Canon S90 vs Nikon D1

Let's look a little more in depth at the Canon S90 and Nikon D1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Pro DSLR by companies Canon and Nikon. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the S90 (10MP) and D1 (3MP) and the S90 (1/1.7") and D1 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor size.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The S90 was unveiled 9 years later than the D1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Canon S90 being a Compact camera and the Nikon D1 being a Large SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a full comparison, below is a brief overview of how the S90 grades vs the D1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot S90 & Nikon D1. The full galleries are available at Canon S90 Gallery & Nikon D1 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon S90 features external dimensions of 100mm x 58mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") having a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Nikon D1 has proportions of 157mm x 153mm x 85mm (6.2" x 6.0" x 3.3") having a weight of 1200 grams (2.65 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon S90 and Nikon D1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the S90 vs the D1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the S90 and D1 is 92 and 51 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to see the contrast in sensor sizing only by viewing technical specs. The graphic below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the S90 and D1.

As you can tell, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S90 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Canon S90 will result in more detail having an extra 7MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The more modern S90 will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.