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Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS and 870 IS
The Digital IXUS 980 IS and Digital IXUS 870 IS are two new additions to Canon’s style-led IXUS camera range (called the PowerShot SD990 IS and SD880 IS Digital ELPH in the USA). Replacing the Digital IXUS 960 IS and Digital IXUS 860 IS respectively, the new 14.7 megapixel Canon 980 IS and 10 megapixel 870 IS models both use Canon’s new DIGIC 4 processor. The Digital IXUS 980 IS offers manual Mode that allows control of shutter speed and aperture, together with the new QuickShot mode that uses the optical viewfinder for framing and focusing, virtually eliminating shutter lag. The Digital IXUS 870 IS features a wide-angle (28mm) 4x optical zoom lens. The Canon IXUS 980 IS is available from late September priced at £349.99 / €459.99, and the Canon IXUS 870 IS is priced at £269.99 / €349.99.
Update: We now have some exclusive shots of the Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS and 870 IS from the UK press launch
Canon UK Press Release
Exquisite style and intelligent technology: the Digital IXUS 980 IS and Digital IXUS 870 IS
United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 17 September 2008: Canon today re-energises its Digital IXUS compact camera range with two new models: the Digital IXUS 980 IS and Digital IXUS 870 IS, which replace the Digital IXUS 960 IS and Digital IXUS 860 IS respectively.
The flagship 14.7 Megapixel Digital IXUS 980 IS brings several exciting ‘firsts’ to the IXUS range – including manual control, and a striking design available in stylish, head-turning black, as well as traditional IXUS silver. The 10 Megapixel Digital IXUS 870 IS features a 4.0x wide-angle (28mm) optical zoom, a high-resolution 3.0” PureColor LCD II, and comes finished in gold or silver. Both cameras use Canon’s new DIGIC 4 processor, for fast performance and richly detailed, clean images in a huge number of shooting situations.
Creative shooting options
For those looking to take their photography to the next level, the Digital IXUS 980 IS offers a first for Digital IXUS: a Manual Mode that allows control of shutter speed and aperture (Choice of aperture settings is limited). This is ideal for unusual lighting situations or expressive, experimental shots. For split-second photo opportunities, a second new mode – QuickShot – uses the optical viewfinder for framing and focusing, virtually eliminating shutter lag.
The Digital IXUS 870 IS features a wide-angle (28mm) 4x optical zoom, ideal for large group shots, atmospheric interiors or architecture. Both cameras feature Canon’s optical Image Stabilizer technology, for blur-free shots throughout the zoom range and in low-light conditions.
DIGIC 4: intelligent processing for better photos
The Digital IXUS 980 IS and Digital IXUS 870 IS both feature Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor. As well as ensuring ultra-fast operation and superb, low-noise images, DIGIC 4 drives several intelligent technologies that make great photos easier than ever.
People shots benefit from improved Face Detection Technology, which even detects faces positioned at an angle to the camera, or in profile. Face Select & Track tracks a specific subject even more accurately, while a new FaceSelf-timer function – which automatically triggers the shutter shortly after a new face enters the frame – makes group shots and self-portraits easy.
Canon’s improved Motion Detection Technology delivers fantastic, sharp results by registering camera and subject movement, then automatically adjusting ISO to prevent image blur. Blur is further guarded against by new Servo AF, which continuously adjusts focus on subjects moving towards or away from the camera.
DIGIC 4 also powers Canon’s new i-Contrast feature, which brings out great, natural-looking detail in dark areas of pictures – without blowing out lighter areas.
High-quality movies for longer
Both cameras offer smooth, 30fps VGA video shooting. Superior compression technology allows the Digital IXUS 980 IS and Digital IXUS 870 IS to store up to 40% more footage to memory card than their predecessors – with no reduction in video quality.
“The Digital IXUS 980 IS and Digital IXUS 870 IS offer a perfect blend of technical innovation and classic IXUS design,” commented Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. ”These cameras are equally striking inside and out.”
Pricing & Availability
The IXUS 980 IS is available from late September priced at £349.99 / €459.99 RRP inc VAT
The IXUS 870 IS is available from late September priced at £269.99 / €349.99 RRP inc VAT
Features at a glance
14.7 Megapixels (Digital IXUS 980 IS), 10.0 Megapixels (Digital IXUS 870 IS)
Colour variations
Black or Silver (Digital IXUS 980 IS)
Gold or Silver (Digital IXUS 870 IS)
3.7x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer (Digital IXUS 980 IS)
4x wide-angle (28mm) optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer
(Digital IXUS 870 IS)
Manual control (Digital IXUS 980 IS only)
DIGIC 4 for outstanding images and fast response times
Great people shots with Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB, FaceSelf-Timer and Face Select & Track
Targets all the main causes of blur with High ISO Auto, optical Image Stabilizer, Motion Detection Technology and Servo AF
Auto Red-Eye Correction in shooting and playback
i-Contrast boosts brightness and retains detail in dark areas
2.5” PureColor LCD II with wide viewing angle plus optical viewfinder
(Digital IXUS 980 IS)
3.0” PureColor LCD II with wide viewing angle (Digital IXUS 870 IS)
Multi Control Dial and customizable My Menu
Smooth, 30fps VGA movies
Click on the following images to open a larger version in a new window.
