What's the difference between the Canon PowerShot S100 and the PowerShot SX260 HS?

Question

I rather like the Canon PowerShot S100, it has received great reviews.

But I now see that the PowerShot SX260 HS has been launched at a similar price and wondered what the difference is.

The onsite comparator shows the SX260 as having greater zoom, but the S100 has the in-lens multi-function dial, the S100 also has lower f settings.

The differences seem to be less of this, more of that etc. I'm wondering if there is some profound difference and if the SX260 is meant to supersede the S100 or instead address another kind of user?

Thoughts?

Asked by robserverdavista

Answer

You would be basically deciding on image quality versus zoom capability.

The S100 has a bigger sensor, handles higher ISOs better and offers a faster lens. On the other hand, the SX260 offers you a lot more optical zoom.

There is no clear winner here, it all depends on what aspect you value the most in your shots. The ability to zoom further or the ability to register the shot with higher quality.

Note that none of these aspects would necessarily imply better pictures per se.

Answered by André Carregal

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What are the differences between an entry-level DSLR and a Canon PowerShot?

Question

A Canon Powershot series camera has program mode that lets the user control the shutter speed and aperture

Even though an Entry-level DSLR has more features, this looks similar to an entry-level DSLR.

In other words, is it necessary for an amateur to own a DSLR over a point and shoot camera such as a Canon Powershot?

Answer

The 1st difference, and arguably the most important one, is the image sensor's size. DSLR has an APS-C or Full-Frame (35mm) sizes CMOS sensors, where owershots have much smaller, some CCD some CMOS sensors. this translates to superior image quality in terms of digital image noise - the larger the sensor, the less noise is apparent in the image. In this picture from Wikipedia, the 1/1.6" and smaller rectangles are the realm of P&S:

Also important is the fact that DSLR have interchangeable lenses, as well as TTL (Through The Lens) Optical Viewfinders which lets you see what the sensor sees.

DSLR are generally quicker than P&S, and occasionally have more features (but not necessarily, as the Powershot line has compatible CHDK alternative firmwares which enable many of the DSLR features).

Is it "enough"? This is a very subjective question. Given the price tag, the different size and weight group and more factors, only you can evaluate the "enough-ness" of a P&S camera to your needs.

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