• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

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Differences

Canon S100 advantages over Nikon S1

  • Less expensive
    $430 vs $500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Nikon S1 advantages over Canon S100

  • Slower slow-motion
    1200 fps vs 240 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/1.7 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 1.90 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    397 vs 153 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 9.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Buy the Canon S100

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Buy the Nikon S1
Nikon S1

Review Excerpt

  • Slimmer than past models; 12-megapixel resolution sensor improves on image quality across ISO range; Video includes 1080p, autofocus, and zoom during recording; HDR mode works well.

  • Costs $30 more; Slight buzz when zooming while recording video; Grip isn't as useful as it could be; Slow autofocus.

  • Read our Canon S100 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon S95

Canon S100
Canon S95
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Canon S100 vs Canon S95

Nikon S1
Canon S95
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S1 vs Canon S95

Compared to Nikon J1

Canon S100
Nikon J1
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Canon S100 vs Nikon J1

Nikon S1
Nikon J1
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens

Compare Nikon S1 vs Nikon J1

Compared to Nikon J2

Canon S100
Nikon J2
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Canon S100 vs Nikon J2

Nikon S1
Nikon J2
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Wider angle kit lens

Compare Nikon S1 vs Nikon J2

Compared to Canon S110

Canon S100
Canon S110
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon S100 vs Canon S110

Nikon S1
Canon S110
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S1 vs Canon S110

Compared to Leica C

Canon S100
Leica C
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS
  • $699
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon S100 vs Leica C

Nikon S1
Leica C
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $699
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S1 vs Leica C

Compare Other Cameras?