• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200

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Differences

Canon S90 advantages over Nikon J1

  • Less expensive
    $430 vs $650 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/500 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon J1 advantages over Canon S90

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/1.7 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 2.08 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~1.40 vs 2.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    372 vs 185 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.09 vs 0.43 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    57.9 fps vs 0.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

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Buy the Nikon J1

Review Excerpt

  • Very small body, with solid feel; Fast AF; No-nonsense interface. Excellent video capture, Good picture quality.

  • Body could be smaller for sensor size; High ISO isn't as good as other compact system cameras; Battery life below average; Weak flash; Confusing controls.

The Competition

Compared to Canon S95

Canon S90
Canon S95
  • $430
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Less shutter lag
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 24p video
Nikon J1
Canon S95
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon S100

Canon S90
Canon S100
  • $430
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
Nikon J1
Canon S100
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Nikon J2

Canon S90
Nikon J2
  • $430
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon J1
Nikon J2
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Canon S110

Canon S90
Canon S110
  • $430
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon J1
Canon S110
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Nikon J3

Canon S90
Nikon J3
  • $430
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon J1
Nikon J3
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dots on screen
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