• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 560.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 675.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SX1 IS advantages over Nikon L820

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    14 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Nikon L820 advantages over Canon SX1 IS

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    675 mm vs 560 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 540 vs 420 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    23 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.0 fps vs 3.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • 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

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The Competition

Compared to Canon SX10 IS

Canon SX1 IS
Canon SX10 IS
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • HDMI out
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SX1 IS vs Canon SX10 IS

Nikon L820
Canon SX10 IS
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon L820 vs Canon SX10 IS

Compared to Sony DSC-HX1

Canon SX1 IS
Sony DSC-HX1
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Hot shoe
  • $499
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compare Canon SX1 IS vs Sony DSC-HX1

Nikon L820
Sony DSC-HX1
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $499
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon L820 vs Sony DSC-HX1

Compared to Canon SX20 IS

Canon SX1 IS
Canon SX20 IS
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SX1 IS vs Canon SX20 IS

Nikon L820
Canon SX20 IS
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon L820 vs Canon SX20 IS

Compared to Nikon L810

Canon SX1 IS
Nikon L810
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compare Canon SX1 IS vs Nikon L810

Nikon L820
Nikon L810
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out

Compare Nikon L820 vs Nikon L810

Compared to Fujifilm S8600

Canon SX1 IS
Fujifilm S8600
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon SX1 IS vs Fujifilm S8600

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 Nikon L820 vs Fujifilm S8600

Compare Other Cameras?