• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 14.7 megapixels
  • 36.00mm - 133.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SD990 IS advantages over Olympus SH-50

  • 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 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Thinner
    27 mm vs 42 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    160g vs 269g
    Lighter weight
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 17 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus SH-50 advantages over Canon SD990 IS

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • More telephoto lens reach
    600 mm vs 133 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    460k 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
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 36 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 1.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 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

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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

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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

Olympus SH-50
Sony DSC-W300
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus SH-50 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

Olympus SH-50
Panasonic DMC-FX150
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $400
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus SH-50 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

Olympus SH-50
Nikon S710
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $380
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus SH-50 vs Nikon S710

Compared to Olympus SZ-31MR

Canon SD990 IS
Olympus SZ-31MR
  • $400
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out

Compare Canon SD990 IS vs Olympus SZ-31MR

Olympus SH-50
Olympus SZ-31MR
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Olympus SH-50 vs Olympus SZ-31MR

Compared to Olympus SH-1

Canon SD990 IS
Olympus SH-1
  • $400
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon SD990 IS vs Olympus SH-1

Olympus SH-50
Olympus SH-1
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Olympus SH-50 vs Olympus SH-1

Compare Other Cameras?