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Canon ELPH 150 IS vs Nikon AW120 Comparison

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Canon ELPH 150 IS

20 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD Sensor

Canon ELPH 150 IS
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Nikon AW120

16 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CMOS Sensor

Nikon AW120
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Canon ELPH 150 IS vs Nikon AW120 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two cameras with different body types: Canon ELPH 150 IS, which was introduced in February 2014 is a Ultracompact camera with a 20.0MP 1/2.3" sensor whereas Nikon AW120, which was introduced in February 2014 is a Waterproof camera with a 16.0MP 1/2.3" sensor. Both ELPH 150 IS and AW120 were launched within the same month so we are expecting this to be a fair comparison regarding age and available technology level.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Canon ELPH 150 IS and Nikon AW120 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Canon ELPH 150 IS Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2014-02-12
  • 20MP - 1/2.3" CCD Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • 24-240 mm F3.0-6.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 2.7" Fixed Type Screen
  • 1 fps continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 142g. 95 x 57 x 24 mm
  • Also known as IXUS 155

Nikon AW120 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2014-02-07
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 125 - 6400
  • 24-120 mm F2.8-4.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • 7 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 240 fps High-Speed Video
  • Built-in Wireless
  • Built-in GPS
  • 213g. 110 x 66 x 26 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body
  • Replaced Nikon Coolpix AW110 Compare

Nikon AW120 was replaced by Nikon Coolpix AW130. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Nikon Coolpix AW130 vs Nikon Coolpix AW120
Nikon Coolpix AW130 vs Canon PowerShot ELPH 150 IS (IXUS 155)

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Canon ELPH 150 IS and Nikon AW120 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot ELPH 150 IS over Nikon Coolpix AW120
Max Sensor Resolution
20 MP vs 16 MP 25% more pixels
Weight
142 g vs 213 g 71 g lighter
Focal Length - Tele
240mm vs 120mm 120 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
10× vs 5x more flexible focal coverage


Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix AW120 over Canon PowerShot ELPH 150 IS
Wireless Connection
Built-In vs None Better connectivity
GPS
BuiltIn vs None track your location
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs No very handy for portraits
Max ISO
6.400 vs 1.600 300% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size
3" vs 2.7" 0.3 inches larger display
LCD Screen Resolution
921k dots vs 230k dots 300% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter
1/4000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Continuous Shooting
7.0fps vs 1.0fps 6 fps faster
Battery Life
350 shots vs 230 shots 120 more frames with a single charge
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs No shoot at tough conditions
Max Aperture - Wide
2.80 vs 3.00 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
4.90 vs 6.90 faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage
5.2m vs 4.0m 1.2m longer range
Max Video Resolution
1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720 Higher Resolution Video
Smartphone Remote
Yes vs No Remote control your camera with a smartphone

Common Strengths of Canon PowerShot ELPH 150 IS and Nikon Coolpix AW120
Image Stabilization
Optical vs Optical Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Focal Length - Wide
24mm vs 24mm Very good wide angle coverage
Common Weaknesses of Canon PowerShot ELPH 150 IS and Nikon Coolpix AW120
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe
No vs No Not suitable for flash photography
Viewfinder
None vs None No eye-level shooting option
RAW Support
No vs No Lower image quality
Manual Focusing
No vs No No manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure
No vs No No manual exposure control
Canon ELPH 150 IS vs Nikon AW120: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Canon ELPH 150 IS and Nikon AW120 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon ELPH 150 IS has external dimensions of 95 x 57 x 24 mm (3.74 x 2.24 x 0.94″) and weighs 142 g (0.31 lb / 5.01 oz) (including batteries). Nikon AW120 has external dimensions of 110 x 66 x 26 mm (4.33 x 2.6 x 1.02″) and weighs 213 g (0.47 lb / 7.51 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Canon ELPH 150 IS and Nikon AW120. Canon ELPH 150 IS is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 15mm narrower, 9mm shorter and 2mm thinner than Nikon AW120.

Canon ELPH 150 IS vs Nikon AW120 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Canon ELPH 150 IS and Nikon AW120 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Canon ELPH 150 IS and Nikon AW120.

