Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic S5

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic S5, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Canon and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the SD990 IS (15MP) and S5 (24MP) and the SD990 IS (1/1.7") and S5 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The SD990 IS was released 13 years prior to the S5 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Canon SD990 IS being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summary of how the SD990 IS grades vs the S5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SD990 IS & Panasonic Lumix DC-S5. The complete galleries are provided at Canon SD990 IS Gallery & Panasonic S5 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Canon SD990 IS comes with exterior measurements of 98mm x 62mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Panasonic S5 has specifications of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") and a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs).

Check the Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic S5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the SD990 IS versus the S5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SD990 IS and S5 is 92 and 60 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading a spec sheet. The image underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SD990 IS and S5.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SD990 IS featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic S5 will offer extra detail as a result of its extra 9MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged SD990 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.