Canon s95 vs. Nikon s8100 After trying the Nikon s8100 and reading all the rave reviews of the Canon s95, I returned my Nikon and bought the Canon, and boy am I sorry. The clarity and the zoom, and just the plain beauty of the images was so much better with the Nikon, I am crushed! I think I'm going to have to do another switch. And the price is better with the Nikon!I compared close focus, zoom, low-light, candid and still shots and every single one of them was better with the Nikon -- with the possible exception of a very tight, low-light shot of a painting I did with the Canon, which was exquisite, but how many of those shots does one really take with a point-and-shoot? I say, go Nikon, and save the $100 and be super happy all around! Canon s95 vs. Nikon s8100 After trying the Nikon s8100 and reading all the rave reviews of the Canon s95, I returned my Nikon and bought the Canon, and boy am I sorry. The clarity and the zoom, and... » Read More Canon s95 vs. Nikon s8100 After trying the Nikon s8100 and reading all the rave reviews of the Canon s95, I returned my Nikon and bought the Canon, and boy am I sorry. The clarity and the zoom, and just the plain beauty of the images was so much better with the Nikon, I am crushed! I think I'm going to have to do another switch. And the price is better with the Nikon!I compared close focus, zoom, low-light, candid and still shots and every single one of them was better with the Nikon -- with the possible exception of a very tight, low-light shot of a painting I did with the Canon, which was exquisite, but how many of those shots does one really take with a point-and-shoot? I say, go Nikon, and save the $100 and be super happy all around! « Show Less
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I was ready to spend the extra amount of cash to buy the S95 as I wanted a truly high end compact camera, but ended up buying the S8100 due to its 10X zoom and amazing low light performance. And it is a good balance btwn having a fully automatic point and shoot, with many other options for special shooting conditions if you want them (I am still learning about some of them). This is a truly amazing camera. Not for beginners, perhaps not for professionals either - but for experienced enthusiasts it is just right.
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Nikon Coolpix S8100 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 10x Zoom-Nikkor ED Lens and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black)Antonpd is 100% correct-If image quality is your primary goal, then go with the Canon S95. If you are willing to make some image quality compromises to get a Full Auto operation, the the S8100 is for you. The S8100 is a great concept, bug fails to totally deliver on the low light and great video advertised features. It is all a matter of what you want to compromise.Sarah Joyce
922248
Although I have not tried video, I was truly embarrassed at a seminar when every shot made a BING noise turning heads all around. I have not figured out how to stop this. Help? Otherwise, I have much to learn but am sorry they don't seem to make these pocket sized cameras anymore with a viewfinder. Mostly I am shooting outdoors and find it impossible in the sunshine.
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The camera manual suggests you should use a Class 6 card, which is what I have used. However, Costco sells the camera/case/card package with a Class 4 card that I am currently using and it works fine for photo and 1080p video. I don't know that the brand makes any difference. I can shoot all day with a 4 GB card.
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Seems like everyone is forgetting one thing...the Canon shows in RAW format which allows you to achieve full control over your final image.
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I agree. I looked really hard at the S95, would have been happy to spend the extra bucks to get better photos in all conditions. But the 3X zoom was a bummer for me - when I can get just about as good photos with the S8100 with a super slick 10X zoom.Unless you are really a professional photog as need that extra f2.0 lens, I would say bite the bullet and take it back, again.
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I am about convinced on the Nikon s8100, looks like everything I need. My question is, will the Sandisk 16 gig card work in it?
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You really need to manually adjust the S95 to get the best out of it. It's a fantastic camera for those folks that know what they're doing, better pics than the S8100. But you need to work it. But if you're like most people that just sets the camera to auto and let it do all the work, the S8100 is a much better choice.
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I have the S8100 and have found it very fast for start-up, between shots and for focusing. It is not the best camera in on earth (I have a Nikon DSLR that takes better images) but having compared it against the Canon S90 and Canon SX210 I think it is among the best P&S; options on the market. The S8100 has several metering options as well as both Single and Full-Time AF for both photos and video. Knowing how they work might have possibly improved performance if that is not something you already had a grasp of.The camera does have focusing noise that can be heard on video if the scene is quiet, but so do all cameras without an external mic.Canon makes great cameras. Good luck with your elph. I have the S8100 and have found it very fast for start-up, between shots and for focusing. It is not the best camera in on earth (I have a Nikon DSLR that takes better images) but having compared it against the Canon S90 and Canon SX210 I think it is among the best P&S; options on the market. The S8100 has several metering options as well as both Single and Full-Time AF for both photos and video. Knowing how they work might have possibly improved performance if that is not something you already had a grasp of.The camera does have focusing noise that can be heard on video if the... » Read More I have the S8100 and have found it very fast for start-up, between shots and for focusing. It is not the best camera in on earth (I have a Nikon DSLR that takes better images) but having compared it against the Canon S90 and Canon SX210 I think it is among the best P&S; options on the market. The S8100 has several metering options as well as both Single and Full-Time AF for both photos and video. Knowing how they work might have possibly improved performance if that is not something you already had a grasp of.The camera does have focusing noise that can be heard on video if the scene is quiet, but so do all cameras without an external mic.Canon makes great cameras. Good luck with your elph. « Show Less
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Also consider the Canon SX210is. Great camera. Out of the 4 cameras mentioned I would say go with the S8100. It's the newest compact mega zoom of the bunch, has a backlit CMOS chip for excellent low light shooting, great Nikkor lens, stereo 1080p video, beautiful lcd and excellent for factor.
