• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 122.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon A490 advantages over Nikon S6900

  • Less expensive
    $110 vs $230 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 400 vs 180 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Nikon S6900 advantages over Canon A490

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 122 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Newer
    10 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    461k vs 115k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.0 fps vs 0.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 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
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S6900

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon A495

Canon A490
Canon A495
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $86
  • 1/2.3 inch
Nikon S6900
Canon A495
  • $500
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $86
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Pentax E90

Canon A490
Pentax E90
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $100
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
Nikon S6900
Pentax E90
  • $500
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $100
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon A800

Canon A490
Canon A800
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon S6900
Canon A800
  • $500
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon S6500

Canon A490
Nikon S6500
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach
Nikon S6900
Nikon S6500
  • $500
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Nikon S810c

Canon A490
Nikon S810c
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon S6900
Nikon S810c
  • $500
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer stills battery life
Compare Other Cameras?