• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 185.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 2/3 inch 58.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon SD890 IS advantages over Fujifilm XF1

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • More telephoto lens reach
    185 mm vs 100 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Fujifilm XF1 advantages over Canon SD890 IS

  • Larger sensor
    2/3 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.20 vs 1.69 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/1.8 vs f/3.2
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.33 vs 0.73 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    12.0 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.8 fps vs 1.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 3200 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Cool retro styling bolstered by a quality build and design; Fast f/1.8 lens at wide angle; Fast autofocus and low shutter lag; Tons of customizability and creative options, including Fuji's special EXR and Film Simulation modes; Full 1080p HD video; PASM controls; RAW still capture.

  • Special modes have somewhat steep learning curve; Maximum aperture drops quickly as you zoom; Lens cover doesn't lock when storing; Larger sensor doesn't necessarily translate to better photo quality than competitors; Demosaicing errors and moderately high chromatic aberration.

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
Fujifilm XF1
Sony DSC-W170
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

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
Fujifilm XF1
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

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
Fujifilm XF1
Canon SD970 IS
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Olympus XZ-10

Canon SD890 IS
Olympus XZ-10
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Larger lens aperture
Fujifilm XF1
Olympus XZ-10
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Fujifilm XQ1

Canon SD890 IS
Fujifilm XQ1
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Fujifilm XF1
Fujifilm XQ1
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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