Canon SD980 IS vs Panasonic SZ5

Lets look more in depth at the Canon SD980 IS and Panasonic SZ5, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by companies Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SD980 IS (12MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is very comparable and both cameras offer the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SD980 IS was announced 3 years earlier than the SZ5 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the SD980 IS matches up versus the SZ5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SD980 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The whole galleries are available at Canon SD980 IS Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Canon SD980 IS enjoys outer measurements of 100mm x 53mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ5 has dimensions of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Look at the Canon SD980 IS and Panasonic SZ5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the SD980 IS versus the SZ5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SD980 IS and SZ5 is 95 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes simply by seeing specs. The picture here might give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SD980 IS and SZ5.

As you can plainly see, both cameras feature the identical sensor size but different resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic SZ5 to provide greater detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images way more aggressively. The more aged SD980 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.