• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SX280 HS advantages over Nikon S3600

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    500 mm vs 200 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    461k vs 230k 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
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    14.0 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/3200 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon S3600 advantages over Canon SX280 HS

  • Less expensive
    $140 vs $330 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    19 mm vs 32 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    125g vs 233g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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 Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Canon SX280 HS
Canon SX280

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S3600
Nikon S3600

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 S3600
Nikon S9100
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon S3600 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 S3600
Panasonic ZS15
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $273
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon S3600 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 S3600
Canon SX260 HS
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon S3600 vs Canon SX260 HS

Compared to Nikon S5300

Canon SX280 HS
Nikon S5300
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon SX280 HS vs Nikon S5300

Nikon S3600
Nikon S5300
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon S3600 vs Nikon S5300

Compared to Canon 170 IS

Canon SX280 HS
Canon 170 IS
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Canon SX280 HS vs Canon 170 IS

Nikon S3600
Canon 170 IS
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure

Compare Nikon S3600 vs Canon 170 IS

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