| |
Canon PowerShot SD990 IS reviews
You can find here the most interesting reviews / ratings from the well-known expert sites about the Canon PowerShot SD990 IS Camera. Here are the reviewers:
|
- 09 August 2009 - |
|
- 4 |
|
- 26 June 2009 - |
|
- 0 |
|
- 13 May 2009 - |
|
- 4.5 |
|
- 05 February 2009 - |
|
- 4 |
|
- 15 January 2009 - |
|
- 4.5 |
|
- 15 January 2009 - |
|
- 3.5 |
|
- 12 January 2009 - |
|
- 0 |
|
- 15 December 2008 - |
|
- 4.5 |
|
- 27 November 2008 - |
|
- 0 |
|
- 29 October 2008 - |
|
- 0 |
CameraLabs 's conclusion / rating - 09 August 2009 |
“ As we said at the top, Canon’s Digital IXUS 980 IS / PowerShot SD990 IS is a good solid compact camera with some strong features which allow it to stand out in the crowd not to mention within Canon’s own broad range. It may not be the newest model, but still features the highest resolution sensor of any IXUS / ELPH to date, and is still the only one with manual control over exposure. Add an optical viewfinder which greatly extends battery life and you’ve got a compelling camera.
But you have to think carefully about how useful these benefits will be for you in practice, and whether a model with a different feature-set will be more appropriate. Having 14.7 Megapixels in a compact body sounds impressive but in our tests it offered little benefit over a good 12 Megapixel model. The manual control may allow you to make massive under or over-exposures for special effect, but like most other compacts, don’t expect to achieve a shallow depth-of-field by simply opening the aperture. And while the optical viewfinder will definitely extend your battery life, the tiny view and lower accuracy compared to the screen will put some people off.
Even if you do find all of these benefits useful though, there’s the undeniable nagging feeling about paying for a flagship compact which doesn’t have wide angle coverage, a big screen or HD movies. Of the three models compared above, two have a bigger screen, two have HD movies, and one has a wider lens. There’s still no single model that offers it all from Canon yet, but you’ll undoubtedly find one combination of features more useful than another.
If high resolution, an optical viewfinder and manual control tick your particular boxes though, then the IXUS 980 IS / SD990 IS is a fine choice and comes Recommended. It does however miss out on our top award due to its lack of HD movies and true wide angle coverage... ”
Complete review here
Imaging Resource 's conclusion / rating - 26 June 2009 |
“ Despite our quibbles about image quality from its 14.7-megapixel sensor, the Canon PowerShot SD990 IS is a good quality digital camera overall. Corners are soft at full wide angle, with chromatic aberration, but that's to be expected in cameras of this size. Image quality is better at middle and telephoto focal lengths. Barrel distortion is moderate at wide angle, though almost non-existent at telephoto. Color from the Canon PowerShot SD990 IS is bright and vibrant, with only slight oversaturation in some reds and still pleasing. Luminance noise is a little high even at low ISOs, with soft detail as low as ISO 80. Cycle times are a little slow (not a surprise considering the amount of data coming off the sensor), but shutter lag is good. Lens flare also makes bright objects glow a little more than we like to see, a new problem we don't normally see from Canon cameras.
Printed results wipe out a lot of those criticisms. The lens flare is an issue at larger sizes, but becomes less noticeable at 8x10-inch print sizes. Luminance noise at lower ISOs is also not visible at even 13x19-inch print sizes, thanks to the 14.7-megapixel sensor.
As for functionality, the Canon SD990 is a great companion that breaks the ELPH mold with a Manual mode that lets you set shutter speed and aperture independently of each other. The Servo AF tracking of moving subjects is a refinement with real benefits, as is the improved face detection. And while the 14.7-megapixel sensor may have some issues, it does still bring home details you wouldn't have seen with your naked eye... ”
Imaging Resource's rating: |
|
- 0 |
Complete review here
TrustedReviews 's conclusion / rating - 13 May 2009 |
“ The Canon IXUS 980 IS exemplifies just why Canon is so highly regarded as a brand. It is a superb camera, built up to a standard rather than down to a price, combining stylish but functional design, superior build quality, class-leading performance, a useful and accessible range of features and outstanding picture quality. It is very expensive, but if you want top quality you have to pay for it... ”
TrustedReviews's rating: |
|
- 4.5 |
Complete review here
ePhotozine 's conclusion / rating - 05 February 2009 |
“ The results I got from the IXUS 980IS are good quality, colourful and sharp. Exactly what I expected, but does that mean that it's reliable or predictable? That depends on your own perception of the results.
I don't like the portrait shots but I think for the resolution, the noise results are great. I had fun taking photographs with it, I found that with the wheel I can take pictures faster and I even enjoyed taking the product shots of the IXUS because of its cool design.
I think if you're well and truly bowled over by resolution and you have to have a prestige compact then this is a camera that will fit those needs. Bear in mind that the larger file sizes mean your cards fill up quicker unless you buy larger ones. They're not that expensive these days but it's worth considering... ”
Complete review here
RegHardware 's conclusion / rating - 15 January 2009 |
“ There’s a lot to like about the Digital Ixus 980 IS, not least its ability to produce really good images. There’s enough automation to help the beginner produce good results and enough manual control to satisfy many enthusiasts who don’t want to step up to a DSLR. After the disappointing performances of the 960 and 970, Canon is back on track... ”
RegHardware's rating: |
|
- 4.5 |
Complete review here
CNET 's conclusion / rating - 15 January 2009 |
“ In the end, there's nothing seriously wrong with the SD990 IS, particularly if you're buying it for the photo quality and its compact design. On the other hand, most, if not all, the Digital Elphs offer similar quality. The Quick Shot mode turned out to be more useful than I initially thought; you just have to be aware that the viewfinder isn't giving you nearly 100 percent of the picture. And unless you really want the limited manual options and a viewfinder, the SD880 IS is a better option... ”
Complete review here
DigitalCameraReview 's conclusion / rating - 12 January 2009 |
“ The secret to Canon's dominance in the world of small cameras is really no secret at all: the PowerShot line has long been perceived to offer both performance and image quality that are superior to anything else out there. And the SD990 exemplifies the design ethos that has fueled this idea: for a camera in this price class, the SD990 doesn't have a lot of flashy features. Premium construction and a few crucial upgrades aside, it's a back-to-basics ultracompact that serves up straightforward performance that's easy to manage.