Canon ELPH 150 IS vs Nikon AW120 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Canon ELPH 150 IS and Nikon AW120 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Canon ELPH 150 IS and Nikon AW120.
Canon ELPH 150 IS vs Nikon AW120 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Canon ELPH 150 IS and Nikon AW120 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Canon ELPH 150 IS is significantly lighter (71g ) than the Nikon AW120 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Waterproof Cameras

ELPH 150 IS
AW120
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Waterproof Cameras

ELPH 150 IS
AW120
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon AW120's 3" LCD screen is slightly larger than Canon ELPH 150 IS's 2.7" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Canon ELPH 150 IS vs Nikon AW120: Sensor Comparison

Canon ELPH 150 IS has a 20.0MP 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Digic 4+ processor. On the other hand, Nikon AW120 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor .

Below you can see the ELPH 150 IS and AW120 sensor size comparison.

Canon ELPH 150 IS vs Nikon AW120 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Canon ELPH 150 IS and Nikon AW120 Cameras


Canon ELPH 150 IS and Nikon AW120 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Canon ELPH 150 IS vs Nikon AW120 Lens Specs Comparison

Canon ELPH 150 IS features a 24-240 mm F3.0-6.9 10× zoom lens whereas Nikon AW120 features a 24-120 mm F2.8-4.9 5x zoom lens.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 24mm. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.80, Nikon AW120 is faster than Canon ELPH 150 IS at this focal length. On the tele end, Canon ELPH 150 IS has 120mm longer reach than the Nikon AW120. However, with a max aperture of f4.90, Nikon AW120 is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

ELPH 150 IS
AW120
Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

ELPH 150 IS
AW120
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

ELPH 150 IS
AW120
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

ELPH 150 IS
AW120
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Canon ELPH 150 IS and Nikon AW120 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Canon ELPH 150 IS and Nikon AW120 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Canon ELPH 150 IS for Portrait Photography

POOR

Nikon AW120 for Portrait Photography

POOR
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Image Stabilization
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Canon ELPH 150 IS for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon AW120 for Street Photography

GOOD
Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Canon ELPH 150 IS for Sports Photography

POOR

Nikon AW120 for Sports Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
240 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 230 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f6.90
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Fast Continuous Shooting: 7.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
Wireless Connection
120 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Unknown Focus Points
Read the details

Canon ELPH 150 IS for Daily Photography

GOOD

Nikon AW120 for Daily Photography

GOOD
Compact Body
142g
10.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details
Compact Body
213g
Environmental Sealings
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Canon ELPH 150 IS for Landscape Photography

POOR

Nikon AW120 for Landscape Photography

POOR
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Environmental Sealings
Built-in GPS
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Read the details

Canon ELPH 150 IS vs Nikon AW120: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Canon ELPH 150 IS and Nikon AW120, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Canon ELPH 150 IS and Nikon AW120 scores compare:

Canon ELPH 150 IS
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #94 out of 155 in Ultracompact cameras
Ranked #1051 out of 1220 in all Cameras
Nikon AW120
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #60 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #488 out of 1220 in all Cameras

Nikon AW120 has a higher Overall Score than the Canon ELPH 150 IS and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Canon ELPH 150 IS
Canon ELPH 150 IS
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Nikon AW120
Nikon AW120
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Nikon AW120 vs Canon ELPH 150 IS Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Canon PowerShot ELPH 150 IS Nikon Coolpix AW120
Brand Canon Nikon
Announced 2014-02-12 2014-02-07
Body Type Ultracompact Compact
Sensor
Type CCD CMOS
Size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area 28.07mm2 28.07mm2
Megapixels 20 megapixels 16 megapixels
Max Resolution 5152 x 3864 4608 x 3456
Max Native Light sensitivity 1,600 ISO 6,400 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 100 ISO 125 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 9 n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 24-240 mm (10×) 24-120 mm (5x)
Max Aperture F3.0-6.9 F2.8-4.9
Macro Focus Range 1cm 1cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 2.7" 3"
Resolution 230k dots 921k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/2000s 1/4000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Optical Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 4.00 m 5.20 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 1.0 fps 7.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720 1920 x 1080
Video Formats H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 142g 213g
Dimensions 95 x 57 x 24mm 110 x 66 x 26mm
Battery Life 230 shots 350 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None BuiltIn
DxO Sensor Scores
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