Canon XC10 vs Nikon L21

Following is a extended assessment of the Canon XC10 and Nikon L21, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Canon and Nikon. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the XC10 (12MP) and L21 (8MP) and the XC10 (1") and L21 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing

The XC10 was introduced 5 years after the L21 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Canon XC10 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Nikon L21 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief summation of how the XC10 scores versus the L21 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon XC10 and Nikon Coolpix L21. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon XC10 Gallery and Nikon L21 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon XC10 enjoys external dimensions of 125mm x 102mm x 122mm (4.9" x 4.0" x 4.8") and a weight of 1040 grams (2.29 lbs) whilst the Nikon L21 has measurements of 92mm x 67mm x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") and a weight of 169 grams (0.37 lbs).

Look at the Canon XC10 and Nikon L21 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the XC10 against the L21.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XC10 and L21 is 54 and 93 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizes merely by viewing specifications. The image underneath should offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XC10 and L21.

Plainly, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The XC10 having a larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Canon XC10 will render more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The fresher XC10 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.