Canon PowerShot SD980 IS
Canon PowerShot SD980 IS
1
Hey! You should know that Canon has released a newer version of this product: the Canon PowerShot ELPH 500 HS.
Canon PowerShot SD980 IS
Editor's Review
The SD980 is out of production and the cost is seeing a typical late-life spike. Check out a newer model, like the Canon ELPH 500 instead. Here's what we had to say about the SD980 in September 2009:
A small step up from the SD940, the Canon SD980 IS is a compact digital camera with a high-definition movie mode capable of shooting video in 720p resolution. It has a 12-megapixel sensor and slightly above-average 5x optical zoom.
Editor's Review
The SD980 is out of production and the cost is seeing a typical late-life spike. Check out a newer model, like the Canon ELPH 500 instead. Here's what we had to say about the SD980 in September 2009:
A small step up from the SD940, the Canon SD980 IS is a compact digital camera with a high-definition movie mode capable of shooting video in 720p resolution. It has a 12-megapixel sensor and slightly above-average 5x optical zoom.
Specifications
- 12.1 megapixels
- 5x optical zoom, 24mm wide-angle lens
- "Smart AUTO" mode
- HD movie mode (720p resolution)
- HDMI output
- 3.0-inch LCD display
- SD/SDHC memory storage
- Part Number: SD980ISSILVER
- UPC: 4960999650593
- Release Date: Sep 15, 2009
Shop for SD980 Accessories
Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Comments & Questions (write your own!)
Saving zoomed images (Sue Murdock — 11/08/2010)
When viewing images in the camera and you zoom in on an image, how do you save the zoomed image prior to downloading it into the computer?
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briana (06/13/2010)
does this zoom while u take video?
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by James DeRuvo (06/17/2010)
Only digitally, unfortunately. Better to just optically zoom to where you want it and then hit record.
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Which camera is better 960 or 980?? (Sharon — 05/03/2010)
what should i get a sd960 or sd980?? the 980 is more expensive and looks like a better camera but seems like pple are happier with the 960??
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by James DeRuvo (05/03/2010)
They're essentially the same camera. The 980 probably has a wider, faster lens. You can go to Canonusa.com and select "choose the right product" to compare them side by side. ONly you can decide if the subtle differences will be worth the higher pricetag. But if all you're doing is going for capturing the kodak moment, the SD960 is just as good.
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GPS (Gloria — 04/17/2010)
iPhoto has GPS capability and we travel all over the world. Makes descriptions so much easier when it tells me exactly where the picture was taken. Which cameras have this capability?
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by James DeRuvo (04/21/2010)
Well, with the Eye-Fi Geo SD card, it doesn't matter, and it's an ideal companion to iPhoto. While taking the image, the card logs time and GPS coordinates.
But there's a few Nikon's that also have the capability.
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But there's a few Nikon's that also have the capability.
Gloria (04/21/2010)
I'll pick one up. Thanks for the info.
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Does this camera have a superfine mode? There are reports that there's only normal and fine. (alexg313 — 12/17/2009)
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by James DeRuvo (12/18/2009)
The specs ( usa.canon.com/consumer/cont... ) are pretty clear, only Fine and Normal. Several different modes, but only two quality settings.
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alexg313 (12/18/2009)
Thanks, you're right the specs are pretty clear, but for some reason sites such as this one: dpreview.com/reviews/compar... that superfine is indeed available on this camera. In any case, thanks.
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Which is best memory card for the SD980? (grambrla — 12/16/2009)
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by James DeRuvo (12/17/2009)
I prefer Sandisk. But what's really attracting me of late are the EyeFi cards. They have both wireless and GPS capability built in. Great features.
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grambrla (12/17/2009)
I need to know about a memory card that will have the best speed of loading up the picture you've just taken. Do you know about that?
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by James DeRuvo (12/18/2009)
Well, Class 6 is the current speed standard, and usually refers to read/write speeds. San Disk makes good ones.
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any problems not having a viewfinder? (erinshell76 — 11/04/2009)
The Canon SD980 IS looks like a camera I might be interested in but I see it does not have a view finder. Are there any difficulties because of that? I will be using it for primarily outdoor photos where it may be quite bright out and perhaps too hard to see the LCD display.
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (11/05/2009)
Personally, I prefer having a viewfinder as all a larger LCD does is kill my battery faster. That and in bright ambient light, there's trouble seeing the LCD properly. A viewfinder eliminates all that.
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Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Reviews
Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 1.0 out of 5
Gimmicks versus Function
(YankeeM — 03/03/2011)
Hi,
My PS SD980 IS was provided as an alternate for a Canon that could not be repaired due to lack of parts. I did not have a choice in this offering.
The SD980 IS has NO VIEW FINDER and that leaves the photographer the only option in viewing the image on the display....and there lies the major problem which becomes several problems. The display takes up almost all the rear of the camera....and there is almost no place to put your fingers when holding it. Also, one must really be on the ball with taking the picture as it needs a real serious analysis if your framed image on the display is what you want....a view finder is far more precise in this respect. The display is not as protected as what you might find on a Kodak or others, as they are somewhat framed by the camera structure..resulting in less exposure to damage.
The "novelty" of tipping your SD 980 end to end to scroll pics.....and the delete function which can be done by "fingering" the display to get an icon, can be laborous and often incomplete....over and over again. It's not foolproof and requires one to really "handle" this device.....it's frustrating and would be better served with a "delete" button, period.
The NO VIEWFINDER aspect of this camera is the real problem overall....and I would not recommend anyone to buy this camera for any price. Canon is tops in so many areas, that it surprised me that it didn't have the usual "tried and proven" personality that I'm used to. Management needs a swift kick on this one.
