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The Canon PowerShot SX60 HS and the Nikon Coolpix P900 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2014 and March 2015. Both the SX60 and the P900 are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 14.2 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 15.9 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS and the Nikon Coolpix P900? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
Body comparison
The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon SX60 and the Nikon P900. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
If the front view area [width x height] of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon P900 is notably larger [21 percent] than the Canon SX60. Moreover, the P900 is substantially heavier [38 percent] than the SX60. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the SX60 nor the P900 are weather-sealed.
Concerning battery life, the SX60 gets 340 shots out of its NB-10L battery, while the P900 can take 360 images on a single charge of its EN-EL23 power pack. The power pack in the P900 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.
Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The SX60 was somewhat cheaper [by 8 percent] than the P900 at launch, but both cameras fall into the same price category. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.
Sensor comparison
The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider , and richer than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
Both cameras under consideration feature a 1/2.3-inch sensor and have a format factor [sometimes also referred to as "crop factor"] of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio [sensor width to sensor height] of 4:3.
While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the P900 offers a higher resolution of 15.9 megapixels, compared with 14.2 MP of the SX60. This megapixels advantage translates into a 0 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the P900 has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel [with a of 1.33μm versus 1.40μm for the SX60]. However, it should be noted that the P900 is a somewhat more recent model [by 5 months] than the SX60, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that at least partly compensate for the smaller pixel size. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.
The Canon PowerShot SX60 HS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200, which can be extended to ISO 100-6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Coolpix P900 are ISO 100 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-12800.
Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with BSI-CMOS [Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor] sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ["DXO Sports"], dynamic range ["DXO Landscape"], and color depth ["DXO Portrait"]. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.
Sensor Characteristics # Camera Model Sensor Class Resolution [MP] Horiz. Pixels Vert. Pixels Video Format DXO Portrait DXO Landscape DXO Sports DXO Overall 1. Canon SX60 1/2.3 14.2 4608 30721080/60p19.210.8127392. Nikon P900 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60p20.211.6727473. Canon SX70 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.11063514. Canon G9 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.512.3495635. Canon XC10 1-inch 12.0 4000 30004K/30p21.711.8197616. Canon G1 X Mark II 1.5-inch 13.0 4160 31201080/30p21.510.8581587. Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.7230548. Canon G15 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.911.5165469. Canon SX50 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p20.311.21794710. Fujifilm X20 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.110.9-4624611. Kodak AZ901 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/30p20.311.78064812. Nikon P950 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.712.311895213. Nikon P1000 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.612.110445114. Panasonic FZ330 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30004K/30p19.311.0973815. Panasonic FZ200 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.110.81143716. Ricoh GR II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.7107880 Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications [1080/60p].
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the SX60 offers a slightly higher resolution than the one in the P900 [922k vs 921k dots]. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon SX60, the Nikon P900, and comparable cameras.
Core Features # Camera Model Viewfinder [Type or 000 dots] Control Panel [yes/no] LCD Specifications [inch/000 dots] LCD Attach- ment Touch Screen [yes/no] Max Shutter Speed * Max Shutter Flaps * Built-in Flash [yes/no] Built-in Image Stab 1. Canon SX60922 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 6.4/s Y Y 2. Nikon P900921 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y 3. Canon SX702360 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y 4. Canon G9 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 6.0/s Y Y 5. Canon XC10none n3.0 / 1030 tilting Y 1/2000s 3.8/s n Y 6. Canon G1 X Mark IIoptional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 5.2/s Y Y 7. Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y 8. Canon G15optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.1/s Y Y 9. Canon SX50202 n3.0 / 461 swivel n 1/2000s 2.2/s Y Y 10. Fujifilm X20optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y 11. Kodak AZ901202 n3.0 / 920 swivel n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y Y 12. Nikon P9502359 n3.2 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y 13. Nikon P10002359 n3.2 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y 14. Panasonic FZ3301440 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y 15. Panasonic FZ2001312 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y 16. Ricoh GR IIoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n Note: *] Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.
The Nikon P900 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.
Both the SX60 and the P900 have zoom lenses built in. The SX60 has a 21-1365mm f/3.4-6.5 optic and the P900 offers a 24-2000mm f/2.8-6.5 [focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms]. Hence, the Canon provides a wider angle of view at the short end than the Nikon, but less tele-photo reach at the long end. The P900 offers the faster maximum aperture.
Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the SX60 and the P900 write their files to SDXC cards.
Connectivity comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS and Nikon Coolpix P900 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras [and selected comparators] provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Input-Output Connections # Camera Model Hotshoe Port Internal Mic / Speaker Microphone Port Headphone Port HDMI Port USB Port WiFi Support NFC Support Bluetooth Support 1. Canon SX60Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY- 2. Nikon P900-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY- 3. Canon SX70-stereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y 4. Canon G9 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY- 5. Canon XC10Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0YY- 6. Canon G1 X Mark IIYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY- 7. Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y-- 8. Canon G15Ystereo / mono--mini2.0- 9. Canon SX50Ystereo / mono--mini2.0- 10. Fujifilm X20Ystereo / mono--micro2.0- 11. Kodak AZ901-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y 12. Nikon P950Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y 13. Nikon P1000Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y 14. Panasonic FZ330Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y-- 15. Panasonic FZ200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0--- 16. Ricoh GR IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
It is notable that the SX60 has a hotshoe, while the P900 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.
Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the P900 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.
Both the SX60 and the P900 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The SX60 was replaced by the Canon SX70, while the P900 was followed by the Nikon P950. Further information on the features and operation of the SX60 and P900 can be found, respectively, in the Canon SX60 Manual [free pdf] or the online Nikon P900 Manual.
Review summary
So how do things add up? Is the Canon SX60 better than the Nikon P900 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS:
- Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
- Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
- More compact: Is smaller [128x93mm vs 140x103mm] and thus needs less room in the bag.
- Less heavy: Is lighter [by 249g or 28 percent] and hence easier to carry around.
- Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
- More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer [launched in September 2014].
Reasons to prefer the Nikon Coolpix P900:
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed [1/4000s vs 1/2000s] to freeze action.
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture [f/2.8 vs f/3.4].
- More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
- Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
- Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
- More modern: Was introduced somewhat [5 months] more recently.
If the count of individual advantages [bullet points above] is taken as a guide, the P900 comes out slightly ahead of the SX60 [7 : 6 points]. However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
SX60 06:07 P900
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon SX60 and the Nikon P900 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the SX60 and the P900 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.
Expert reviews
This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites [amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]]. As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon 40D vs Canon SX60
- Canon 850D vs Nikon P900
- Canon G5 X vs Nikon P900
- Canon SX60 vs Nikon Z6
- Canon SX60 vs Ricoh GR II
- Canon SX60 vs Sony A6400
- Canon SX60 vs Sony A7
- Canon SX60 vs Sony HX95
- Leica M Typ 262 vs Nikon P900
- Nikon P900 vs Panasonic LX100 II
- Nikon P900 vs Sony A6000
- Nikon P900 vs Sony NEX-5N
Specifications: Canon SX60 vs Nikon P900
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.