Canon A490 vs Nikon S5100

Here, we are matching up the Canon A490 and Nikon S5100, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Canon and Nikon. The image resolution of the A490 (10MP) and the S5100 (12MP) is very close and both cameras have the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The A490 was announced 7 months earlier than the S5100 and they are both of a similar age. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a complete comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the A490 scores vs the S5100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot A490 & Nikon Coolpix S5100. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon A490 Gallery & Nikon S5100 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon A490 provides outside dimensions of 94mm x 62mm x 31mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Nikon S5100 has measurements of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

See the Canon A490 and Nikon S5100 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use at that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the A490 and the S5100.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the A490 and S5100 is 93 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to see the gap in sensor measurements just by looking through technical specs. The visual underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the A490 and S5100.

As you have seen, both of these cameras come with the identical sensor size but not the same resolution. You can expect to see the Nikon S5100 to render extra detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older A490 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.