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Expert Recommendation
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Overview
Equipped with a stupendous 14.7 Megapixels resolution sensor, a sharp lens and the latest DIGIC IV image processing engine, the Canon PowerShot SD990 IS produces stunning images with lots of detail and rich colors. Well built and featuring manual modes and a rich feature set, the Canon SD990 IS is the best in class ultra compact camera for a variety of situations.
My Best In Class Pick
Canon PowerShot SD990 IS
The Canon SD990 IS is the top-of-line ultra compact from the market leader. The camera has an optical viewfinder, which is uncommon for ultra compacts. It is a great feature for keeping track of moving subjects and also for framing under the bright sun when images on LCDs appear washed out. It is the first camera in the highly successful SD series to offer manual modes, providing full control over shutter speed and the aperture.
The camera offers class-leading resolution and features a sharp lens to match it.
Equipped with the latest DIGIC IV processor, it has managed to strike a good balance between noise and rich detail at high ISOs. So, high ISO images are relatively clean and retain enough detail for mid-sized prints (up to 8”x10” size), which is unusual for such a small sensor camera.
Overall the default image quality is best in class with rich colors and plenty of fine details.
With a rich feature set, optical viewfinder, good image quality because of the DIGIC IV processor, and nice built quality makes it a great camera for everyone to handle a variety of situations. Even after more than a year since its launch, it still remains top pick among ultra-compacts.
Comparison with Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150
The Canon SD990 IS has cleaner high ISO images and has an optical viewfinder. The images are more natural looking with minimal artifacts. However, the Panasonic FX150 has a RAW mode, which is desirable feature for most experienced photographers as it makes it possible to get the best image quality during post processing.
Comparison with Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR
High resolution, optical viewfinder, brighter lens at wide-end of zoom, less image processing artifacts. However F200EXR does offer wider angle view and slightly higher zoom range.
Pros
- +Best in class resolution
- +Good image quality
- +Optical viewfinder
- +Rich feature set
- +Well built
- +Good high ISO performance
Cons
- -wide end of zoom could have been wider
- -Thicker than others in class
- -Missing RAW mode
Where to buy
Canon PowerShot SD990 IS
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Best Price:
$699
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Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
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| Price | $699.00 | $399.95 | |
| Size (W x H x D) | 3.8 x 2.4 x 1.1 in. | 3.8 x 2.1 x 1.0 in. | 3.8 x 2.3 x 0.9 in. |
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Sensor Size
Most digital cameras, even most digital SLRs, have sensors that are smaller than a standard frame of 35 mm film (36 x 24 mm). These smaller sensors have a number of effects on the captured image and the use of the camera, including an increased depth of field, decreased light sensitivity, increased pixel noise, and increased degree of enlargement.
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7.6 x 5.7 mm | 7.5 x 5.6 mm | 7.8 x 5.8 mm |
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Effective Sensor Resolution
The Effective Sensor Resolution tells you the total number of pixels that are recorded when you take a picture. The units are MP, which stands for megapixels or millions of pixels. For outstanding fine compression prints, 3MP is required for 5x7's, 7.1MP for 8x10's, and 10.9MP for 11x14's. The effective sensor resolution is only one of many important factors that will determine the quality of the photograph when displayed or printed at different sizes.
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14.7 megapixels | 14.7 megapixels | 12.0 megapixels |
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Shutter Lag Time (including auto-focus time)
This is the time from fully pressing the shutter button until the image is captured. Longer shutter lag times make it more difficult to capture the desired moment.
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0.4-0.6 sec | 0.3 - 0.6 sec | 0.5 - 0.6 sec |
| Max Video Resolution | 640 x 480 pixels | 1280 x 720 pixels | 640 x 480 pixels |
| Max Video Frame Rate (max resolution) | 30 frames/sec | 24 frames/sec | 30 frames/sec |
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Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. On any 35 mm film camera, a 30 mm or less lens is considered a wide-angle lens.
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36 mm | 28 mm | 28 mm |
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Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. Larger max focal lengths make distant objects appear more magnified.
