Canon SD990 IS vs Sigma SD9

The following is a complete assessment of the Canon SD990 IS and Sigma SD9, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Canon and Sigma. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the SD990 IS (15MP) and SD9 (3MP) and the SD990 IS (1/1.7") and SD9 (APS-C) boast different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SD990 IS was revealed 5 years after the SD9 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Canon SD990 IS being a Ultracompact camera and the Sigma SD9 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the SD990 IS scores vs the SD9 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SD990 IS and Sigma SD9. The full galleries are available at Canon SD990 IS Gallery and Sigma SD9 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera, you will need to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon SD990 IS enjoys physical 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 Sigma SD9 has proportions of 152mm x 120mm x 79mm (6.0" x 4.7" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 950 grams (2.09 lbs).

Check out the Canon SD990 IS and Sigma SD9 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the SD990 IS against the SD9.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SD990 IS and SD9 is 92 and 54 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to picture the gap in sensor dimensions simply by researching technical specs. The image underneath will provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SD990 IS and SD9.

As you can tell, both cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SD990 IS with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Canon SD990 IS will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The more recent SD990 IS should have a benefit in sensor innovation.