• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 210.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 185.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon G9 advantages over Canon SD890 IS

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Fast startup
    ~1.50 vs 2.0 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/2500 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon SD890 IS advantages over Canon G9

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 320 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    27 mm vs 42 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    184g vs 364g
    Lighter weight
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.2 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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 Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-W170

Canon G9
Sony DSC-W170
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon G9 vs Sony DSC-W170

Canon SD890 IS
Sony DSC-W170
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Fast startup
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compare Canon SD890 IS vs Sony DSC-W170

Compared to Panasonic DMC-LZ10

Canon G9
Panasonic DMC-LZ10
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $188
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon G9 vs Panasonic DMC-LZ10

Canon SD890 IS
Panasonic DMC-LZ10
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $188
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SD890 IS vs Panasonic DMC-LZ10

Compared to Ricoh R8

Canon G9
Ricoh R8
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $410
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon G9 vs Ricoh R8

Canon SD890 IS
Ricoh R8
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer exposure
  • $410
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More dots on screen

Compare Canon SD890 IS vs Ricoh R8

Compared to Panasonic DMC-TS1

Canon G9
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon G9 vs Panasonic DMC-TS1

Canon SD890 IS
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Less shutter lag

Compare Canon SD890 IS vs Panasonic DMC-TS1

Compared to Canon SD970 IS

Canon G9
Canon SD970 IS
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon G9 vs Canon SD970 IS

Canon SD890 IS
Canon SD970 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen

Compare Canon SD890 IS vs Canon SD970 IS

Compare Other Cameras?