Canon SD980 IS vs Panasonic TS20

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Canon SD980 IS and Panasonic TS20, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Waterproof by rivals Canon and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the SD980 IS (12MP) and TS20 (16MP) but they possess the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SD980 IS was brought out 3 years earlier than the TS20 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief view of how the SD980 IS scores versus the TS20 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SD980 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS20. The entire galleries are available at Canon SD980 IS Gallery and Panasonic TS20 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Canon SD980 IS provides outside dimensions of 100mm x 53mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.1" x 0.9") and a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Panasonic TS20 has dimensions of 101mm x 58mm x 19mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Look at the Canon SD980 IS and Panasonic TS20 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select during that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the SD980 IS compared to the TS20.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SD980 IS and TS20 is 95 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to see the difference between sensor sizes only by checking technical specs. The picture here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SD980 IS and TS20.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic TS20 to resolve greater detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images far more aggressively. The more aged SD980 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.