• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1008.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon Df advantages over Canon SX420 IS

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.31 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1400 vs 195 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 77k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.4 fps vs 0.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon SX420 IS advantages over Nikon Df

  • Less expensive
    $279* vs $2997
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SX420 IS

Review Excerpt

  • Same sensor and processor as professional D4; Great image quality; Arguably the best available-light shooter in its class; Handsome, retro styling; Weather-sealed design; Big, clear full-frame viewfinder; Excellent battery life

  • Expensive; Bulky, yet handgrip is quite modest; Some controls are clumsy; Plastic body panels don't gel with retro aesthetic; Autofocus isn't in the same league as image quality; No AF assist lamp; No movie capture; No portrait grip; Single card slot

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon Df
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack
Canon SX420 IS
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony A99

Nikon Df
Sony A99
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Canon SX420 IS
Sony A99
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Internal flash
  • Newer
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Canon 6D

Nikon Df
Canon 6D
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Canon SX420 IS
Canon 6D
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon SX400 IS

Nikon Df
Canon SX400 IS
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash
Canon SX420 IS
Canon SX400 IS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More pixels
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus

Compared to Canon SX410 IS

Nikon Df
Canon SX410 IS
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash
Canon SX420 IS
Canon SX410 IS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
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