Last update 07 November’09 – Review and Sample Photo Quality @ CNET.uk
Canon Powershot SD980 IS / Digital IXUS 200 IS announced on August 19, 2009 is an optically image stabilized 12.1 megapixel compact digital camera that features a 3 inch LCD, 5x optical 24mm zoom lens, blink detection, HD movie capture, ISO range from 80 to 1600, camera dimensions are (WxHxD) 3.93 x 2.10 x 0.90 in/99.9 x 53.4 x 22.9 mm, and it weighs approx. 4.59 oz./130g.
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Review Index – (updated 07 November’09)
CNET.uk
“This is a really neat looking camera, almost handsome. But good looks isn’t everything, its photo quality is good too. Truth is, there are so darn many Powershot models to pick from there’s nothing that makes this one standout, no ground breaking technology, just dependable picture making capability.”
Rating: 
ePhotozine
“While it does have a bit of a noise issue, the camera is pretty fast, captures sharp pictures and is pretty responsive. For that reason, the Canon IXUS 200 IS / Powershot SD980 IS is a decent camera to own. If you’re the type of person who is into novelty features, then here is your camera.”
Rating: 
Buy-n-Shoot
“For those with good dexterity and the ability to multi-task, the combination of physical buttons and touch screen operation will delight. For the rest of you, it may well be worth persisting with what can initially be the slightly awkward controlling of the IXUS 200 IS / Powershot SD980 IS as once this minor hurdle is jumped, all of the other abilities of this attractive unit truly come to light.”
Rating: 
CNET
“Color, white balance, and exposure are generally very good at ISO 400 and below, though highlights have a tendency to blow out–typical of compact cameras. Despite the wide-angle lens there is little barrel distortion at the lens’ widest position and no discernible pincushion distortion when the lens is fully extended.”
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Cameras.uk
“The Canon IXUS 200 IS does a decent enough job for a pocket camera. It has a good balance of features, appears to be well made and has a touch of style to it. Key features include an extreme wide angle lens and High Definition movies.”
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CNET Asia
“It does not disappoint with its image quality. However, it is let down by its touchscreen features when compared with the same implementation on the TX1. Nevertheless, this is still a good effort by Canon and we hope to see more improvements in the next iteration. Users who want a touchscreen snapper with 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens and 5x optical zoom can look to the Ixus 200 IS. But if you desire a slim shooter, the only option is the TX1.”
Rating:
PhotographyBlog
“The camera is fun and surprisingly intuitive to use given its mix of touch screen and control-based operation. That said the implementation of the former, in present form at least, comes across as slightly half hearted; if wanted you can get away with not using the touch screen features at all and still the camera would function not just perfectly adequately.”
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Video Review @ G4Tv
PCMag
“Overall, the Canon PowerShot SD980 IS offers an impressive feature set, including an intuitive and responsive touch screen, a wide-angle lens, speedy operation, and HD video capture. But unacceptable levels of wide-angle barrel distortion prevent this camera from earning a top rating.”
Rating:
Steve’s Digicams
“Performance is very good, and we only found a few minor issues including the weak flash, and small amounts of noise in the dark areas of all our images. Overall it is a great ultra-compact camera that can be stored away in a pocket or purse with absolutely no trouble. The touch screen is not necessary, but is a nice addition and this is the only camera available with this unique lens.”
HardwareZone
“The IXUS 200 IS has one important factor that could contribute to its success: its stunning refined appearance. If tech gadgets have a fashion statement to fulfill, the IXUS 200 IS definitely fits the bill. It might not be the slimmest compact in the market, but its svelte form factor is still attractive enough to turn the heads of many along the streets. It is well-suited for those who aren’t too comfortable when it comes to juggling imaging settings such as aperture and shutter speeds.”
Rating: 
LetsGoDigital
“The ease of taking a picture and the fun of operating the camera contribute to the overall positive feeling we have about the Powershot SD980 IS / Digital IXUS 200 IS. And if you do want more, or if you consider yourself to be a creative photographer getting the most out of his camera, you should go for a DSLR. Although I still can’t think of one reason to not carry the Canon Powershot SD980 IS / Digital IXUS 200 IS with you as a second camera!”
Rating: 
Ken Rockwell
“I dislike how it handles compare to other Canons and I dislike the touch screen, but seeing the images I got out of it, the SD980 is my top recommendation just short of the Canon S90 for any serious photographer. Heck, this SD980 has a wider lens than the S90, so for many, the SD980 is the new King of Compacts.”
TechRadar
“It takes great pictures and we’re in love with the body – comfortable to hold and reassuringly weighty, it feels like you’ve got a lot for your money. Top stuff. A few more manual features wouldn’t go amiss, but we’re willing to trade them off for the gorgeous body and excellent pictures.”
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CNET Australia
“The touch interface is one of the nicest and easiest to use that we’ve encountered on a compact camera. So this is a bit of a “do it all” camera, that delivers nice images, has some great specs under the hood, but is a little slow to get off the mark. We’d recommend it for the indecisive buyer who isn’t quite sure if they want a touchscreen or not, provided you’re happy to part with that much cash.”
