• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 14.7 megapixels
  • 36.00mm - 133.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SD990 IS advantages over Canon SD3500 IS

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.72 vs 1.43 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 280 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.4 fps vs 0.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon SD3500 IS advantages over Canon SD990 IS

  • Less expensive
    $330 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    461k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 36 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster shutter
    1/3000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-W300

Canon SD990 IS
Sony DSC-W300
  • $400
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Fast startup
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Canon SD990 IS vs Sony DSC-W300

Canon SD3500 IS
Sony DSC-W300
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Fast startup
  • HDMI out
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon SD3500 IS vs Sony DSC-W300

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX150

Canon SD990 IS
Panasonic DMC-FX150
  • $400
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $400
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Shoots 24p video

Compare Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic DMC-FX150

Canon SD3500 IS
Panasonic DMC-FX150
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $400
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SD3500 IS vs Panasonic DMC-FX150

Compared to Nikon S710

Canon SD990 IS
Nikon S710
  • $400
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $380
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Wider angle lens
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Canon SD990 IS vs Nikon S710

Canon SD3500 IS
Nikon S710
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $380
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SD3500 IS vs Nikon S710

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX48S

Canon SD990 IS
Panasonic DMC-FX48S
  • $400
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic DMC-FX48S

Canon SD3500 IS
Panasonic DMC-FX48S
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Longer exposure

Compare Canon SD3500 IS vs Panasonic DMC-FX48S

Compared to Canon SD980 IS

Canon SD990 IS
Canon SD980 IS
  • $400
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • HDMI out

Compare Canon SD990 IS vs Canon SD980 IS

Canon SD3500 IS
Canon SD980 IS
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • More pixels
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Canon SD3500 IS vs Canon SD980 IS

Compare Other Cameras?