Canon PowerShot G11 vs Nikon Coolpix S8100

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon PowerShot G11 and the Nikon Coolpix S8100, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Canon PowerShot G11 was introduced in December 2009 and Nikon Coolpix S8100 was introduced in September 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot G11 over Nikon Coolpix S8100.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon Coolpix S8100 over Canon PowerShot G11.

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

Screen

Canon PowerShot G11 has a 2.80" Fully Articulated screen with 461k dot resolution and Nikon Coolpix S8100 has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 921k dot resolution. Fully articulated screen makes Canon PowerShot G11 selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

Optical (tunnel) Viewfinder on Canon PowerShot G11

Canon PowerShot G11 has a built-in Optical (tunnel) viewfinder. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Nikon Coolpix S8100.

Canon PowerShot G11 features a 10 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 7.44 x 5.58 mm and a total area of 41.5 mm². Its native ISO range is 80 - 3,200. Nikon Coolpix S8100 features a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm². Its native ISO range is 160 - 3,200.

Nikon Coolpix S8100 has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

Canon PowerShot G11 is equipped with DIGIC 4 processor and can take pictures up to 3648 x 2736 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3648 x 2048, 2816 x 2112, 2272 x 1704, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios. Nikon Coolpix S8100 is equipped with Expeed C2 processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3968 x 2232, 3264 x 2448, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.

Image Stabilization

The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

NFC on Canon PowerShot G11

Canon PowerShot G11 has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Both cameras have HDMI connector for video signal output.

Battery

Canon PowerShot G11 comes with NB-7L battery pack and Nikon Coolpix S8100 comes with EN-EL12 battery pack with battery life of 220 shots.

External Storage Slots

Canon PowerShot G11 has a single SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus card card slot. Nikon Coolpix S8100 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

Shutter

Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Canon PowerShot G11, and up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon Coolpix S8100. Canon PowerShot G11 can shoot continuously up to 1.1 fps. Nikon Coolpix S8100 can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.

Flash

Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 7.00 m on Canon PowerShot G11. Canon PowerShot G11 also accepts external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/2000 sec on Canon PowerShot G11.

Canon PowerShot G11 body has dimensions of 112 x 76 x 48 mm (4.41 x 2.99 x 1.89") and Nikon Coolpix S8100 body has dimensions of 104 x 60 x 30 mm (4.09 x 2.36 x 1.18"). Canon PowerShot G11 weighs 375 g (0.83 lb / 13.23 oz) and Nikon Coolpix S8100 weighs 180 g (0.40 lb / 6.35 oz).

Canon PowerShot G11

Nikon Coolpix S8100

112 mm

76 mm

104 mm

60 mm

76 mm

60 mm