Canon A490 vs Panasonic LF1

Lets look more closely at the Canon A490 and Panasonic LF1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The resolution of the A490 (10MP) and the LF1 (12MP) is very close but the A490 (1/2.3") and LF1 (1/1.7") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The A490 was unveiled 4 years prior to the LF1 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the A490 matches up versus the LF1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot A490 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1. The full galleries are available at Canon A490 Gallery and Panasonic LF1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon A490 offers exterior dimensions of 94mm x 62mm x 31mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Panasonic LF1 has measurements of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon A490 and Panasonic LF1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the A490 and the LF1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the A490 and LF1 is 93 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing only by looking through technical specs. The photograph underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the A490 and LF1.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The A490 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic LF1 will provide you with extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images much more aggressively. The older A490 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.