• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 122.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.9 inch 18.5mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 29.00mm - 87.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon A490 advantages over Nikon S01

  • Less expensive
    $110 vs $180 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.9 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    122 mm vs 87 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 400 vs 190 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 1 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Nikon S01 advantages over Canon A490

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Thinner
    17 mm vs 30 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    96g vs 175g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    230k vs 115k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Wider angle lens
    29 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S210

Canon A490
Nikon S210
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compare Canon A490 vs Nikon S210

Nikon S01
Nikon S210
  • $200
  • 1/2.9 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More pixels
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S01 vs Nikon S210

Compared to Canon A495

Canon A490
Canon A495
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $86
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Canon A490 vs Canon A495

Nikon S01
Canon A495
  • $200
  • 1/2.9 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner
  • $86
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon S01 vs Canon A495

Compared to Pentax E90

Canon A490
Pentax E90
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $100
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus

Compare Canon A490 vs Pentax E90

Nikon S01
Pentax E90
  • $200
  • 1/2.9 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner
  • $100
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon S01 vs Pentax E90

Compared to Canon A800

Canon A490
Canon A800
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon A490 vs Canon A800

Nikon S01
Canon A800
  • $200
  • 1/2.9 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon S01 vs Canon A800

Compared to Nikon S02

Canon A490
Nikon S02
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $180
  • 1/3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner

Compare Canon A490 vs Nikon S02

Nikon S01
Nikon S02
  • $200
  • 1/2.9 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $180
  • 1/3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Nikon S01 vs Nikon S02

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