Canon A490 vs Canon SX530 HS

Here, we will be reviewing the Canon A490 and Canon SX530 HS, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Canon. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the A490 (10MP) and SX530 HS (16MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The A490 was launched 6 years before the SX530 HS which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Canon A490 being a Compact camera and the Canon SX530 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short highlight of how the A490 grades against the SX530 HS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot A490 & Canon PowerShot SX530 HS. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon A490 Gallery & Canon SX530 HS Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Canon A490 provides external measurements of 94mm x 62mm x 31mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 1.2") and a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Canon SX530 HS has specifications of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Compare the Canon A490 and Canon SX530 HS in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the A490 and the SX530 HS.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the A490 and SX530 HS is 93 and 69 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizes just by looking through specs. The picture here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the A490 and SX530 HS.

All in all, both of these cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Canon SX530 HS to provide you with extra detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged A490 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.