• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

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Differences

Canon SX280 HS advantages over Nikon AW1

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Lighter weight
    233g vs 313g
    Lighter weight

Nikon AW1 advantages over Canon SX280 HS

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.86 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
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • 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 1/3200 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Built-in GPS
    Both provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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 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

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Your purchases support this site

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Kit with 11-27.5mm lens (Black)
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm lens (Black)
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm lens (Silver)
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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S9100

Canon SX280 HS
Nikon S9100
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SX280 HS vs Nikon S9100

Nikon AW1
Nikon S9100
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Waterproof
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Nikon S9100

Compared to Panasonic ZS15

Canon SX280 HS
Panasonic ZS15
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $273
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SX280 HS vs Panasonic ZS15

Nikon AW1
Panasonic ZS15
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Larger sensor
  • $273
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Lighter weight

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Panasonic ZS15

Compared to Canon SX260 HS

Canon SX280 HS
Canon SX260 HS
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Slow-motion videos

Compare Canon SX280 HS vs Canon SX260 HS

Nikon AW1
Canon SX260 HS
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Waterproof
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoots 24p video

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Canon SX260 HS

Compared to Nikon J3

Canon SX280 HS
Nikon J3
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SX280 HS vs Nikon J3

Nikon AW1
Nikon J3
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Nikon J3

Compared to Nikon V3

Canon SX280 HS
Nikon V3
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon SX280 HS vs Nikon V3

Nikon AW1
Nikon V3
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Nikon V3

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