Canon PowerShot SD990 IS vs Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon PowerShot SD990 IS and the Canon PowerShot SD980 IS, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS was introduced in September 2008 and Canon PowerShot SD980 IS was introduced in August 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS Highlights

      • 14.7 MP 1/1.7-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.50" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (tunnel) Viewfinder
      • 1.3 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 640 x 480 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 0.8 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Canon PowerShot SD990 IS
      4. Advantage of Canon PowerShot SD980 IS
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon PowerShot SD990 IS and Canon PowerShot SD980 IS.

      PROS

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   Light - 205 g (0.45 lb / 7.23 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.7 Megapixel
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.3 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      •   Screen Size - 2.50"
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon SD990 IS
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot SD990 IS over Canon PowerShot SD980 IS.

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS vs Canon PowerShot SD980 IS
      Larger Sensor 1/1.7-inch vs 1/2.3-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.7 Megapixel vs 12.1 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4416 x 3312 vs 4000 x 3000
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Face Detection vs
      Reachs More Telephoto 133 mm vs 120 mm
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/5.8 vs f/5.9
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 1.3 fps vs 0.8 fps

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot SD990 IS.

      Canon SD960 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon SD940 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon SD970 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon R6 II
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Canon 7D II
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Sony a6400
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon R7
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      32.5 MP

      Sony a7R III
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      Full Frame

      42.4 MP

      Olympus SZ-11
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      1/2.3-inch

      14 MP

      Fujifilm IS Pro
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Sony WX300
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      1/2.3-inch

      18.2 MP

      Canon R8
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      Canon SD980 IS
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot SD980 IS over Canon PowerShot SD990 IS.

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS vs Canon PowerShot SD980 IS
      Reaches Wider Angle 36 mm vs 24 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 3.7x vs 5x
      Min Macro Focus Distance 5 cm vs 3 cm
      Touch Screen vs
      Larger Screen 2.50" vs 3.0"
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/1600 sec vs 1/3000 sec
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Higher Video Resolution 640 x 480 vs 1280 x 720
      Built-in Microphone Mono vs Stereo
      Lighter 205 g (0.45 lb / 7.23 oz) vs 150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot SD980 IS.

      Canon SD940 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon SD960 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon SD970 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Sony a7S III
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Panasonic ZS35
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      1/2.33-inch

      16 MP

      Canon R100
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      APS-C

      24.1 MP

      Olympus SH-1
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      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Nikon D5100
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Canon R3
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      Full Frame

      24.1 MP

      Canon R10
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Fujifilm F800EXR
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      1/2-inch

      16 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon PowerShot SD990 IS Canon PowerShot SD980 IS
        Video Capture
        Low Native ISO8080
        High Native ISO1,6001,600
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        Light205 g (0.45 lb / 7.23 oz)150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz)
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon PowerShot SD990 IS Canon PowerShot SD980 IS
        Small Sensor1/1.7-inch1/2.3-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor14.7 Megapixel12.1 Megapixel
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot230k dot
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/1600 sec1/3000 sec
        Low Max Continuous Shooting1.3 fps0.8 fps
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low Video Resolution640 x 4801280 x 720
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS has a 2.50" screen with 230k dot resolution and Canon PowerShot SD980 IS has a 3.0" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens. Canon PowerShot SD980 IS also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment


      Optical (tunnel) Viewfinder on Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS has a built-in Optical (tunnel) viewfinder. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Canon PowerShot SD980 IS.

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS features a 14.7 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 7.44 x 5.58 mm and a total area of 41.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 1,600. Canon PowerShot SD980 IS features a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 1,600.

      Photography Features

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS can take pictures up to 4416 x 3312 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3648 x 2736, 3072 x 2304, 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 4416 x 2480 with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Canon PowerShot SD980 IS is equipped with DIGIC 4 processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 2248, 3264 x 2448, 2592 x 1944, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS comes with NB-5L battery pack and Canon PowerShot SD980 IS comes with NB-6L battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS has a single SD/SDHC/MMC card card slot. Canon PowerShot SD980 IS has a single SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/1600 sec on Canon PowerShot SD990 IS, and up to 1/3000 sec on Canon PowerShot SD980 IS. Canon PowerShot SD990 IS can shoot continuously up to 1.3 fps. Canon PowerShot SD980 IS can shoot continuously up to 0.8 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 4.60 m on Canon PowerShot SD990 IS and 6.50 m on Canon PowerShot SD980 IS. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/500 sec on Canon PowerShot SD990 IS.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS body has dimensions of 98 x 62 x 28 mm (3.86 x 2.44 x 1.1") and Canon PowerShot SD980 IS body has dimensions of 100 x 53 x 23 mm (3.94 x 2.09 x 0.91"). Canon PowerShot SD990 IS weighs 205 g (0.45 lb / 7.23 oz) and Canon PowerShot SD980 IS weighs 150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz).

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      98 mm

      62 mm

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      100 mm

      53 mm

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      62 mm

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      53 mm

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      Size comparisons of Canon PowerShot SD990 IS and Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS and Canon PowerShot SD980 IS for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      POOR
      52
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.3 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.3 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      GOOD
      73
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.50"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 205 g (0.45 lb / 7.23 oz)
      GOOD
      84
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 205 g (0.45 lb / 7.23 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon PowerShot SD990 IS and Canon PowerShot SD980 IS and give them scores of 53 and 56 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      OVERALL
      53
      OVERALL
      56

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      POOR
      51
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.7 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      POOR
      45
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.3 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      POOR
      41
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      GOOD
      70
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.50"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      GOOD
      70
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      BAD
      38
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD980 IS

      POOR
      48
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 205 g (0.45 lb / 7.23 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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