• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 675.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon SD3500 IS advantages over Nikon L820

  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    160g vs 470g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Nikon L820 advantages over Canon SD3500 IS

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $330 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    675 mm vs 120 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 540 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.0 fps vs 0.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 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

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
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon L820

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX48S

Canon SD3500 IS
Panasonic DMC-FX48S
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Longer exposure
Nikon L820
Panasonic DMC-FX48S
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX580S

Canon SD3500 IS
Panasonic DMC-FX580S
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • HDMI out
  • $303
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Longer exposure
Nikon L820
Panasonic DMC-FX580S
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $303
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Canon SD980 IS

Canon SD3500 IS
Canon SD980 IS
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • More pixels
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Higher extended ISO
Nikon L820
Canon SD980 IS
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon L810

Canon SD3500 IS
Nikon L810
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
Nikon L820
Nikon L810
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out

Compared to Fujifilm S8600

Canon SD3500 IS
Fujifilm S8600
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon L820
Fujifilm S8600
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More dots on screen
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Compare Other Cameras?