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]Sample Photos
[Sample Photo Quality @ CNET.uk]
[ISO Comparison Photos @ CNET]
[Sample Photos @ Cameras.uk]
[ISO Comparison Photos @ CNET Asia]
[Image Quality Samples @ PhotographyBlog]
[ISO Performance Images @ Steves Digicams]
[ISO Performance Images @ HardwareZone]
[Test Images @ LetsGoDigital]
[ISO Test Samples @ CNET Australia]
[Sample Photos @ TechRadar]
[Sample Photos @ Canon]
Press Release
Introducing firsts for Canon, the Digital IXUS 200 IS combines an impressive 24mm ultra wide-angle 5x zoom lens with a 3 inch PureColor II Touch display. The new Digital IXUS 120 IS has the distinction of being the slimmest wide-angle Digital IXUS ever – packing in a 28mm wide-angle 4x zoom lens into a stylish body.
Digital IXUS 200 IS: Ultra wide technology you can touch
The Digital IXUS 200 IS makes it easier than ever to take breathtaking images. Featuring a 24mm ultra wide-angle 5x zoom lens with an optical Image Stabiliser (IS) the potential to capture sweeping landscapes or large groups up close is now at your fingertips. Picture quality is assured thanks to a 12.1 Megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4 – Canon’s fast, intelligent image processor, delivering superb image quality and natural colour reproduction.
The Digital IXUS 200 IS features an impressive wide 3.0 inch PureColor II Touch display. With a firm focus on ease-of-use, the touch screen technology works together with traditional button control to create a highly-intuitive user experience, giving you fingertip control over a variety of camera functions. Touch AF, for example, enables users to select objects or faces on the touch screen – which the camera tracks and automatically keeps in focus – capturing the perfect image every time.
Large, high visibility on-screen icons allow for quick and easy selection of shooting and flash modes, while a vertical orientation shutter release function means users can shoot by simply touching the screen. Touch Actions allow users to match gestures made on-screen to commonly used functions, such as tagging images as favourites or erasing, rotating, or protecting images in their collection. Browsing images has never been easier – simply drag your finger across the screen and the camera will adjust the speed of review with the speed of the gesture on-screen.
The Digital IXUS 200 IS also makes it easy to review photos with Active Display – a feature that enables users to flick through images and start and stop movies by simply moving and tilting the camera.
Packed with cutting edge, yet easy-to-use features, the Digital IXUS 200 IS sports incredibly good looks with a slim, stylish metal body in a choice of four colours: blue, gold, purple or silver.
Digital IXUS 120 IS – ultra-slim, ultra-smart, ultra cool
The Digital IXUS 200 IS is joined by the all-new Digital IXUS 120 IS – the slimmest wide-angle Digital IXUS ever. Despite the slim frame the camera boasts an impressive wide angle (28mm) 4x optical zoom lens, 12.1 Megapixel resolution and DIGIC 4 processor.
The Digital IXUS 120 IS utilises a 2.7 inch PureColor LCD II. Bright and clear, the screen can be viewed at multiple angles, so framing and reviewing an image is simple and easy. The PureColor LCD II screen is also resistant to fingerprints and scratches.
The Digital IXUS 120 IS makes taking great photos simple. Optical Image Stabiliser technology reduces blur caused by camera shake; enabling users to shoot at full zoom, as well as at night, without the need for a tripod. ISO Auto and Motion Detection Technology also help users automatically take blur-free photos – adjusting the ISO speed to compensate for motion in the scene, so moving subjects are captured perfectly every time.
The Digital IXUS 120 IS’s slim wide-angle design enables it to easily fit into a shirt pocket or handbag and comes in four refined colours – black, blue, brown or silver – that reflect the sophistication of the technology within.
Shooting action with HD movies
Both cameras feature an HD movie mode, which shoots widescreen high definition video at 720p resolution. Movies can be easily shared with family and friends by connecting the camera to a compatible HD display via the camera’s HDMI mini port.
Automatic excellence that is easy-to-use
To make it easy for anyone to take a great photo, the Digital IXUS 200 IS and
Digital IXUS 120 IS feature Smart Auto mode with Scene Detection Technology. Automatically detecting faces, motion, distance, colour, and brightness in the frame, the camera selects from one of 22 scene variables to optimise settings for the best results. Smart Auto technology is enhanced by the addition of Servo AE/AF, which tracks movement in the frame, adjusting focus and exposure to achieve the perfect shot.
By capturing every detail in an image – with a 12.1 Megapixel image sensor – users of both cameras have the freedom of creating large prints, or altering composition by cropping images, without compromising image quality.
Both cameras include ‘Hints & Tips’ within the user interface. Short descriptions of camera functions simplify the interaction with the camera and encourage users to explore the camera features.
Perfect Portraits: Face Detection technologies
Both the Digital IXUS 200 IS and Digital IXUS 120 IS come with a range of
Face Detection technologies so shots of friends and family are captured in perfect detail. Face Detection WB, sets the camera’s white balance to achieve natural skin tones in unusual lighting conditions, whilst Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB ensures the intended subject is properly exposed and in focus. Both cameras also feature FaceSelf-Timer – a handy feature for self-portraits and group shots as the camera only takes a photo two seconds after an extra face enters the frame.
Both models also feature i-Contrast, an intelligent technology that automatically deals with tricky lighting situations by preventing highlight blowout, while retaining shadow detail. This automatically deals with difficult shooting situations, particularly when subjects are backlit on a sunny day.
Incorporating new technologies, incredible ease-of-use and sophisticated design the Digital IXUS 200 IS and Digital IXUS 120 IS offer incredible image capturing quality in a stylish compact camera.
