• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 8.3 megapixels
  • 15.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon S90 advantages over Nikon 170

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.3 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
    ~ 2.08 vs 1.61 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.0 vs f/2.8
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • More telephoto lens reach
    105 mm vs 15 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    30 mm vs 42 mm
    Thinner
  • More dots on screen
    461k vs 345k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    10.0 vs 8.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 1/2 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon 170 advantages over Canon S90

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • 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
  • 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
  • Lighter weight
    134g vs 175g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    15 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • 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

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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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

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Buy the Canon S90

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Buy the Nikon 170
NIkon KeyMission 170

Review Excerpt

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

Compare Canon S90 vs Canon S95

Nikon 170
Canon S95
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon 170 vs Canon S95

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

Compare Canon S90 vs Canon S100

Nikon 170
Canon S100
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon 170 vs Canon S100

Compared to Nokia N8

Canon S90
Nokia N8
  • $430
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon S90 vs Nokia N8

Nikon 170
Nokia N8
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon 170 vs Nokia N8

Compared to Samsung Galaxy S II

Canon S90
Samsung Galaxy S II
  • $430
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Canon S90 vs Samsung Galaxy S II

Nikon 170
Samsung Galaxy S II
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash

Compare Nikon 170 vs Samsung Galaxy S II

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

Compare Canon S90 vs Canon S110

Nikon 170
Canon S110
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon 170 vs Canon S110

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