Canon PowerShot SD990 IS has a 1/1.7-inch sensor with dimensions of 7.44 x 5.58 mm and sensor area of 41.52mm2.
Canon SD990 IS's sensor is 41% larger than the average Compact sensor in its class. In cases where all the other parameters are the same between two cameras, the one with the larger sensor collects more light per pixel and performs better (less noise) in low light / High ISO conditions . Larger sensors also give the photographer more control on the depth of field.
Read our detailed Canon SD990 IS Review