• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 115.3mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

Buy From

Differences

Canon D30 advantages over Nikon S2

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel

Nikon S2 advantages over Canon D30

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.85 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 3200 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
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

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
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon D30
Canon D30
All D30 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S2
Kit with 11-27.5mm Lens
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm Lens
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm and 30-110mm Lenses
All S2 Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm XP150

Canon D30
Fujifilm XP150
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • HDMI out
  • $272
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels

Compare Canon D30 vs Fujifilm XP150

Nikon S2
Fujifilm XP150
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $272
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Nikon S2 vs Fujifilm XP150

Compared to Canon D20

Canon D30
Canon D20
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Canon D30 vs Canon D20

Nikon S2
Canon D20
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Nikon S2 vs Canon D20

Compared to Olympus TG-830

Canon D30
Olympus TG-830
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Slow-motion videos

Compare Canon D30 vs Olympus TG-830

Nikon S2
Olympus TG-830
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Nikon S2 vs Olympus TG-830

Compared to Pentax Q7

Canon D30
Pentax Q7
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in GPS
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon D30 vs Pentax Q7

Nikon S2
Pentax Q7
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q7

Compared to Pentax Q-S1

Canon D30
Pentax Q-S1
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in GPS
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon D30 vs Pentax Q-S1

Nikon S2
Pentax Q-S1
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q-S1

Compare Other Cameras?