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  • BLOG

Canon SD980 IS Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Canon SD980 IS

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    Main Features

    • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
    • ISO 80 - 1600
    • 24-120 mm F2.8-5.9 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
    • 1.0fps continuous shooting
    • and HD at 30fps Video Recording
    • 150g. 100 x 53 x 23 mm
    • Also known as Digital IXUS 200 IS
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Canon SD980 IS Overview

    First introduced in August 2009 , Canon PowerShot SD980 IS is a 12.0MP Small Sensor Compact camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 5.0x zoom 24-120 mm F2.8-5.9 lens. SD980 IS is also sold as Digital IXUS 200 IS in some countries.

    Canon SD980 IS Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Canon SD980 IS is a member of Canon's Small Sensor Compact class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Canon Small Sensor Compact Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Canon S200
    Compare
    2014 10.0MP - 1/1.7' 2.0 fps 100 x 59 x 26mm 181g
    Canon N100
    Compare
    2014 12.0MP - 1/1.7-inch fps 105 x 68 x 36mm 289g
    Canon S120
    Compare
    2013 12.0MP - 1/1.7-inch 12.0 fps 100 x 59 x 29mm 217g
    Canon G16
    Compare
    2013 12.0MP - 1/1.7-inch 12.0 fps 109 x 76 x 40mm 356g
    Canon N Facebook ready
    Compare
    2013 12.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 2.0 fps 79 x 60 x 29mm 195g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Canon S200 vs N100 vs S120 vs G16 vs N Facebook ready


    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Canon SD980 IS PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Canon SD980 IS review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Touch Screen
    1/3000s High Shutter Speed
    150g Light Body
    Manual Exposure
    24mm Wide Angle Lens
    Fast 2.80 Lens at Wide
    Report a correction

    Buy Canon SD980 IS from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Full HD Video
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Low Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 1.600
    Only 9 Focus Points
    Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    No Manual Focusing
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90

    Report a correction


    Canon SD980 IS Physical Specs
    Canon SD980 IS weighs 150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz) and has external dimensions of 100 x 53 x 23 mm (3.94 x 2.09 x 0.91″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, Canon SD980 IS is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 23mm, it is also quite small, 5mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Canon SD980 IS
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Canon SD980 IS
    Min
    Average
    Max


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon SD980 IS, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Canon SD980 IS Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Canon SD980 IS Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Canon SD980 IS with its main competitors:

    Canon SD980 IS Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs SD980 IS Thickness vs SD980 IS
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Canon ELPH 190 IS
    Compare
    138g 12g lighter 24mm 1mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Canon SX720 HS
    Compare
    270g 120g heavier 36mm 13mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Canon S200
    Compare
    181g 31g heavier 26mm 3mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Canon SD1200 IS
    Compare
    160g 10g heavier 22mm 1mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Panasonic LF1
    Compare
    192g 42g heavier 28mm 5mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Fujifilm XF10
    Compare
    279g 129g heavier 41mm 18mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Canon S120
    Compare
    217g 67g heavier 29mm 6mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Canon ELPH 360 HS
    Compare
    147g 3g lighter 23mm equal thickness

    Weather Sealing

    Canon SD980 IS doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Canon SD980 IS Lens

    Canon SD980 IS features a 24-120 mm F2.8-5.9 5× zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end, while 120mm on the tele end means that the medium telephoto angle is also well covered, only lacking the reach for wildlife and sports.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    SD980 IS
    Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    SD980 IS
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    With a max aperture of f2.80, this lens is fast on wide end, but max aperture of f5.90 at tele end makes is really slow at longer focal lengths.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    SD980 IS
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    SD980 IS
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    SD980 IS is equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds.

    Canon SD980 IS Sensor and Photography Features

    Canon SD980 IS has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Digic 4 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. SD980 IS has a native ISO range of 80 - 1600 but unfortunately, Canon SD980 IS doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider or in the same price range.

    Canon SD980 IS is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero9 Black with its 23.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon SD980 IS vs GoPro Hero9 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Canon SD980 IS's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Canon SD980 IS Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Canon SD980 IS Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Canon SD980 IS LCD

    Canon SD980 IS has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

    LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

    Canon SD980 IS back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Canon PowerShot SD980 IS doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Compact Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    SD980 IS doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 (Lumix DMC-TZ100) (Compare) or Nikon Coolpix P7800 (Compare).
    Alternatively, check here the list of all Compact cameras with viewfinder..

