Reasons to choose PowerShot SX20 IS
Released in 2009, PowerShot SX20 IS has about 28 mm² of sensor area, 12.1 MP effective resolution, and a 560 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Canon PowerShot SX20 IS
vs Nikon Coolpix P5100
VS
Sensor area
28 mm²
PowerShot SX20 IS42 mm²
Coolpix P5100- Area ratio
- 1.46:1
- Absolute difference
- 13 mm²
- Relative difference
- 45.9%
The Coolpix P5100 has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 2 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
PowerShot SX20 ISMetricCoolpix P5100
12.1 MPEffective pixels12.1 MP
6.16 × 4.62Sensor7.44 × 5.58
1.53 µmPixel pitch1.85 µm
2.35 µm²Pixel area3.43 µm²
42.52 MP/cm²Pixel density29.15 MP/cm²
5.62Crop factor4.65
—Maximum video—
560 gWeight250 g
SDHC, Secure DigitalStorageInternal storage
4 x AA batteries (Alkaline or NiMH)BatteryNikon EN-EL5 Lithium-Ion Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The Coolpix P5100 has the larger sensor area. The Coolpix P5100 has the lighter body. The PowerShot SX20 IS and Coolpix P5100 have the same effective resolution. The PowerShot SX20 IS is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose Coolpix P5100
Released in 2007, Coolpix P5100 has about 42 mm² of sensor area, 12.1 MP effective resolution, and a 250 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.