• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 185.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 9.0 megapixels
  • 38.00mm - 114.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon SD890 IS advantages over Nikon S52

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • 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 114 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 320 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos

Nikon S52 advantages over Canon SD890 IS

  • Less expensive
    $250 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    21 mm vs 27 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    125g vs 184g
    Lighter weight

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 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung i8

Canon SD890 IS
Samsung i8
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $186
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
Nikon S52
Samsung i8
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $186
  • 1/2.5 inch

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
Nikon S52
Sony DSC-W170
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon S52c

Canon SD890 IS
Nikon S52c
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $225
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon S52
Nikon S52c
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • $225
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

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
Nikon S52
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer stills battery life

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
Nikon S52
Canon SD970 IS
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach
Compare Other Cameras?