Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS Camera - Black (14.7MP, 3.7x Optical Zoom) 2.5 inch PureColor LCD II Viewfinder

Hats off to Canon for cramming into the tiny body of this mini-computer all that they have managed to. What is more - it is capable of capturing excellent images as well, if handled in accordance with the book of instructions. This is obvious in every review, commenting further on this aspect will be sheer duplication. To be able to explore every single one of its capabilities demands a lifetime, both of the camera as well as that of the owner. Canon - you certainly CAN! (Sample images: 'Customers' images'.)
As the computerized capabilities of digital cameras multiply by the hour - the manuals are no longer instruction booklets but more reference books needing to be referred to from time to time throughout the life of the camera........BUT WHERE IS IT??
Admittedly the accompanying discs are very comprehensive and easy to use - BUT:
There are digital camera users who do not own computer or have full time access to one and for this category of people, this excellent piece of equipment (or any other CANON digital camera) remains OUT-OF-BOUNDS. They must look to someone like Panasonics whose manuals match the excellence of their cameras/optics without compromise.
Why should it be mandatory to take a lap-top computer with you on a holiday just because you own a delightful pocketable Canon camera that comes without an instruction manual??
If omission of a manual in book form is a cost cutting exercise, its availability as an optional accessory will be more than welcome. For some of us it will constitute excellent bed-time reading material as well !!!
Come on Canon - surely you CAN - OR CAN YOU NOT??
HEALTH WARNING! - BEWARE - With continual use this camera grows on you !!!.

26th June: Despite all the very positive features, the MENU (set-up) system is dissipated and confusing and requires referring to the instructions frequently. Painful enough procedure to discourage me from looking at another Conon Compact in future.

12th July: TODAY I have very successfullly dissuaded a non computer owner from buying an IXUS on the basis of Missing Manual. Recommended - Panasonic TZ6.

This is an excellent camera, the speed (combined with a fast memory card) is very good. The picture quality is amazing, especially when you zoom into the detail on a 14MP picture. I really liked taking pictures of old tall buildings and then zooming in at home the see the details on spires etc... This is good for cathederals and churches.

This is the only Canon Ixus in this class that has "full manual" mode, which was good for doing some special shots at night.

However, you do need a big fast memory card to get the full potential out of it. But a 8GB(class 6) should be more than enough for most people.

There are lots of detailed reviews of this product already, with high ratings. This really does speak for itself, so just want to add my own reinforcement to the high 'average' ratings.

This is an exquisitely designed camera, beautifully engineered, flexible and simple to use (with a variety of modes). In a nutshell - fantastic value for money!

Thanks Canon - you certainly CAN.....

Love, love, love this camera! It takes great shots and I love its features. Would definitely recommend it!

I can't begin to express how happy I am with this camera. The lens and 14.7mp sensor produce some of the best images I've ever seen on a small point and shoot camera. The auto-focus is intelligent and snappy with virtually no delay between framing your picture and pressing the shutter. The button placement is super. I found the varying levels of features very intuitively placed if you feel like getting creative with the settings. Form wise, the subtle curves on the body really make it just a nice thing to hold in your hands. Build quality seemed substantial enough for me to confidently ditch the case I bought and carry it about in my pocket instead for most of the time. Thank you Canon, for rekindling my love of snappy snaps again.