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As someone who spent months in research (and finally decided on the NIKON) allow me to offer my advice: The NIKON P80 has a new sensor with 10.1MP (size 1/2.33" and a pixel density of 36MP/cm2). On its plus side, the small size (although it turns long when zoomed all in), the comprehensive menu and the overall built. On the minus side, the NIKON, although perfectly capable, will not take the best photo if left on Auto. The PANASONIC FZ18 has an older 8.1MP sensor (size 1/2.5" and a pixel density of 32MP/cm2). On its plus size, the impeccable LEICA lens system (and quite short even at maximum zoom), the handy joystick, the great image quality and the mechanical stabilization (the only one of these three that comes with it). On the minus side, the FZ18 is a bit larger that the P80 - and is bound to be replaced by Christmas. The FUJI S8100FD was never a contender for me. With a 10MP sensor (size 1/2.3" and a pixel density of 35MP/cm2) it is not too shabby. Yet, its overall design was not to my liking at all (of course that is a personal preference). The best advice a professional photographer gave me was this: choose the best lens and then the best sensor. Then make sure it is a camera for your level. The PANASONIC has the best lens whereas the NIKON has the best sensor (these cameras are still Point&Shoot, nowhere near the sensor sizes of a DSLR). Bottom line: if new to digital photography or do not care to be concerned with all the tweaking, go with the PANASONIC - it has a much better intelligent Auto (iA) function. If more experienced or would like to be more involved in taking a photo, go with the NIKON. Happy shooting!
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I just noticed that there is a 1.1 version of the firmware available for the S8100 on Nikon's site. I have seen enough low-light video examples of the S8100 to realize that the AF problem is a real problem and extremely annoying. It essentially renders the video useless, and until I can confirm whether or not the firmware fixes this problem, I will not purchase this camera.All the reviews of this camera that are negative complain about the video. So it's definitely a consistent issue.
163532
I am on the same predicament here....Tough choice. From the reviews I 've read/viewed, they are practically the same. The only big difference is the portability of each camera. The S95 is more 'pocketable' versus the G12. I think I'm going for the G12 since I've got the G10 and I'm familiar with the G series anyway. I hope this video helps:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jto9C5uZIWU
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Is the Canon 230hs a good compromise? Pocketable but more zoom than the S95? Is the image quality as good as the SX40?
1002182
These two cameras are both good at what they do but are different in the needs they are designed to address. Your needs (atleast mine) would direct me towards one or the other. You say absolutely nothing about your needs or intended uses so there little else I could add. The zoom range, video resulotion, flexibility, and size differetiate the two. The S95 has a marginal image quality and low light advantage at the expense of lower video resolution and a much shorter telephoto.
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I am wondering the same thing.I chose the SD4500 over the S95 because it has HD 1920x 1080 Full HD movie and because it has a 10x zoom lens..If anyone can point out why I should have went with the S95 instead please let me know.
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The Canon SX130 seems to get good reviews and has a longer lens, although I think it still has the smaller sensor, and is slightly larger than the S95.Other models you might want to consider include the Panasonic LX5 (1/1.63", f/2.0, 3.8x zoom), or Samsung TL500 (1/1.7", f/1.8, 3x zoom).Ricoh and Leica may also make cameras that might interest you, if you have a larger budget.If you are interested in considering a slightly larger camera, the micro four-thirds cameras are not huge and have interchangeable lenses - you could use a shorter lens for everyday portability, and get a longer one for when you need the zoom. The Canon SX130 seems to get good reviews and has a longer lens, although I think it still has the smaller sensor, and is slightly larger than the S95.Other models you might want to consider include the Panasonic LX5 (1/1.63", f/2.0, 3.8x zoom), or Samsung TL500 (1/1.7", f/1.8, 3x zoom).Ricoh and Leica may also make cameras that might interest you, if you have a larger budget.If you are interested in considering a slightly larger camera, the micro four-thirds cameras are not huge and have interchangeable lenses - you could use a shorter lens for... » Read More The Canon SX130 seems to get good reviews and has a longer lens, although I think it still has the smaller sensor, and is slightly larger than the S95.Other models you might want to consider include the Panasonic LX5 (1/1.63", f/2.0, 3.8x zoom), or Samsung TL500 (1/1.7", f/1.8, 3x zoom).Ricoh and Leica may also make cameras that might interest you, if you have a larger budget.If you are interested in considering a slightly larger camera, the micro four-thirds cameras are not huge and have interchangeable lenses - you could use a shorter lens for everyday portability, and get a longer one for when you need the zoom. « Show Less
1419977
I had a film SLR before the Canon S50. Now I only want a smaller camera that takes great pictures. The S95 probably is a great choice.
