• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.0 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • 31.00mm - 217.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon A590 IS advantages over Samsung CL80

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.76 vs 1.43 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.6 vs f/3.3
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Samsung CL80 advantages over Canon A590 IS

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    217 mm vs 140 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Thinner
    20 mm vs 41 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    150g vs 221g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 8.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    31 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon A580

Canon A590 IS
Canon A580
  • $219
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Less shutter lag
  • $150
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Samsung CL80
Canon A580
  • $248
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $150
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon E1

Canon A590 IS
Canon E1
  • $219
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Thinner
Samsung CL80
Canon E1
  • $248
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon A1000 IS

Canon A590 IS
Canon A1000 IS
  • $219
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Thinner
Samsung CL80
Canon A1000 IS
  • $248
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FH20

Canon A590 IS
Panasonic DMC-FH20
  • $219
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach
Samsung CL80
Panasonic DMC-FH20
  • $248
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Wider angle lens

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZR3

Canon A590 IS
Panasonic DMC-ZR3
  • $219
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach
Samsung CL80
Panasonic DMC-ZR3
  • $248
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Wider angle lens
Compare Other Cameras?