• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/1.83 inch 36.9mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SD790 IS advantages over Nokia N8

  • Less expensive
    $350 vs $549 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • More telephoto lens reach
    105 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 1/5 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nokia N8 advantages over Canon SD790 IS

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.83 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    12 mm vs 20 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    135g vs 179g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    691k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    12.0 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    28 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster shutter
    1/5000 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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 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
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

  • We haven’t finished our review of the Nokia N8, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.

The Competition

Compared to Pentax A40

Canon SD790 IS
Pentax A40
  • $201
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Longer exposure
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive
Nokia N8
Pentax A40
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Pentax S12

Canon SD790 IS
Pentax S12
  • $201
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive
Nokia N8
Pentax S12
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Canon SD770 IS

Canon SD790 IS
Canon SD770 IS
  • $201
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less shutter lag
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $212
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Nokia N8
Canon SD770 IS
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Touchscreen
  • $212
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon SD880 IS

Canon SD790 IS
Canon SD880 IS
  • $201
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
Nokia N8
Canon SD880 IS
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Touchscreen
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Pentax E70

Canon SD790 IS
Pentax E70
  • $201
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Longer exposure
  • $140
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Nokia N8
Pentax E70
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Touchscreen
  • $140
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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