• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 30.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 224.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon S8100 advantages over Canon N2

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 224 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 2.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon N2 advantages over Nikon S8100

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/3.0 vs f/3.5
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Newer
    10 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon N2

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-HX5V

Nikon S8100
Sony DSC-HX5V
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer stills battery life
Canon N2
Sony DSC-HX5V
  • $699
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in GPS

Compared to Sony DSC-H55

Nikon S8100
Sony DSC-H55
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
  • $204
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Canon N2
Sony DSC-H55
  • $699
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $204
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Ricoh CX5

Nikon S8100
Ricoh CX5
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
Canon N2
Ricoh CX5
  • $699
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon N

Nikon S8100
Canon N
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
  • $749
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Larger lens aperture
Canon N2
Canon N
  • $699
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $749
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoots 24p video

Compared to Nikon S6900

Nikon S8100
Nikon S6900
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $500
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Canon N2
Nikon S6900
  • $699
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Longer exposure
  • $500
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Compare Other Cameras?