• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 185.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.0 megapixels
  • 26.00mm - 130.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SD890 IS advantages over Olympus VG-160

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.44 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    185 mm vs 130 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 320 vs 165 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.2 fps vs 0.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 200 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus VG-160 advantages over Canon SD890 IS

  • Less expensive
    $100 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    19 mm vs 27 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    125g vs 184g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    14.0 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    26 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene

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
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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

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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
Olympus VG-160
Sony DSC-W170
  • $100
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

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
Olympus VG-160
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $100
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • 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
Olympus VG-160
Canon SD970 IS
  • $100
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Sony DSC-W510

Canon SD890 IS
Sony DSC-W510
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $82
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
Olympus VG-160
Sony DSC-W510
  • $100
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More pixels
  • $82
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compared to Canon A2300

Canon SD890 IS
Canon A2300
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
Olympus VG-160
Canon A2300
  • $100
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Longer exposure
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