Canon SD990 IS vs Olympus TG-860

Let's examine more in depth at the Canon SD990 IS vs Olympus TG-860, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Waterproof by brands Canon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the SD990 IS (15MP) and the TG-860 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the SD990 IS (1/1.7") and TG-860 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SD990 IS was introduced 7 years prior to the TG-860 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Ultracompact).

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick view of how the SD990 IS grades against the TG-860 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SD990 IS & Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860. The whole galleries are available at Canon SD990 IS Gallery & Olympus TG-860 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon SD990 IS enjoys external dimensions of 98mm x 62mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Olympus TG-860 has proportions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") and a weight of 224 grams (0.49 lbs).

Examine the Canon SD990 IS vs Olympus TG-860 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you use at that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the SD990 IS compared to the TG-860.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SD990 IS and TG-860 is 92 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions purely by checking out technical specs. The picture here should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SD990 IS and TG-860.

As you can tell, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SD990 IS having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus TG-860 will provide extra detail using its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged SD990 IS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.