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 S700
VS
Sensor area
28 mm²
PowerShot SX20 IS42 mm²
Coolpix S700- Area ratio
- 1.46:1
- Absolute difference
- 13 mm²
- Relative difference
- 45.9%
The Coolpix S700 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 S700
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 gWeight130 g
SDHC, Secure DigitalStorageSDHC, Secure Digital
4 x AA batteries (Alkaline or NiMH)BatteryLithium-Ion (EN-EL10) 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 S700 has the larger sensor area. The Coolpix S700 has the lighter body. The PowerShot SX20 IS and Coolpix S700 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 S700
Released in 2007, Coolpix S700 has about 42 mm² of sensor area, 12.1 MP effective resolution, and a 130 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.