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Canon SD980IS PowerShot 12.1MP Digital Camera Silver — main product image
Canon

Canon SD980IS PowerShot 12.1MP Digital Camera Silver

★★★★★4.4 (124 reviews)

Compact 12.1MP point-and-shoot with touch-panel LCD, 24mm wide-angle lens, and 720p HD video recording.

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Overview

The Canon PowerShot SD980IS is a slim, pocket-friendly point-and-shoot camera built around a 12.1-megapixel sensor and a versatile 5x optical zoom lens with a 24–120mm equivalent range. The ultra-wide 24mm starting focal length is a standout feature, allowing you to capture expansive landscapes, group shots, and interior spaces without stepping back. Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer works to counteract hand shake across the zoom range, helping maintain sharpness in challenging lighting conditions. The camera's Smart AUTO system analyzes each scene and automatically selects the optimal shooting mode, making it approachable for users who prefer not to tinker with manual settings.

The 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD with touch-panel functionality sets the SD980IS apart from many compacts of its generation. You can tap to set focus points, swipe through images, and navigate menus without relying solely on physical buttons. The camera also records 720p HD video, adding basic video capability for casual clips. Housed in a polished silver metal body, the SD980IS is designed to slip easily into a pocket or small bag, making it a practical everyday carry for capturing spontaneous moments in decent quality.

Specifications

Brand
Canon
Model
SD980IS
Resolution
12.1 Megapixels
Optical Zoom
5x (24–120mm equivalent)
LCD Screen
3.0-inch PureColor System Touch Panel
Video Recording
720p HD
Image Stabilization
Optical Image Stabilizer
Scene Modes
Smart AUTO
Color
Silver

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Ultra-wide 24mm lens captures more of the scene than most compact cameras in its class
  • Touch-panel LCD provides an intuitive, smartphone-like interface for menu navigation and focus selection
  • Optical Image Stabilizer helps produce sharp images in low light or while zoomed in
  • Slim, pocketable metal body makes it easy to carry everywhere
  • Smart AUTO scene detection removes guesswork for casual shooters

👎 Cons

  • 720p HD video falls short of the 1080p recording found on competing compacts
  • 12.1 megapixels on a small sensor can produce noticeable noise at higher ISO settings
  • The touchscreen interface may feel sluggish compared to physical button controls
  • No RAW file support limits post-processing flexibility for advanced users

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it features a 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD with touch-panel operation, allowing you to navigate menus, select focus points, and browse photos by touch.
The camera has a 5x optical zoom with a 24–120mm equivalent lens, starting at an ultra-wide 24mm focal length that captures more of the scene than typical compact cameras.
Yes, it records 720p HD video. However, it does not shoot full 1080p HD.
Yes, it includes Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer, which physically shifts lens elements to counteract hand shake for sharper photos and steadier video.
Smart AUTO analyzes the scene and automatically selects the best shooting mode and settings from multiple scene types, so you can point and shoot without adjusting settings manually.

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