106956
i think s95 is compelling if u want better pictures and control. since s95 has the bigger sensor (better pictures) and the PASM (better control). but really, the 4000 is a true P&S wif some kick-ass hardware baked in.
1338309
I think I am going to opt for the S95, but the DMC-LX5 has just a tad better specs (longer batter life, closer focusing, more frames-per-second, broader range of shutter speed), but the S90 just looks so much better and the front user-defined adjustment ring may just be enough -- all at a lower price.
1887675
I've owned the 1400 IS for 8 months now, and have been dissapointed. Photos are not consistent, and not crisp. In fact, I regret buying the 1400 IS and in hindsight would have opted for the S90/S95.
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I recently was faced with the same decision. What I basically found through lots of research is that they are both very good cameras. Each has some features that are slightly better or worse, but they basically balance out. Based on the specifications, I had made up my mind to go with the Canon. However, once I got to the store, I found it did not 'feel' right in my hand when I tried to hold it. The Nikon, on the other hand, felt perfect. I ended up going with it and love it. I had a little trouble learning some functions, but was able to read the manual and get it figured out. It also came with a learning DVD. I know several other people who got the Canon and love it. Both have simplified the learning process as much as possible, but you have to be willing to do a little bit of reading or working with someone who owns one. So, you will be fine with either. My suggestion is to just try before you buy, to see which appeals to you more. I think you will LOVE either one. I have been amazed at how much better my photographs look now than ones I took with my older point and shoot.
940340
I cannot offer a nikon/canon comparison however I upgraded from a S90 to the S120 and am VERY VERY impressed. Amazingly fast user interface, bright rear screen and long battery life are some of the high points. Low light performance is AMAZING compared to my S90. The difference is almost like the change from T2I to 6D full frame in my canon SLR! The bad? Still no RAW converters out there, not even DXO though they report one coming later this month.
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The SX120 at ISO 800 and 1600 is way better than the SX110, this is the biggest difference I've seen. Search for some reviews that have the same shots at ISO1600 for both cameras and compare the two side by side and it'll jump out at you. I'm not so sure the slightly smaller sensor has much difference, sensor technology improves very slowly too, so maybe it has better signal to noise ratio even though it's more MP on a slightly smaller surface area.I don't like the SX200 for a bunch of reasons, the always up flash is annoying. It has a slower lens than the SX110/120, and it's way more expensive. The SX120 at ISO 800 and 1600 is way better than the SX110, this is the biggest difference I've seen. Search for some reviews that have the same shots at ISO1600 for both cameras and compare the two side by side and it'll jump out at you. I'm not so sure the slightly smaller sensor has much difference, sensor technology improves very slowly too, so maybe it has better signal to noise ratio even though it's more MP on a slightly smaller surface area.I don't like the SX200 for a bunch of reasons, the always up flash is annoying. It has a slower lens than the SX110/120, and it's... » Read More The SX120 at ISO 800 and 1600 is way better than the SX110, this is the biggest difference I've seen. Search for some reviews that have the same shots at ISO1600 for both cameras and compare the two side by side and it'll jump out at you. I'm not so sure the slightly smaller sensor has much difference, sensor technology improves very slowly too, so maybe it has better signal to noise ratio even though it's more MP on a slightly smaller surface area.I don't like the SX200 for a bunch of reasons, the always up flash is annoying. It has a slower lens than the SX110/120, and it's way more expensive. « Show Less
458493
The SX30 IS has been replaced by the SX 40 HS and I believe the FZ100 has been replaced by the FZ150. Both addressed problems with the previous models There is very little out about the Canaon yet, but the emerging consensus regarding the two is that the Canon has better image quality (very good quality for this kind of camera). The Panasonic's images while very good, do not match the Canon's and it doesn't have as much zoom (the Canon's and Nikon's zoom range is essentially the same), but it offers more features, including RAW, and significantly better LCD. Both have an articulating display far superior in operation to the Nikon. The SX30 IS has been replaced by the SX 40 HS and I believe the FZ100 has been replaced by the FZ150. Both addressed problems with the previous models There is very little out about the Canaon yet, but the emerging consensus regarding the two is that the Canon has better image quality (very good quality for this kind of camera). The Panasonic's images while very good, do not match the Canon's and it doesn't have as much zoom (the Canon's and Nikon's zoom range is essentially the same), but it offers more features, including RAW, and significantly better LCD. Both have an articulating... » Read More The SX30 IS has been replaced by the SX 40 HS and I believe the FZ100 has been replaced by the FZ150. Both addressed problems with the previous models There is very little out about the Canaon yet, but the emerging consensus regarding the two is that the Canon has better image quality (very good quality for this kind of camera). The Panasonic's images while very good, do not match the Canon's and it doesn't have as much zoom (the Canon's and Nikon's zoom range is essentially the same), but it offers more features, including RAW, and significantly better LCD. Both have an articulating display far superior in operation to the Nikon. « Show Less