Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS Review
(also known as the PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH)
Review Date: December 15th 2008
Author: Zoltan Arva-Toth
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Conclusion
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Ratings
(out of 5) |
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| Design | 4.5 |
| Features | 4.5 |
| Ease-of-Use | 4 |
| Image Quality | 4 |
| Value for Money | 4 |
The Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS / PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH is the current flagship of the IXUS / ELPH range, and the first to offer a true manual mode.� While the range of f-stops selectable at any given focal length is rather restricted, probably due to the lack of a proper iris diaphragm, the 45 distinct shutter speeds and 6 different ISO settings still leave enough room for manoeuvre. Canon have also implemented a live histogram in this model, making it easy to nail the exposure in most situations. Watching the live histogram and optionally engaging the new i-Contrast feature to lift the shadows can also ensure that you get good shadow and highlight detail in all but the most contrasty light. The inclusion of a Servo AF mode promises increased chances to take sharp, well-focused photographs of moving subjects, be it a hyperactive child or the neighbour's dog. If you don't mind using the small viewfinder, you can further improve these chances by selecting the new Quick Shot mode, which turned out to work better than I expected.
If there are any criticisms that can be leveled against the Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS, they mostly concern the lens. The flagship IXUS would have deserved a wider zoom that also provides more uniform sharpness across the frame and the zoom range. A 36mm equivalent wide-angle doesn't seem enough these days, and the extensive corner softness and barrel distortion at this setting effectively mean that you are best off using this camera in the telephoto range. There, however, it is capable of producing a truly jaw-dropping amount of detail, with good sharpness across the frame, making it the ideal choice for those who want huge prints � at least at or near base sensitivity. And to be fair, the IXUS 980 IS does at least partially make up for the lack of a wide-angle lens by offering a highly useful Stitch Assist mode for those who are into panoramic shooting. As with other small-sensor compacts, high ISO performance isn't the strong point of the camera, though even the highest settings can be okay when you are shooting for smaller prints.
In summary, the� Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS / PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH can be highly recommended to DSLR owners who are in the need of a second camera that they can take along even when their main 'workhorse' has to stay at home, and also to beginners who want an easy-to-use point-and-shoot that can 'grow' with them as their photography skills improve.
The Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS review unit has been kindly provided for this test by http://www.ccsfoto.hu/
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