    Canon SD980 IS Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect SD980 IS to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Canon SD980 IS Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Canon ELPH 190 IS
    Compare
    1280 x 720 190shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Canon SX720 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 250shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Canon S200
    Compare
    1280 x 720 200shots Yes No No
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Canon SD1200 IS
    Compare
    640 x 480 260shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Panasonic LF1
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 250shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Fujifilm XF10
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 330shots Yes Yes No
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Canon S120
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 230shots Yes No No
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Camera Canon ELPH 360 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 180shots Yes No Yes

    Canon SD980 IS Video Features

    With Canon SD980 IS, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30 fps and save in and H.264 formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

    SD980 IS has a built-in Mono microphone and a None speaker. On the other hand, Canon SD980 IS doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Compact Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Compact Cameras with Headphone Port

    Canon SD980 IS Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Canon SD980 IS can shoot continuously at max speed of 1 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/3000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately SD980 IS doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Canon SD980 IS features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

    What type of Photography is Canon SD980 IS Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Canon SD980 IS in 5 different photography areas.

    Canon SD980 IS for Portrait Photography

    Canon SD980 IS has a score of 23 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theSD980 IS.
    Image Stabilization
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SD980 IS for Portrait Photography

    Canon SD980 IS for Street Photography

    Canon SD980 IS has a score of 52 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Live-view
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Small Body
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SD980 IS for Street Photography

    Canon SD980 IS for Sports Photography

    Canon SD980 IS has a score of 18 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theSD980 IS.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Image Stabilization
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/3000s
    120 mm Tele Lens
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    9 Focus Points
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Flash Shoe
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SD980 IS for Sports Photography

    Canon SD980 IS for Daily Photography

    Canon SD980 IS has a score of 48 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    150g
    5.0X Optical Zoom
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SD980 IS for Daily Photography

    Canon SD980 IS for Landscape Photography

    Canon SD980 IS has a score of 20 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theSD980 IS.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SD980 IS for Landscape Photography
    Canon SD980 IS Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Canon SD980 IS compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Canon SD980 IS alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Canon SD980 IS

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon SD980 IS amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Canon ELPH 190 IS
    Canon ELPH 190 IS
    Compare
    Canon SX720 HS
    Canon SX720 HS
    Compare
    Canon S200
    Canon S200
    Compare
    Canon SD1200 IS
    Canon SD1200 IS
    Compare
    Panasonic LF1
    Panasonic LF1
    Compare
    Fujifilm XF10
    Fujifilm XF10
    Compare
    Canon S120
    Canon S120
    Compare
    Canon ELPH 360 HS
    Canon ELPH 360 HS
    Compare

    Canon SD980 IS Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Canon SD980 IS with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Canon SD980 IS's price range.

    Canon SD980 IS Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Canon SD980 IS has an Overall Score of 35/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Canon PowerShot SD980 IS is ranked #304 out of 631 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #902 out of 1242 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #902 out of 1242 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #304 out of 631 in Top Ranking Compact Cameras
    #85 out of 262 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Compact Cameras
    #400 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #202 out of 536 in Lightest Compact Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(150g)
    #591 out of 917 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon SD980 IS
    Does the Canon SD980 IS have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Canon SD980 IS have RAW support?
    Does the Canon SD980 IS have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Canon SD980 IS have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Canon SD980 IS?
    What is the Sensor Size of Canon SD980 IS?
    is the Canon SD980 IS a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Canon SD980 IS have Touch Screen?
    Does the Canon SD980 IS have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon SD980 IS?
    What is the Weight of Canon SD980 IS?
    What are the Dimensions of Canon SD980 IS?
    Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Canon
    Model Canon PowerShot SD980 IS
    Also known as Digital IXUS 200 IS
    Announced 2009-08-19
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 24-120 mm (5×)
    Max Aperture F2.8-5.9
    Macro Focus Range 3cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 230k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 15s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/3000s
    Continuous Shooting 1.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 6.50 m
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CCD
    Sensor Size 1/2.3-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 12 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000
    Max Native ISO 1,600
    Min Native ISO 80
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 9
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
    Video Formats H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 150g
    Physical Dimensions 100 x 53 x 23mm
    Battery Model NB-6L
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus, HC MMCplus
    Storage Slots 1


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