is less versatile but boasts slightly better edge sharpness and less visible distortion.

Deciding which zoom range you need is pivotal - wildlife lovers will gravitate to Canon’s massive reach; casual travelers may prefer Nikon’s more manageable lens.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins This Superzoom Shootout?

Both cameras cater to different photographers. Here’s the gist:

Wrapping Up: Your Superzoom Sidekick Awaits

In the realm of small sensor superzooms, trade-offs are inevitable. The Canon SX720 HS champions creative control, zoom range, and image quality - ideal if you appreciate some manual fiddling and want to pet distant wildlife with one camera.

If you prefer lean, touchscreen-driven ease, GPS metadata, and slightly faster bursts for everyday travel and street photography, the Nikon Coolpix S810c earns your attention.

Neither model dazzles with pro-grade specs, but as budget-friendly compact companions, they punch above their weight class. Just remember: understanding their limits and embracing their quirks is key to happy shooting.

So, will you zoom and zoom with Canon’s long reach, or stroll the streets with Nikon’s nimble shooter? Either way, your photography adventures have some colorful chapters ahead!

Happy shooting - and may your images always be sharp and your memory cards never full.

If you want personalized advice for your photographic journey, feel free to ask! And remember: no camera replaces good light and a curious eye.