• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 14.7 megapixels
  • 36.00mm - 133.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SD990 IS advantages over Sony HX20V

  • 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 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Lighter weight
    160g vs 254g
    Lighter weight
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Sony HX20V advantages over Canon SD990 IS

  • More telephoto lens reach
    500 mm vs 133 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    18.2 vs 14.7 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 36 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 1.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

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
  • 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

Sony HX20V
Sony DSC-W300
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Built-in GPS
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony HX20V 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

Sony HX20V
Panasonic DMC-FX150
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Built-in GPS
  • $400
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony HX20V 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

Sony HX20V
Nikon S710
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Built-in GPS
  • $380
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony HX20V vs Nikon S710

Compared to Sony HX30V

Canon SD990 IS
Sony HX30V
  • $400
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon SD990 IS vs Sony HX30V

Sony HX20V
Sony HX30V
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Sony HX20V vs Sony HX30V

Compared to Panasonic ZS35

Canon SD990 IS
Panasonic ZS35
  • $400
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon SD990 IS vs Panasonic ZS35

Sony HX20V
Panasonic ZS35
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Sony HX20V vs Panasonic ZS35

Compare Other Cameras?