• APS-C 328.6mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 27.00mm - 108.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon XSi advantages over Nikon S4000

  • 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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.20 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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 S4000 advantages over Canon XSi

  • Less expensive
    $200 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    20 mm vs 61 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    131g vs 539g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review 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
Nikon S4000
Nikon D60
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Pentax K2000

Canon XSi
Pentax K2000
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • More AF points
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Nikon S4000
Pentax K2000
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon T1i

Canon XSi
Canon T1i
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • HDMI out
Nikon S4000
Canon T1i
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon S3000

Canon XSi
Nikon S3000
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $150
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
Nikon S4000
Nikon S3000
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • $150
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compared to Pentax RS1000

Canon XSi
Pentax RS1000
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
Nikon S4000
Pentax RS1000
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
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