Digital cameras forum: Compare between Nikon Coolpix P100 and Canon SX20 IS

The Nikon P100 was just released and there have been no reviews or sample photos available yet.

But judging from the P90, I would expect the P100 to be a toss up with the Canon SX20 IS.

Nikon appears to be using their newer CMOS sensors in the P100 which would give it an advantage in lower light situations.

You should expect a newer Canon camera by August, it might be called the SX30 IS.
It will likely perform better in low light too.

Here is a comparison of the cameras mentioned:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_sx20is%2Cnikon_cpp100%2Cnikon_cpp90&show=all

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I read the CNET review of both and that only makes it more difficult to choose.

They are not pleased with the picture quality with the P100.
They also complain about the picture quality on the SX20.

The reason for the picture quality on the P100 is the new Sony CMOS sensor they are using.
Sony had the same problem with that Sensor.
They put it in the Sony TX1 and WX1.
Lots of gripes about picture quality on the WX1.
The TX1 produced better quality pictures.
Then after 6 months they released the Sony TX7 and it gets rave reviews for picture quality.

That tells me that the sensor is OK, now they are learning how to use it better.

I would give the P100 another year, and let the engineers learn more about the CMOS sensor.

The problem with the SX20 is the same problem that just about all small digital cameras have. The CCD sensor causes too much noise.
If they had a less noisy sensor they would have a true winner.

Canon is also getting further into the CMOS sensors.
They put out the SX1 (with Canon CMOS) in Aug of 2008.
It too had image quality problems.
They just completed a 500 million dollar CMOS building in Japan.
I look for the replacement for the SX20 (I will call SX30) to show up about August. It will likely have a Canon CMOS sensor with could make the SX30 much better than the SX20.
Canon engineers have had time to know how to implement their CMOS sensor, and the problems should be solved.

Bottom Line:
I would wait for the SX30 and see what we get.

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That presents a problem:

The two cameras you mention are both big zoom cameras.

The camera I would suggest for best picture quality is not a big zoom camera.
I am thinking Canon G11 for the best all-around image quality/lower noise.
The Canon S90 would be a very close second.

For big zoom cameras - I would Suggest Canon SX20, Panasonic FZ35 and Sony H50.

They are about equal in picture quality.
As most small digital cameras, they suffer from sensor noise in low light conditions.

Most bad pictures from a big zoom camera are the fault of the person holding the camera.
Anytime you zoom past 6X you have to be very careful to eliminate all camera shake. The further you zoom, the more critical that camera shake becomes.
For best quality, you should be using a tripod any time you zoom past 10X.

You should pick up a big zoom camera and zoom out to the maximum.
While hand holding the camera look through the viewfinder and look at a distant object. You will see the object dancing around like a bug on a hot rock. Take a picture and it will be blurred due to camera shake.

You might want to consider a compact camera with a 10X lens.
Here is a review/comparison of several of that type of camera:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q209grouplongzoom/

Here is the conclusion/recommendation page from that link:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q209grouplongzoom/page16.asp

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Hi Cnet team,

I got one deal today in Dell website on Olympus Camera, could you please help me whether I can buy this or not.

Evolt E620 12MP Digital SLR Camera Bundle with 2nd Battery, Case, 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Zuiko Lenses

Hi Cnet,

There is an very good offer on Sony A330 alpha camera with 18-55 & 55-200MM lens for 570$CAD, could you please let me know whether this camera is very interms of picture quality and features in Camera compare to this price.

Thank you very much for your help on this.

Regards,
Laxmi

Hi Cnet,

I am getting this from BestBuy Source, very reputed source. but the only I am looking is, is this good one to buy or not, as I did not have more idea on this as I read reviewes it says it is very goodm but I don't know interms of features and other ways.

Please suggest me.

Hi Cnet,

I want to know the difference between 55-200MM and 75-300MM lens for Sony A330L, could you please let me know what is the exact reason and the photo quality between these two.

How can one determine which version of the CMOS is in the camera? I'd like to purchase the P100, but only if it contains the TX7 version. How can I tell?

Hi....thank you for all of your information. Yes, I was referingto the TX7 Sony CMOS sensor in the Nikon P100.

I've contacted Nikon and they "do not disclose specific component details of our products". That's why I was hoping you might know the answer.

Thanks again

I can find plenty of references to a SX30IS but it is all speculation.

The SX20IS was released on Aug 19, 2009.

So everyone assumes that Aug ,2010 will be the release date for the replacement.

I have been keeping my ear to the ground, but all I have gotten so far is a dirty ear.

Canon is one of the best at keeping a secret.
I doubt that we will learn anything from Canon until they want us to know.
They want to sell out the existing SX20IS stock first.

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