Canon PowerShot SD960IS 12.1MP Digital Camera

The Canon PowerShot SD960IS is a compact digital camera built around a 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor paired with a 4x optical zoom lens that starts at a useful 28mm wide angle. That wide starting focal length gives it a meaningful advantage over many point-and-shoot cameras of its era, allowing users to capture broader scenes, fit larger groups into the frame, and shoot in tighter indoor spaces without stepping back. Canon's optical image stabilization works continuously to counteract hand movement, helping to keep images sharp when shooting in lower light or at the telephoto end of the zoom range.

The camera features a 2.8-inch widescreen PureColor LCD II display that provides a clear view for composing and reviewing shots, along with Canon's face detection technology for quick and accurate portrait focusing. HD movie recording adds basic video capability, and the HDMI output allows direct playback on a television. Compatible with SD, SDHC, and several MMC card formats, the SD960IS offers flexible storage options. Its slim, pocketable metal body made it a popular everyday carry camera, and while it has been surpassed by smartphone cameras in many scenarios, it still appeals to users who prefer the ergonomics, optical zoom, and image stabilization of a dedicated compact camera.