• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 29.00mm - 145.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-FS15 advantages over Canon SD980 IS

  • Less expensive
    $200 vs $330 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    145 mm vs 120 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.7 fps vs 0.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon SD980 IS advantages over Panasonic DMC-FS15

  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.3
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.46 vs 0.90 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 29 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 3 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/3000 vs 1/2000 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
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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 Fujifilm J150w

Panasonic DMC-FS15
Fujifilm J150w
  • $200
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More pixels
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
Canon SD980 IS
Fujifilm J150w
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FS25S

Panasonic DMC-FS15
Panasonic DMC-FS25S
  • $200
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $175
  • 1/2.33 inch
Canon SD980 IS
Panasonic DMC-FS25S
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • HDMI out
  • $175
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX48S

Panasonic DMC-FS15
Panasonic DMC-FX48S
  • $200
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Wider angle lens
Canon SD980 IS
Panasonic DMC-FX48S
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Faster shutter
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Longer exposure

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX580S

Panasonic DMC-FS15
Panasonic DMC-FX580S
  • $200
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $303
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Wider angle lens
Canon SD980 IS
Panasonic DMC-FX580S
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • HDMI out
  • $303
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Longer exposure

Compared to Fujifilm J250W

Panasonic DMC-FS15
Fujifilm J250W
  • $200
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels
  • $100
  • 1/2.3 inch
Canon SD980 IS
Fujifilm J250W
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $100
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
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