Canon A490 vs Nikon S9100

In this write-up, we are matching up the Canon A490 versus Nikon S9100, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Canon and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the A490 (10MP) and the S9100 (12MP) is fairly well matched and they use the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The A490 was manufactured 18 months earlier than the S9100 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short overview of how the A490 grades versus the S9100 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot A490 and Nikon Coolpix S9100. The entire galleries are available at Canon A490 Gallery and Nikon S9100 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon A490 enjoys physical measurements of 94mm x 62mm x 31mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 1.2") and a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Nikon S9100 has dimensions of 105mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Examine the Canon A490 versus Nikon S9100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the A490 compared to the S9100.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the A490 and S9100 is 93 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to visualize the difference between sensor measurements simply by checking technical specs. The photograph below should give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the A490 and S9100.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You should anticipate the Nikon S9100 to give you more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The older A490 is going to be behind in sensor technology.