• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 122.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/3.1 inch 16.5mm2
  • 13.2 megapixels
  • 30.00mm - 90.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon A490 advantages over Nikon W100

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/3.1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.13 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    122 mm vs 90 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 400 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 11 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Nikon W100 advantages over Canon A490

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Newer
    8 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
    230k 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
    13.2 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    30 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    25 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.7 fps vs 0.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

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
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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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

Compare Canon A490 vs Canon A495

Nikon W100
Canon A495
  • $157
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $86
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon W100 vs Canon A495

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

Compare Canon A490 vs Pentax E90

Nikon W100
Pentax E90
  • $157
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $100
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon W100 vs Pentax E90

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

Compare Canon A490 vs Canon A800

Nikon W100
Canon A800
  • $157
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon W100 vs Canon A800

Compared to Nikon S32

Canon A490
Nikon S32
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive
  • $299
  • 1/3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • HDMI out

Compare Canon A490 vs Nikon S32

Nikon W100
Nikon S32
  • $157
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
  • $299
  • 1/3 inch

Compare Nikon W100 vs Nikon S32

Compared to Nikon S33

Canon A490
Nikon S33
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $109
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Newer

Compare Canon A490 vs Nikon S33

Nikon W100
Nikon S33
  • $157
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
  • $109
  • 1/3.1 inch

Compare Nikon W100 vs Nikon S33

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