Canon IXUS 990 IS vs Panasonic Lumix DMC FX550 Comparison
Canon IXUS 990 IS
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX550
The Canon IXUS 990 IS and the Panasonic Lumix DMC FX550 are two of the most expensive compact digital cameras on the market. They will both fit into larger pockets, but are larger than the more slimline digital cameras.
Basic Specification
Canon IXUS 990 IS
12 megapixels
5x Optical Zoom
3 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus: 2cm
Dimensions: 94.8 x 56.8 x 26.3mm
Weight: 160g
High Definition Movies
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX550
12 megapixels
5x wide angle optical zoom
3 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus 5cm
Dimensions: 94.9 x 57.1 x 26mm
Weight: 145g
High Definition Movies
Features
The Lumix DMC FX550 is a clear winner when it comes to features. To start with the 3 inch screen allows some options to be set through touch control. Next up are manual exposure controls including shutter priority and aperture priority. While these will not appeal to everyone they will be a big attraction to many, especially as they are quite rare on this size of digital camera. Another advantage for some people is that the lens has wide angle capabilities. This is great for landscape shots and other photo opportunities where you are looking to squeeze in a wide scene.
Panasonic and Canon both build a feature into their cameras allowing you to increase the amount of zoom available to you when shooting at lower resolutions. Another bonus of shooting at lower resolutions is that it can also save space on a memory card. You also need to be aware that Canon does not supply a memory card with the IXUS 990 IS. If you do not already own an SD or SDHC card you will need to add this to your budget.
Design
Whether or not you like the way a camera looks is down to personal taste. I really like the look of the IXUS 990 IS and the camera gives the impression of a very high standard of build quality. The camera certainly stands out from the crowd. The cameras are more or less identical in size with the IXUS 990 IS being slightly heavier at 160g as opposed to 145g.
Start Up and Shutter Lag
It's a case of swings and roundabouts. The IXUS 990 IS has an edge when it comes to start up times and shutter delay without flash. When flash is turned on the tables are turned and the Lumix DMC FX550 has a significant advantage.
Power Supply
Both cameras run on lithium ion batteries. Batteries and chargers are supplied as standard.
Picture Quality
In my view the IXUS 990 IS has an advantage here. The picture quality provided by the Lumix DMC FX550 is very good, but the Canon model had the edge in my tests.
Ease of Use
This will depend on how many of the available features you use. Both cameras have more features than the typical smaller, compact camera. Taking into account the manual exposure controls the IXUS 990 IS is that bit easier to use.
Verdict
At the time of writing this comparison the Canon IXUS 990 IS about £:30 more expensive than the Panasonic Lumix DMC FX550. For me this does make a difference. If you are bowled over by the looks and style offered by the Canon model and that bit bitter picture quality is all important then be prepared to pay the premium for the IXUS 990 IS. In my view the Lumix DMC FX550 offers better value for money, especially if you like the idea of the manual exposure controls.
Product Shots
Front View
Canon IXUS 990 IS
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX550
Back View
Canon IXUS 990 IS
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX550
Top View
Canon IXUS 990 IS
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX550
