• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 185.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 560.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SD890 IS advantages over Canon SX1 IS

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    27 mm vs 87 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    184g vs 585g
    Lighter weight
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 14 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Canon SX1 IS advantages over Canon SD890 IS

  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • More telephoto lens reach
    560 mm vs 185 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 420 vs 320 shots
    Capture more photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Wider angle lens
    28 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.8 fps vs 1.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/3200 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 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
Canon SX1 IS
Sony DSC-W170
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compared to 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
Canon SX1 IS
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Sony DSC-HX1

Canon SD890 IS
Sony DSC-HX1
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $499
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More telephoto lens reach
Canon SX1 IS
Sony DSC-HX1
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Hot shoe
  • $499
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compared to 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
Canon SX1 IS
Canon SD970 IS
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Canon SX20 IS

Canon SD890 IS
Canon SX20 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More telephoto lens reach
Canon SX1 IS
Canon SX20 IS
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
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