The ELPH with the most megapixels: The new PowerShot SD990 IS

(Credit: Canon)

The Canon PowerShot SD990 IS replaces the SD950 IS, which we thought pushed limits with its 12 megapixels. Canon obviously thought different, opting to drive the PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH up to 14.7 megapixels. That's a lot of resolution for a camera that's still small enough to fit in a shirt pocket.

Along with a sporty new design, the SD990 IS uses Canon's latest image processor, DIGIC 4. The processor is apparently what we can thank for Servo AF, "a form of continuous focus tracking for moving subjects," as well as Intelligent Contrast Correction and enhanced face detection features.

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(Credit: Canon)

Other specs include a 3.7x, 36-133mm-equivalent lens, optical image stabilization, and a 2.5-inch LCD.

Look for it in October for $399. It'll be available in black, silver, and a special-edition red version commemorating the manufacture of the 100 millionth PowerShot camera.

[johnwest72]

Are you sure it's the biggest, and not just the densest? Big would imply physical dimensions, which is more than just semantics. I truly larger sensor means that each pixel gets more light, making it better suited to many picture-taking scenarios. More pixels simply means that each pixel is smaller, although there are constant improvements in the electronics between sensors.

If it's truly the biggest sensor in Canon's line, I'm interested. If not, well, I don't need more pixels crammed into the same space.

[joshua.goldman]

The SD990 and the SD950 share the same size sensor, and they are the largest in the line. So yes, it appears at least at the spec level, it's just crammed with more megapixels in the same space, making it both the biggest and the densest. I adjusted my language though to be more specific. (One of the hazards to writing late at night. ;) )

[Genalee0222]

Hi, I just ordered a Canon G10, and now I'm thinking that maybe I should have gone with the SD990! I mostly take pictures of my kids, but I want the pictures to be a decent quality! Any thoughts??