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

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Differences

Nikon S1 advantages over Canon S120

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/1.7 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Slower slow-motion
    1200 fps vs 240 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 1.90 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    397 vs 246 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 11.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon S120 advantages over Nikon S1

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    250 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 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
  • 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

  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J1

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

Compare Nikon S1 vs Nikon J1

Canon S120
Nikon J1
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon S120 vs Nikon J1

Compared to 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

Canon S120
Nikon J2
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon S120 vs Nikon J2

Compared to Fujifilm XF1

Nikon S1
Fujifilm XF1
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon S1 vs Fujifilm XF1

Canon S120
Fujifilm XF1
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon S120 vs Fujifilm XF1

Compared to Fujifilm XQ1

Nikon S1
Fujifilm XQ1
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S1 vs Fujifilm XQ1

Canon S120
Fujifilm XQ1
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon S120 vs Fujifilm XQ1

Compared to Nikon J4

Nikon S1
Nikon J4
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon S1 vs Nikon J4

Canon S120
Nikon J4
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon S120 vs Nikon J4

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