• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 122.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon A490 advantages over Panasonic XS1

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 400 vs 290 shots
    Capture more photos

Panasonic XS1 advantages over Canon A490

  • Thinner
    17 mm vs 30 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    103g vs 175g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    230k vs 115k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.0 fps vs 0.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • 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
  • 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 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

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

Panasonic XS1
Canon A495
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $86
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Panasonic XS1 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

Panasonic XS1
Pentax E90
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $100
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Panasonic XS1 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

Panasonic XS1
Canon A800
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Panasonic XS1 vs Canon A800

Compared to Sony W610

Canon A490
Sony W610
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $203
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compare Canon A490 vs Sony W610

Panasonic XS1
Sony W610
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer exposure
  • $203
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Panasonic XS1 vs Sony W610

Compared to Canon A2300

Canon A490
Canon A2300
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compare Canon A490 vs Canon A2300

Panasonic XS1
Canon A2300
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic XS1 vs Canon A2300

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