• APS-C 328.6mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon XSi advantages over Nikon S100

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 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
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 150 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Nikon S100 advantages over Canon XSi

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Thinner
    18 mm vs 61 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    138g vs 539g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    820k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

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
  • 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
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D60

Canon XSi
Nikon D60
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Less shutter lag
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon XSi vs Nikon D60

Nikon S100
Nikon D60
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon S100 vs Nikon D60

Compared to Pentax K2000

Canon XSi
Pentax K2000
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • More AF points
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon XSi vs Pentax K2000

Nikon S100
Pentax K2000
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon S100 vs Pentax K2000

Compared to Canon T1i

Canon XSi
Canon T1i
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • HDMI out

Compare Canon XSi vs Canon T1i

Nikon S100
Canon T1i
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon S100 vs Canon T1i

Compared to Fujifilm Z90

Canon XSi
Fujifilm Z90
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Canon XSi vs Fujifilm Z90

Nikon S100
Fujifilm Z90
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • HDMI out
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S100 vs Fujifilm Z90

Compared to Panasonic TS20

Canon XSi
Panasonic TS20
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $119
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Canon XSi vs Panasonic TS20

Nikon S100
Panasonic TS20
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
  • $119
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Nikon S100 vs Panasonic TS20

Compare Other Cameras?