Samsung ST93 Review
Nikon Coolpix S4150 Review
Kodak Easyshare M5370 Review
Olympus SP-810UZ Review
Ricoh CX6 Review
Canon PowerShot S100
Fujifilm FinePix X10
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Nikon Coolpix AW100
Sony NEX-7
#1 Lothar
I was really keen to buy the 870IS until I read it does not have the manual controls. Why not? Does Canon imagine those who want a 28mm wide lens don't want manual? - poor decision.
Looks like I will need to go back to Fuji.
Regards.
L.
1:13 pm - Sunday, October 5, 2008
#2 Mikko
I was thinking of buying the 860 IS but then came along the 870 IS. I have just ordered the golden version and am looking forward to trying it out. I have a Nikon D80, but the 870 IS is - I think - a very good second camera.
4:36 pm - Friday, October 10, 2008
#3 Ian
Just bought this camera after using Ixus 800IS for 2 years. Picture quality is very good but if you want to use it for taking movies forget it. The 800IS was excellent for this but the 980IS is useless. It plays fine on the camera and using Quicktime on the computer. Try playing in WM player and forget it. It just jumps all over the place. If you try converting it into a format you can put on DVD it does the same. The problem is it even tells you that in the manual! Why have they gone backward when most are putting HD on their cameras? Also the other really dissapointing thing is the camera is plastic! £300 for a plastic camera, I ask you. I have had 5 Canon cameras in the last 6 years including DSLR's. I wont be buying another compact from them that's for sure!.
8:00 am - Sunday, October 12, 2008
#4 Rache
Looked at the test shots from the 980IS on letsgodigital and it seems to have the same rubbish lens as the 960IS, all blurry at the edges, when will canon either put a decent lens in these cameras or revert back to the excellent one from the old Ixus 750 which was Sharp corner to corner. in the middle, the image is as good as a G10 but what's the point when the edges are cloudy and soft...
9:09 am - Monday, October 13, 2008
#5 Cris Ervin M. San Juan
uhm..may i ask if it is really advisable to buy ixus 980 IS or it is just a waste of money???...what digi cam can u advise me to buy???...cause i'm looking for a camera that will last long with good quality of pictures taken...ty ...=)
4:47 am - Tuesday, November 4, 2008
#6 Anne Rayne
I have just purchased the Canon Ixus 870 IS and am dismayed to find there is no manual with it- nor can I find one on Canons website where the 870 isn't even listed in the manuals available. I don't feel I am going to get the best from this camera without the manual.
6:15 pm - Saturday, November 8, 2008
#7 Mark
I'm sure many will agree that had the 980 IS came with a wide angle then Canon may have pulled off the perfect backup or travel camera for experienced SLR users. I shall hold out on replacing my old powershot to see if Canon could make this. Also, I really don't see the point in 14 plus megapixel on a compact, that just shouts of trying to sell an expensive piece of kit to those who don't know much about the relative importance of different features. For those that do, it seems Ricoh and Lumix compacts are still the way to go.
12:56 pm - Thursday, November 13, 2008
#8 Ferin
Is Canon powershot Ixus 980 is suitable for taking photo of small objects. Also I'd like to know is it wideangle enough to take good photos of architecture?
5:25 pm - Tuesday, November 18, 2008
#9 aerin
I'm looking to upgrade my old Digital camera (Fuji) but not sure if CanonIXUS 870/980 is the best option for an amateur like me. I need something compact, anti blur features, good lens, reasonable optical zoom, wide angle or Panorama features. Does anyone have an opinion on Sony Cyber-shot T500 or the Olympus MJU1040
12:48 pm - Monday, November 24, 2008
#10 Zoltan Arva-Toth
Our review of the 870 IS / SD880 IS is now online at http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews_canon_digital_ixus_870_is.php
10:18 am - Friday, November 28, 2008
#11 Zoltan Arva-Toth
And now you can also read our review of the other model, the IXUS 980 / SD990 IS Digital ELPH: http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews_canon_digital_ixus_980_is.php
8:04 pm - Monday, December 15, 2008
#12 Marcus Dyson
I purchased a Canon Ixus 980IS in November 2008. I took it with me when I went hiking in the UK, in Winter. This means, basically in cold and wet conditions. I carried the camera in my backpack in a waterproof bag, or in the pocket of my quality waterproof jacket. After five times of using the camera, it stopped working. I sent it to Canon for repair. They told me the camera was suffering from "corrosion" and I was liable for the £120 repair bill. This camera was six weeks old and had been used five times. Before buying the Canon, I had been using a Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 which had been used in the same conditions many many times, and is still going strong. The corrosions in the Canon seems to have been caused by condensation - I would avoid this camera if you are going to use it in anything but dry warm conditions.
10:27 am - Friday, April 10, 2009