• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.1 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 185.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon S520 advantages over Canon SD890 IS

  • Less expensive
    $230 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Lighter weight
    115g vs 184g
    Lighter weight

Canon SD890 IS advantages over Nikon S520

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • More telephoto lens reach
    185 mm vs 105 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 320 vs 180 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More dots on screen
    230k vs 154k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    10.0 vs 8.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 2000 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
  • 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 NV30

Nikon S520
Samsung NV30
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon S520 vs Samsung NV30

Canon SD890 IS
Samsung NV30
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Canon SD890 IS vs Samsung NV30

Compared to Sony DSC-W120

Nikon S520
Sony DSC-W120
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon S520 vs Sony DSC-W120

Canon SD890 IS
Sony DSC-W120
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compare Canon SD890 IS vs Sony DSC-W120

Compared to Sony DSC-W170

Nikon S520
Sony DSC-W170
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon S520 vs Sony DSC-W170

Canon SD890 IS
Sony DSC-W170
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Fast startup
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compare Canon SD890 IS vs Sony DSC-W170

Compared to Panasonic DMC-TS1

Nikon S520
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon S520 vs Panasonic DMC-TS1

Canon SD890 IS
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Less shutter lag

Compare Canon SD890 IS vs Panasonic DMC-TS1

Compared to Canon SD1200 IS

Nikon S520
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon S520 vs Canon SD1200 IS

Canon SD890 IS
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon SD890 IS vs Canon SD1200 IS

Compare Other Cameras?