• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 9.0 megapixels
  • 38.00mm - 114.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 122.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon S52 advantages over Canon A490

  • Thinner
    21 mm vs 30 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    125g vs 175g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    230k vs 115k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon A490 advantages over Nikon S52

  • Less expensive
    $110 vs $250 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 400 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos

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
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung i8

Nikon S52
Samsung i8
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $186
  • 1/2.5 inch

Compare Nikon S52 vs Samsung i8

Canon A490
Samsung i8
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $186
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compare Canon A490 vs Samsung i8

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FS20

Nikon S52
Panasonic DMC-FS20
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S52 vs Panasonic DMC-FS20

Canon A490
Panasonic DMC-FS20
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Thinner
  • More dots on screen

Compare Canon A490 vs Panasonic DMC-FS20

Compared to Nikon S52c

Nikon S52
Nikon S52c
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • $225
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon S52 vs Nikon S52c

Canon A490
Nikon S52c
  • $75
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $225
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Thinner

Compare Canon A490 vs Nikon S52c

Compared to Canon A495

Nikon S52
Canon A495
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $86
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon S52 vs 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

Compared to Canon A800

Nikon S52
Canon A800
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon S52 vs 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

Compare Other Cameras?