Canon SD980 IS vs Panasonic S3

Here is a in-depth review of the Canon SD980 IS vs Panasonic S3, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The resolution of the SD980 IS (12MP) and the S3 (14MP) is very well matched and they come with the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SD980 IS was manufactured 16 months earlier than the S3 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summary of how the SD980 IS scores against the S3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SD980 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The entire galleries are provided at Canon SD980 IS Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and size. The Canon SD980 IS features physical dimensions of 100mm x 53mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.1" x 0.9") and a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Panasonic S3 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Examine the Canon SD980 IS vs Panasonic S3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the SD980 IS compared to the S3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SD980 IS and S3 is 95 and 96 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing just by reading through technical specs. The photograph below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SD980 IS and S3.

As you can tell, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Panasonic S3 to resolve greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics far more aggressively. The older SD980 IS is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.