Canon PowerShot SD980IS 12MP Digital Camera (Silver)

I certainly agree with the reviewers who have been saying the SD980IS produces fine pictures, but not in automatic mode. However, my review is less forgiving. If I buy a PowerShot, I expect it to perform well in ALL modes. I typically prefer to shoot in the manual modes, but there are times when I really like to go fully automatic and not think about settings.

I kept hoping there would be some type of firmware update that would tweak the settings in the automatic mode, but none have been produced yet. In auto mode, the picture quality is the lowest I've seen for any PowerShot, 8MP or greater. I tend to upgrade my pocket camera every year. I don't know if it is something unique to the sensor used in this camera or is a firmware issue.

I've traded my SD980IS for the Canon Powershot SD990IS 14.7MP Digital Camera with 3.7x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver). I was worried, because I was afraid it was an issue with the DIGIC 4 technology, but the pictures with the SD990IS are great in ALL modes.

However, the touchscreen features of the 980IS are fun to use and I like the ease for using the focus features it allows. Intuitive. Also, the VIDEO quality is excellent. Would like to combine the touchscreen features of the SD980IS with the picture quality of the SD990IS.

Recieved the Camera on 23 Jan 2010 and less than a week later it no longer functioned. An error message "Memory Card Error" appeared on the camera and after trouble shooting the problem and reviewing it online - it requires a service center repair for an apparent product defect. Since I travel abroad alot and it failed in London, I figured I would look up the Canon repair center in London and get it fixed - not quite so, the warranty is not valid outside the US. So I'm returning it and my suggestion is stear clear of any and all Canon products. Truly an eye opening experience with a manufacturer I use to have a lot of respect for - not any more.

I received this little camera well-packaged from Amazon, as always they are the customers' best friend. The 980 is made in Japan, and it is a marvel of technology. I have had digital cameras since the late 1990's and had thought this would be my best camera ever. Not the case.
After preparing the camera, I began to take test shots to learn the features. Quickly found that my grownup man's hands had a real challenge holding this little device. I really found no comfortable, natural way to hold it. Not kidding.
720p video is very nice, good for short movies on the go. I have a Canon SD camcorder, which is much more appropriate for video. I then took lots of still pictures, they stunk. I read the entire manual on pdf and picture taking didn't improve. Then, per advice from reviews here, set to the 2nd highest MP setting (8MP) and tried all the scene types. Tons of blurry pictures. Had an anole (small salamander) on the front porch and this camera would not focus no matter what, even in macro. Also, I could not accurately slide the teeny tiny buttons. Last straw was a vertical purplish series of bands that would appear whenever there was indirect sunlight present in the frame. I could not make this camera work for stills and after 6 days, returned the unit. This guy was miserable with the 980.
As a note, I am a major fan of Canon so I bought an A1100 PowerShot instead. After using it for a while now, it gets 5 stars for super pictures, ease of use (and holding!), and exceptional value.

My previous compact digital camera was the Canon Powershot SD1000. This camera had very good picture quality. After I gifted that camera I was in the lookout for a good P&S. The SD940 really caught my eye due to its size and generally positive reviews. I returned that camera because I was not satisfied with its picture quality. My search continued and I found the SD980 at a very good price. I was a little hesitant to buy it because of average reviews here, but nevertheless I thought I'll give it a try. Boy am I glad that I did.

Pros:

1. Initially I thought that the touchscreen was just a gimmick and not really that useful. Now, I have gotten so used to the touchscreen that I find myself swiping the screen on non touchscreen cameras. The touchscreen helps a lot while focusing, changing settings, reviewing, etc.
2. The wide angle zoom (24-120mm on 35mm equivalent) is a really useful feature while taking landscape photos. The zoom lens has decent reach at 5x optical zoom.
3. Low light pictures. I have been able to get several excellent pictures during the night with the slow synchro flash setting. The Image Stabilization is pretty good allowing to take pictures at low shutter speeds with good clarity.
4. Very good Auto mode. But, if you do decide to get this camera I would recommend to go beyond the Auto mode and explore the different options to get the best possible picture. The auto mode is generally good, but in challenging situations (like low light) you need to adjust a few parameters to get the best results.


Cons:

None I can think of

I bought this for my wife and was pleased that it comes in a pink (my daughter favorite color) instead of the traditional colors.
Its so simple even my 4 year old already knows how to use it. If you are an iPhone user the touch screen is familiar.