Compared to... Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3

The Panasonic FS3 was launched at the same time as the Canon SD1100, clearly with the same target group in mind. Both cameras feature an 8MP sensor and a 3x zoom (Canon 38-114mm equiv., Panasonic 33-100mm) in an ultra compact package. We have included samples for the lowest standard ISO settings and at ISO 400, 800 and 1600.

Studio scene comparison (SD1100 @ ISO 80, FS3 @ ISO 100)  

  • Canon SD1100 IS (Ixus 80 IS): Program mode, ISO 80, Default Image Parameters,
    Manual white balance, +0.67 EV compensation

  • Panasonic DMC-FS3: Program mode, ISO 100, Default Image Parameters,
    Manual white balance, +0.33 EV compensation
     
  • Lighting: Daylight simulation, >98% CRI
Canon SD1100 IS (Ixus 80 IS)
Panasonic DMC-FS3
ISO 80, 1/100 sec, F3.5
ISO 100, 1/125 sec, F3.2
3,218 KB JPEG
3,364 KB JPEG

Looking at the images it is clear that the Canon produces visibly sharper output. We are not talking about a massive amount of difference here - you would not notice it on a normal size print - but at a pixel level there is more detail to be found in the Canon image. The Canon also produces a slightly cleaner output with fewer processing artifacts (though it has to be said, the SD1100 IS is hardly producing the 'cleanest' output we've ever seen at a pixel level).

There is no significant fall-off in sharpness towards the edges of the frame on either of the two cameras. The colors are a little more vivid on the Panasonic but both cameras produce results that are perfectly usable 'out of the box'.