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133 mm | 100 mm | 140 mm |
| Optical Zoom | 3.7x | 3.6x | 5.0x |
| Min Focus Distance (not macro) | 19.7 in. | 19.7 in. | 17.7 in. |
| Min Focus Distance (macro) | 2.0 in. | 2.0 in. | 2.0 in. |
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Max Aperture (wide-angle)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (wide-angle) is the largest possible size at the wide-angle limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.3 |
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Max Aperture (tele-photo)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (tele-photo) is the largest possible size at the tele-photo limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/5.8 | f/5.6 | f/5.1 |
| Max Usable ISO (subjective) | 1600 | 800 | 1600 |
| Full Manual Exposure Mode Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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Viewfinder Available
A viewfinder is a window that you look through to compose the picture. Some cameras do not have a viewfinder and instead use the LCD display. The LCD display may be difficult to see in bright light and may make it more difficult to capture fast-moving subjects because of the time required to update the display.
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Yes | No | No |
| Sensor Raw Format Available | No | Yes | No |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150
Panasonic is quickly catching up with other leading camera manufacturers and is working hard to improve its image processing with successive launches. This camera is one of their latest additions to their FX series of premium ultra compacts. This camera also offers class-leading resolution and has a sharp wide angle lens which produces minimal barrel distortion at the wide end of the zoom range. It features a manual mode, which you can use to control the shutter speed.
The camera uses a bit less noise reduction than usual at high ISOs. As a result the images are grainy but retain slightly more detail than others in its class.
It offers a RAW mode too making it the only camera with this feature in this price range. The RAW mode is a desirable feature because one can get better image quality later during the image conversion to a more popular image format (e.g. JPG or TIFF) after adjusting white balance (e.g. remove unnatural color cast due to artificial lighting), applying noise reduction using the supplied software (or third party software, e.g. Noise Ninja). It also helps recover blown out highlights to some extent (as compared to JPG images from camera).
Great resolution, sharp lens, and RAW mode makes it the preferred choice of photography enthusiasts.
Pros
- +Best in class resolution
- +More fine details at high ISO
- +Rich feature set including RAW mode
- +versatile zoom range
- +Well built
Cons
- -More noise at higher ISOs
Where to buy
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150
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Best Price:
$399
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Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR
For the last few years, the Fuji F series cameras, equipped with Super CCD sensors, have become synonymous with good image quality in low light. This camera is one of the latest additions to this series. It packs a unique Super CCD EXR sensor and a 5x wide angle zoom lens in a sturdy body. Its sensor sensor can use data from adjacent pixels to produce either lower resolution (6MP) low noise images or lower resolution images with high dynamic range (tonal gradations).
The camera will please photography enthusiasts with its manual, and aperture/shutter priority modes (although one can choose only one of the two aperture settings). However novice users will be equally at home by leaving the camera in EXR mode . It provides great value for the price. But for the missing RAW mode and limited control over aperture settings, it would have been been top choice.
Comparison with Fujifilm FinePix F100fd
Slightly lower noise at high ISOs, A/S priority modes, unique EXR sensor.
Pros
- +Good image quality
- +High resolution
- +Rich feature set
- +Clean high ISO images
Cons
- -Lacks optical viewfinder
- -Lacks RAW mode
Where to buy
Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR
Fujifilm FinePix F100fd
It packs a high resolution 8th generation Super CCD sensor and a 5x wide angle zoom lens in a sturdy body.
The camera is a predecessor to Fujifilm F200EXR, however it lacks modes like aperture/shutter priority or full manual, which is a limitation for many experienced users.
Comparison with Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR
Better resolution, better optics.
Pros
- +Good image quality
- +High resolution
- +Rich feature set
Cons
- -Lacks optical viewfinder
- -Lacks manual modes & RAW mode
Where to buy
Fujifilm FinePix F100fd
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Best Price:
$299
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Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR
This ultra compact camera packs in 10x zoom in its 1” thick shell. The camera is also equipped with latest super CCD EXR sensor. However at wide end of zoom the images are soft especially around the corners and aggressive noise reduction further obliterates fine details even at base ISO. The image quality improves as you zoom in. Good choice for someone who wants a closer picture from safe distance.
Among plenty of scene modes thee is unique “Pro Lowlight Mode”, wherein the camera will take burst of 4 high sensitivity images in quick succession. By Multi Frame Technology, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th images are overlapped to create one image with lower noise.
Pros
- +10x zoom in ultra-compact body
- +rich feature set
Cons
- -aggressive noise reduction even at base ISO
- -images lacks corner to corner sharpness especially at wide end of zoom
Where to buy
Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR
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Best Price:
$145
See It »
How It Works
You tell us your budget, intended uses, and desired features. We show you personalized recommendations from unbiased experts to quickly identify the best digital camera for you.
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