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Introduction
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01.Physical Tour
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02.Components
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03.Design / Layout
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04.Modes
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05.Control Options
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06.Conclusion
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07.Specs / Ratings
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08.Comments
Canon PowerShot SD990
Previous: Page 2
ComponentsNext: Page 4
ModesModel Design / Appearance
The best way to describe the Canon PowerShot SD990 IS is curvy and cute. It's not sexy in a way that will turn heads, but the undulating curves on the front of the camera give it some style. It's available in either silver or black.
Size and Handling
Measuring 3.81 x 2.45 x 1.1 inches (97 x 62 x 28mm) and weighing in at 5.64 ounces (160g), the Canon PowerShot SD990 IS handles better than most compact point-and-shoots. It's not as small as the tiny compacts that get lost in the palm of your hand -- you actually have something to hold onto with this camera. We are concerned, though, that those with larger hands may find their fingers will easily reach across the front to the lens. The camera should fit comfortably into any bag or jacket pocket, and unless your jeans are super-tight, it will cause only a slight bulge in your pants pocket.
You can see that the SD990 IS fits comfortably into your hand.
As we've seen on other Canon cameras the SD990 IS has two menu interfaces. The main menu is accessed by hitting the dedicated Menu button below the 4-way controller and presents a tabbed interface. Unlike higher-end Canon cameras like the G10 or SX10 IS there is no favorites menu on the SD990 IS for items that you want to access quickly.
Most of the main functions you'll want to adjust, however, lie in the Function Set menu. This can be accessed by hitting the center select button of the 4-way controller, providing access to White Balance, My Colors, Flash Output, Metering, Quality and Size. When in manual mode you can also control Exposure Compensation in Program mode and Shutter Speed and Aperture in full Manual mode.
Ease of Use
The Canon PowerShot SD990 IS is a relatively simple camera that's targeted at the average user, but still offers a couple of manual controls that you usually only see on higher-end devices. Put the camera into Auto mode or choose the appropriate scene mode and you can comfortably put the camera in cruise control with good results. If you do feel like getting fancy and playing with shutter speed, ISO or Aperture settings, those options are available in the manual mode. If extensive manual controls are near and dear to your heart, though, other Canon models, such as the G10 or SX10 IS, offer a much fuller range of options.
Shop for the Canon PowerShot SD990
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