But what happens when the image quality isn't quite so obviously superior? That's the dilemma faced by potential SD990 buyers. For all of this camera's performance successes, the images are, to put the matter plainly, a little ragged looking at 100 percent view. The argument that most shooters will never need to take advantage of all of the SD990's 14.7 million pixels notwithstanding, the fact is that while you get all of the disadvantages of huge resolution (better stock up on memory cards...), you really don't get any image quality advantage here when compared to Canon's excellent 10 megapixel SD models.
With the same sensor as the G10, the SD990 suffers from many of the same image quality concerns, though a weaker lens on this model only further serves to soften things up at the pixel level. Of course, the SD990 also does a lot of things right: it has a great focus system, decent exposure control, and processing that's pure Canon. But on images alone, the SD990 doesn't seem to live up to the full potential that might have been realized had Canon opted for less resolution... ”
DigitalCameraReview's rating: |
|
- 0 |
Complete review here
PhotographyBLOG 's conclusion / rating - 15 December 2008 |
“ The Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS / PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH is the current flagship of the IXUS / ELPH range, and the first to offer a true manual mode. While the range of f-stops selectable at any given focal length is rather restricted, probably due to the lack of a proper iris diaphragm, the 45 distinct shutter speeds and 6 different ISO settings still leave enough room for manoeuvre. Canon have also implemented a live histogram in this model, making it easy to nail the exposure in most situations. Watching the live histogram and optionally engaging the new i-Contrast feature to lift the shadows can also ensure that you get good shadow and highlight detail in all but the most contrasty light. The inclusion of a Servo AF mode promises increased chances to take sharp, well-focused photographs of moving subjects, be it a hyperactive child or the neighbour's dog. If you don't mind using the small viewfinder, you can further improve these chances by selecting the new Quick Shot mode, which turned out to work better than I expected.
If there are any criticisms that can be leveled against the Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS, they mostly concern the lens. The flagship IXUS would have deserved a wider zoom that also provides more uniform sharpness across the frame and the zoom range. A 36mm equivalent wide-angle doesn't seem enough these days, and the extensive corner softness and barrel distortion at this setting effectively mean that you are best off using this camera in the telephoto range. There, however, it is capable of producing a truly jaw-dropping amount of detail, with good sharpness across the frame, making it the ideal choice for those who want huge prints – at least at or near base sensitivity. And to be fair, the IXUS 980 IS does at least partially make up for the lack of a wide-angle lens by offering a highly useful Stitch Assist mode for those who are into panoramic shooting. As with other small-sensor compacts, high ISO performance isn't the strong point of the camera, though even the highest settings can be okay when you are shooting for smaller prints.
In summary, the Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS / PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH can be highly recommended to DSLR owners who are in the need of a second camera that they can take along even when their main 'workhorse' has to stay at home, and also to beginners who want an easy-to-use point-and-shoot that can 'grow' with them as their photography skills improve... ”
PhotographyBLOG's rating: |
|
- 4.5 |
Complete review here
DPInterface 's conclusion / rating - 27 November 2008 |
“ The 14.7 megapixel Canon PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH sounds like the most perfect compact camera ever made. High resolution, good battery life, optical image stabilization and a full manual mode with flash control and manual focus; all packed into a pocketable camera with a solid, stylish design which stands out from the crowd (You really will get weird looks when you hold up a dented-looking camera… but it’s all part of the design).
The SD990 IS Digital ELPH is a small camera which is easy to operate and hold. The camera is small and will go anywhere with you, but not tiny or excessively thin – so it is easier to get a steady grip on the camera. You’ll get a 2.5 inch LCD display on the back which is both sharp and viewable in all sorts of conditions. In a world of cameras with 3 inch screens and phones with displays even larger than that, the SD990’s LCD may seem a little small in comparison but I don’t have any issues with that.
For conserving power, being stealthy or feeling retro, there’s an optical viewfinder at your disposal on the SD990 IS Digital ELPH – a rarity that’s just about gone on compact cameras of this size nowadays. Just be careful not to bump the command dial on the back though... ”
DPInterface's rating: |
|
- 0 |
Complete review here
Steves Digicams 's conclusion / rating - 29 October 2008 |
“ Canon's PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH is a great ultra-compact model that is stuffed with high-end features. For those of you who want the latest and greatest of technologies, all packed tightly in a small body that can be tossed into your pocket, the SD990 might just be the ticket. With robust performance, above average image quality, and loads of exposure modes, this camera is sure to be popular with everyone in your household or office. With a street price of US$379 or less, this model is at the higher end of the ultra-compact category. However, with the technologies, functions, and performance this little digicam boasts, we still feel the SD990 IS offers great "bang for your buck". One accessory we strongly suggest is at least a 2GB or larger SD/SDHC memory card, considering that the file sizes of these 14.7-megapixel images is between 5.5-8MB each... ”
Steves Digicams's rating: |
|
- 0 |
Complete review here
|
|
Comments (3)
Video reviews (2)
Camera info
Digg
del.icio.us
Reddit
Google
Home
Simulator