Clicky

Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic FH3

Portability
92
Imaging
38
Features
23
Overall
32
Canon PowerShot SD990 IS front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 front
Portability
94
Imaging
37
Features
21
Overall
30

Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic FH3 Key Specs

Canon SD990 IS
(Full Review)
  • 15MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 36-133mm (F2.8-5.8) lens
  • 205g - 98 x 62 x 28mm
  • Introduced September 2008
  • Also referred to as Digital IXUS 980 IS
Panasonic FH3
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-140mm (F2.8-6.9) lens
  • 165g - 98 x 55 x 24mm
  • Announced January 2010
  • Alternate Name is Lumix DMC-FS11
Peek Behind the Lens of 'Photographer' and Their Go-To Cameras

Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic FH3 Overview

Following is a extensive assessment of the Canon SD990 IS versus Panasonic FH3, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SD990 IS (15MP) and the FH3 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the SD990 IS (1/1.7") and FH3 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizing.

Google AI Gemini Could Enhance iPhone Experience, Talks Suggest

The SD990 IS was launched 15 months earlier than the FH3 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SD990 IS being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the SD990 IS matches up versus the FH3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M
	
	

Reasons to pick Canon SD990 IS over the Panasonic FH3

 SD990 IS FH3 

Reasons to pick Panasonic FH3 over the Canon SD990 IS

 FH3 SD990 IS 
AnnouncedJanuary 2010September 2008More modern by 15 months
Screen dimensions2.7"2.5"Bigger screen (+0.2")

Common features in the Canon SD990 IS and Panasonic FH3

 SD990 IS FH3 
Manual focus Lack of manual focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen resolution230k230kIdentical screen resolution
Selfie screen Neither features selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Neither features Touch friendly screen

Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic FH3 Physical Comparison

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and measurements. The Canon SD990 IS enjoys exterior measurements of 98mm x 62mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Panasonic FH3 has proportions of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SD990 IS versus Panasonic FH3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the SD990 IS versus the FH3.

Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic FH3 size comparison

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SD990 IS and FH3 is 92 and 94 respectively.

Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic FH3 top view buttons comparison

Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic FH3 Sensor Comparison

Often, it can be difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizes only by checking out specs. The image here may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SD990 IS and FH3.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SD990 IS featuring a bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh easier and the Canon SD990 IS will produce extra detail utilizing its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged SD990 IS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.

Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic FH3 sensor size comparison

Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic FH3 Screen and ViewFinder

Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic FH3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Nikon Coolpix camera search on Google skyrockets by 8,500%

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Canon SD990 IS Portrait photography details
Panasonic FH3 Portrait photography details
37
above average flash sync speed (1/500s)
MP count good (15 megapixels)
offers face detect autofocus
lack of manual focus
no manual exposure
external flash not possible
tiny sensor size (1/1.7")
has no RAW support
28
decent sensor resolution (14MP)
manual focus not available
no manual control
cannot use external flash
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
Apple patent reveals improved iPhone camera durability

Street Comparison

Canon SD990 IS Street photography features
Panasonic FH3 Street photography features
54
built in image stabilization (Optical)
screen does not articulate
tiny sensor size (1/1.7")
has no RAW support
heavier than competitors (205g)
57
image stabilization (Optical)
fixed screen
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

Sports Comparison

Canon SD990 IS Sports photography highlights
Panasonic FH3 Sports photography highlights
35
built in image stabilization (Optical)
MP count good (15MP)
slow frames per second (1.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority
tiny sensor size (1/1.7")
has no phase detect autofocus
35
image stabilization (Optical)
decent sensor resolution (14 megapixels)
low fps (6.0 fps)
no shutter priority mode
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect autofocus
Ulanzi's Tripod Ensures Ultra Smooth Filming

Travel Comparison

Canon SD990 IS Travel photography information
Panasonic FH3 Travel photography information
57
MP count good (15 megapixels)
built-in flash
heavier than competitors (205 grams)
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
wide angle not fantastic (36mm)
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
65
decent sensor resolution (14 megapixels)
has built in flash
pretty wide (28mm)
doesn't have Timelapse mode
screen isn't selfie friendly
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools Could Be Added to WhatsApp

Landscape Comparison

Canon SD990 IS as a Landscape photography camera
Panasonic FH3 as a Landscape photography camera
34
built in image stabilization (Optical)
MP count good (15 megapixels)
lack of manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not fantastic (36mm)
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
screen is somewhat small (2.5 inches)
no manual exposure
tiny sensor size (1/1.7")
has no RAW support
37
pretty wide (28mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
decent sensor resolution (14 megapixels)
manual focus not available
cannot change lenses (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
screen is small (2.7 inches)
no manual control
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
doesn't have Timelapse mode
Fujifilm accuses Eastman Kodak of patent violation in new lawsuit

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SD990 IS as a Vlogging camera
Panasonic FH3 as a Vlogging camera
27
built in image stabilization (Optical)
offers face detect autofocus
wide angle not fantastic (36mm)
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
low video resolution (640 x 480 pxls)
does not have mic jack
heavier than competitors (205g)
29
pretty wide (28mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
screen isn't selfie friendly
low quality video (1280 x 720 pxls)
doesn't have external microphone port
TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic FH3 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Canon SD990 IS and Panasonic FH3
 Canon PowerShot SD990 ISPanasonic Lumix DMC-FH3
General Information
Manufacturer Canon Panasonic
Model Canon PowerShot SD990 IS Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3
Also called as Digital IXUS 980 IS Lumix DMC-FS11
Type Ultracompact Small Sensor Compact
Introduced 2008-09-17 2010-01-06
Body design Ultracompact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/1.7" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 7.44 x 5.58mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area 41.5mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 15MP 14MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution 4416 x 3312 4320 x 3240
Highest native ISO 1600 6400
Minimum native ISO 80 80
RAW data
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Number of focus points - 9
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 36-133mm (3.7x) 28-140mm (5.0x)
Max aperture f/2.8-5.8 f/2.8-6.9
Macro focus range 5cm 5cm
Focal length multiplier 4.8 5.9
Screen
Range of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 2.5" 2.7"
Resolution of screen 230k dot 230k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Optical (tunnel) None
Features
Minimum shutter speed 15 seconds 60 seconds
Fastest shutter speed 1/1600 seconds 1/1600 seconds
Continuous shutter speed 1.0 frames/s 6.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range 4.60 m 6.80 m
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Slow, Manual (Red Eye On/Off) Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Fastest flash sync 1/500 seconds -
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps), 160 x 120 (15 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution 640x480 1280x720
Video file format Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 205g (0.45 lb) 165g (0.36 lb)
Physical dimensions 98 x 62 x 28mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") 98 x 55 x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery model NB-5L -
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Storage media SD/SDHC/MMC card SD/SDHC/SDXC card, Internal
Storage slots One One
Pricing at release - $160