• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 111.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax A40 advantages over Canon SD790 IS

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More pixels
    12.0 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Canon SD790 IS advantages over Pentax A40

  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

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
  • 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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Buy the Pentax A40

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax S12

Pentax A40
Pentax S12
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch

Compare Pentax A40 vs Pentax S12

Canon SD790 IS
Pentax S12
  • $201
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compare Canon SD790 IS vs Pentax S12

Compared to Canon SD770 IS

Pentax A40
Canon SD770 IS
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Manual focus
  • $212
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Pentax A40 vs Canon SD770 IS

Canon SD790 IS
Canon SD770 IS
  • $201
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less shutter lag
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $212
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon SD790 IS vs Canon SD770 IS

Compared to Samsung SL310

Pentax A40
Samsung SL310
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Manual focus
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Pentax A40 vs Samsung SL310

Canon SD790 IS
Samsung SL310
  • $201
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon SD790 IS vs Samsung SL310

Compared to Samsung TL34HD

Pentax A40
Samsung TL34HD
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Manual focus
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen

Compare Pentax A40 vs Samsung TL34HD

Canon SD790 IS
Samsung TL34HD
  • $201
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • HDMI out

Compare Canon SD790 IS vs Samsung TL34HD

Compared to Canon SD880 IS

Pentax A40
Canon SD880 IS
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More pixels
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Pentax A40 vs Canon SD880 IS

Canon SD790 IS
Canon SD880 IS
  • $201
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compare Canon SD790 IS vs Canon SD880 IS

Compare Other Cameras?