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June 30th, 2004 - The 5 megapixel resolution range of point and shoot digital cameras, like the Canon Powershot S500 and the Nikon Coolpix 5200, is becoming one of the more sought after categories among users looking for a high quality, general purpose, family and travel photography type of camera. With this in mind, we have completed a side by side feature and benefit comparison between two of the more popular models in this megapixel range: the Canon Powershot S500 and the Nikon Coolpix 5200. See how they compare and our final opinion below. Camera Views
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| Conclusion Based on our performance tests, both cameras proved to be very capable in terms of final image quality. Our test pictures printed on an Epson R800 printer at 8" x 10" size on Epson Photo Glossy paper looked very nice overall. When comparing the two cameras feature for feature though, a number of differences apply as shown in the chart above. SpecificsNikon
Coolpix 5200 Canon
Powershot S500 Image
Quality Issues The Canon S500 applies more aggressive in-camera processing for sharpening, which produces an image that appears to be slightly sharper when viewed directly. The problem with this is that sometimes over sharpening an image might be less than ideal (portraits for example), and can in some cases introduce jpeg artifacts or "jaggies". (i.e steps in straight lines). Nikon's solution to this issue is to apply a more conservative amount of in-camera sharpening. For those situations where additional sharpening might be appropriate, Nikon's philosophy is that sharpening is best applied after the fact. This can easily be accomplished with an external software editing program, such as Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0. This process offers end users the ability to personally control the appropriate amount of sharpening based on the subject matter. An image that has already been oversharpened in camera can not be properly corrected in this way. Another issue relates to chromatic abberations, (purple fringing around highlight areas). We did notice in our tests that the Canon Powershot S500 tended to exhibit a greater degree of chromatic abberations compared to the Nikon Coolpix 5200, with some even visible in a couple of our test prints. (Usually more noticeable when viewed on a monitor at full resolution) That being said, we feel that there will always be some issues with any camera you buy. Bottom line is that both of these cameras are very capable of delivering good image quality overall. As always, which camera to buy is a personal choice and depends on a number of personal factors. We recommend that you look at what features are the most important to you. Looking to buy the Nikon Coolpix 5200 or the Canon Powershot S500 ? We recommend checking out B&H Photo and Video, trusted photographic merchants since 1973.
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