• APS-C 328.6mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

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Differences

Canon XS advantages over Nikon AW1

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.71 vs 2.86 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    88 mm vs 74 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/200 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Nikon AW1 advantages over Canon XS

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    37 mm vs 61 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    11 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Kit with 11-27.5mm lens (Black)
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm lens (Black)
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm lens (Silver)
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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K200D

Canon XS
Pentax K200D
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon XS vs Pentax K200D

Nikon AW1
Pentax K200D
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Pentax K200D

Compared to Sony DSLR-A230

Canon XS
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon XS vs Sony DSLR-A230

Nikon AW1
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Sony DSLR-A230

Compared to Nikon D3000

Canon XS
Nikon D3000
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Less shutter lag
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon XS vs Nikon D3000

Nikon AW1
Nikon D3000
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Nikon D3000

Compared to Nikon J3

Canon XS
Nikon J3
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Canon XS vs Nikon J3

Nikon AW1
Nikon J3
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Nikon J3

Compared to Nikon V3

Canon XS
Nikon V3
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon XS vs Nikon V3

Nikon AW1
Nikon V3
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Nikon V3

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