Nikon S9100 vs Canon SX160 IS Comparison

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Nikon S9100

12 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

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Canon SX160 IS

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

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Nikon S9100 vs Canon SX160 IS Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing S9100 and SX160 IS, two Small Sensor Superzoom cameras from Nikon and Canon. Both cameras have 1/2.3-inch sensors but Nikon S9100 has a 12.0 MP and Canon SX160 IS has a 16.0 MP resolution. Nikon S9100 was introduced to market in July 2011 and Canon SX160 IS was launched in June 2013. There is 23 months difference between S9100 and SX160 IS so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger SX160 IS, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon S9100 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2011-07-19

12MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 160 - 3200

25-450 mm F3.5-5.9 Zoom Lens

Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

10 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

240fps High-Speed Video

214g. 105 x 62 x 35 mm

Canon SX160 IS Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2013-06-21

16MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 100 - 1600

28-448 mm F3.5-5.9 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

1 fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

291g. 111 x 73 x 44 mm

Replaced Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Compare

Nikon S9100 was replaced by Nikon Coolpix S9300. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Nikon Coolpix S9300 vs Nikon Coolpix S9100
Nikon Coolpix S9300 vs Canon PowerShot SX160 IS

Canon SX160 IS was replaced by Canon PowerShot SX170 IS. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Canon PowerShot SX170 IS vs Canon PowerShot SX160 IS
Canon PowerShot SX170 IS vs Nikon Coolpix S9100

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix S9100 over Canon PowerShot SX160 IS

Max ISO	3.200 vs 1.600	100% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Resolution	921k dots vs 230k dots	300% higher resolution screen
Continuous Shooting	10.0fps vs 1.0fps	9 fps faster
Weight	214 g vs 291 g	77 g lighter
Focal Length - Wide	25mm vs 28mm	3 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele	450mm vs 448mm	2 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	18× vs 16×	more flexible focal coverage
Flash Coverage	4.0m vs 3.0m	1m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area	2.34µm² vs 1.76µm²	32% larger pixel area
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720	Higher Resolution Video

Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot SX160 IS over Nikon Coolpix S9100

Max Sensor Resolution	16 MP vs 12 MP	33% more pixels
Max Mech. Shutter	1/3200s vs 1/2000s	faster mechanical shutter
Battery Life	380 shots vs 270 shots	110 more frames with a single charge
Manual Exposure	Yes vs No	better exposure control

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix S9100 and Canon PowerShot SX160 IS

Image Stabilization	Sensor-shift vs Optical	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs Yes	very handy for portraits
Manual Focusing	Yes vs Yes	both have manual focusing modes
Focal Length - Tele	450mm vs 448mm	Very good Telezoom

Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix S9100 and Canon PowerShot SX160 IS

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
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions
Max Aperture - Tele	5.90 vs 5.90	Slow lenses at tele

Nikon S9100 vs Canon SX160 IS: 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 Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon S9100 has external dimensions of 105 x 62 x 35 mm (4.13 x 2.44 x 1.38″) and weighs 214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz) (including batteries). Canon SX160 IS has external dimensions of 111 x 73 x 44 mm (4.37 x 2.87 x 1.73″) and weighs 291 g (0.64 lb / 10.26 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS. Nikon S9100 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 6mm narrower, 11mm shorter and 9mm thinner than Canon SX160 IS.

Comparison image of Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS.

Comparison image of Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS.

Top View Comparison image of Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon S9100 is significantly lighter (77g ) than the Canon SX160 IS which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

S9100

SX160 IS

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

S9100

SX160 IS

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix S9100 nor Canon PowerShot SX160 IS provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

Nikon S9100 vs Canon SX160 IS: Sensor Comparison

Nikon S9100 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Expeed C2 processor. On the other hand, Canon SX160 IS has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Digic 4 processor.

Below you can see the S9100 and SX160 IS sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS Cameras

Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Nikon S9100 has 32% larger pixel area compared to Canon SX160 IS, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Nikon S9100 vs Canon SX160 IS Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon S9100 features a 25-450 mm F3.5-5.9 18× zoom lens whereas Canon SX160 IS features a 28-448 mm F3.5-5.9 16× zoom lens.

Nikon S9100 has 3mm wider coverage than the Canon SX160 IS. Both cameras has a max aperture of f3.50 at the wide end. On the tele end, Nikon S9100 has 2mm longer reach than the Canon SX160 IS. Both cameras has a max aperture of f5.90 at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

S9100

SX160 IS

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

S9100

SX160 IS

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

S9100

SX160 IS

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

S9100

SX160 IS

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS 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.

Nikon S9100 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Canon SX160 IS for Portrait Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
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 Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
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
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon S9100 for Street Photography

GOOD

Canon SX160 IS for Street Photography

GOOD

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Nikon S9100 for Sports Photography

POOR

Canon SX160 IS for Sports Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
450 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 270 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
448 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/3200s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Unknown Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Nikon S9100 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Canon SX160 IS for Daily Photography

GOOD

Compact Body
214g
18.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Compact Body
291g
16.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Body Thickness 44mm
Read the details

Nikon S9100 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Canon SX160 IS for Landscape Photography

POOR

Manual Focus Mode
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
28 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 Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon S9100 vs Canon SX160 IS: 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 Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS, 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 Nikon S9100 and Canon SX160 IS scores compare:

Nikon S9100

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #174 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #727 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Canon SX160 IS

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #185 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #748 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Nikon S9100 has a higher Overall Score than the Canon SX160 IS. It also has more features, more compact body and offers higher value for the money. But there is one area that S9100 trails behind the SX160 IS: Imaging.
If image quality is the most important aspect in a camera, choose the Canon SX160 IS. If not, we recommend the Nikon S9100.

Canon SX160 IS vs Nikon S9100 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Nikon Coolpix S9100	Canon PowerShot SX160 IS
Brand	Nikon	Canon
Announced	2011-07-19	2013-06-21
Body Type	Compact	Compact
Sensor
Type	BSI-CMOS	CCD
Size	1/2.3-inch	1/2.3-inch
Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area	28.07mm²	28.07mm²
Megapixels	12 megapixels	16 megapixels
Max Resolution	4000 x 3000	4608 x 3456
Max Native Light sensitivity	3,200 ISO	1,600 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	160 ISO	100 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	25-450 mm (18×)	28-448 mm (16×)
Max Aperture	F3.5-5.9	F3.5-5.9
Macro Focus Range	4cm	1cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	3"	3"
Resolution	921k dots	230k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/2000s	1/3200s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Sensor-shift	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	4.00 m	3.00 m
Max Flash Sync	n/a	1/2000s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	10.0 fps	1.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080	1280 x 720
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264	H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	214g	291g
Dimensions	105 x 62 x 35mm	111 x 73 x 44mm
Battery Life	270 shots	380 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction