Canon SD980 IS vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

Let's examine more in depth at the Canon SD980 IS vs Ricoh GR Digital IV, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Canon and Ricoh. The image resolution of the SD980 IS (12MP) and the GR Digital IV (10MP) is fairly comparable but the SD980 IS (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") use totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SD980 IS was brought out 3 years before the GR Digital IV which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a short summation of how the SD980 IS matches up vs the GR Digital IV in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SD980 IS & Ricoh GR Digital IV. The entire galleries are available at Canon SD980 IS Gallery & Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera often, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SD980 IS offers physical dimensions of 100mm x 53mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.1" x 0.9") along with a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Ricoh GR Digital IV has measurements of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SD980 IS vs Ricoh GR Digital IV in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SD980 IS versus the GR Digital IV.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SD980 IS and GR Digital IV is 95 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions purely by checking out specifications. The image below might give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SD980 IS and GR Digital IV.

To sum up, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SD980 IS featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Canon SD980 IS will produce more detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged SD980 IS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.