Canon S90 vs Nikon J1

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

  Higher effective ISO

  Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

  Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

  You can learn more at our glossary entry.

  Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.

  J1 test data on DxO Mark S90 test data on DxO Mark
  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