Cloaked in a clean-shaven, brushed aluminum housing Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 digital camera contains a 12.1 megapixel (1/2.3") Super HAD CCD imaging sensor, which is capable of producing sharp, colorful prints A3-size prints. The DSC-S980 features a 4x (33-132mm equivalent) power zoom that focuses as close as 2-inches from the front of the lens, and can capture bursts of up to 100 images at about 1fps.
A bright, 2.7" 230,000-dot LCD display enables easy-to-viewing when making selecting camera controls as well as when you compose and edit your pictures. To better ensure sharp photographs under less-than-ideal shooting conditions, the DSC-S980 relies on a combination of Sony SteadyShot digital image stabilization and a High Sensitivity mode that automatically boosts the ISO rating up to 3200 when necessary. For sharper, evenly lit and exposed portraits, advanced Face Detection technologies recognize up to 8 faces within a scene.
Along with a choice of 6 Scene Selection modes, the Cyber-shot DSC-S980 features an Easy Shooting mode for those who prefer to have the camera do all the thinking. For those who prefer more of a hands-on approach to picture-taking, the DSC-S980 features an on-screen histogram and a selection of in-camera retouching and output control tools.
Aside from still images, the DSC-S980 can also capture video with sound. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is good for about 300 images (or 155 minutes of video), and along with 12MB of internal memory records images onto Memory Stick PRO and Memory Stick DUO PRO (up to 16GB) media.
| Camera Type | Point-and-shoot Digital Camera |
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Effective: 12.1MP, Recorded: 12.4MP |
| Sensor | 1/2.3" CCD |
| Bit Depth | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| File Formats | JPEG, AVI |
| File Size | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Color Spaces | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Creative Color Modes | Normal, Sepia & B&W |
| Image Stabilization | Yes (digital) |
| Crop Factor | N/A |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens | 5.8-23.2mm f/2.5-5.1 (35mm film equivalent: 33-132mm) |
| Zoom | Optical: 4x, Digital: 8x |
| Lens Mount | N/A |
| Focus Type | Autofocus & semi-manual |
| Focus Range |
Normal: 1.6' (50cm) - infinity Macro: 2" (5cm) |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | No |
| Shooting Controls | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | ISO 100-3200 |
| Shutter Speeds |
Auto: 1/4 - 1/1,600 sec Program Auto: 1 - 1/1,600 sec |
| Metering | 9-Point Evaluative, Center-weighted Average |
| Exposure Modes | Auto exposure, Scene selection (7 modes) |
| White Balance | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent (1, 2, 3), Flash |
| Mirror Lock-Up | N/A |
| Burst Capability | 1.0fps continuous shooting |
| Self Timer | 10 & 2 seconds |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Remote Control | No |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes |
| Effective Flash Range |
Wide: 1.6 - 11.5' (0.5 - 3.5 m) Tele: 1.6 - 4.9' (0.5 - 1.5 m) |
| External Flash Connection | No |
| Dedicated Flash System | N/A |
| Max Sync Speed | N/A |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | Yes (approx. 12MB) |
| Memory Card Type | Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo |
| Still Images per GB | 197 @ max resolution |
| A/V Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Video with mono Audio, NTSC & PAL Output |
| Video Resolution | 320 x 240 @ 30fps (QVGA) |
| Video Clip Length | Limited by card size, 2min. max continuous shooting |
| Audio Recording | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | N/A |
| Viewfinder Coverage | N/A |
| Display | 2.7" LCD |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB 2, A/V Out |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows XP, Vista Mac OS X (10.2 or later) |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature |
Operating Temperature:32-104°F/0-40°C Humidity: Less than 90% |
| Weatherproofing | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Durability | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion "K" type rechargeable battery (NP-BK1 included) |
| Power Adapter | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.6 x 2.2 x 0.9" (93 x 56 x 24mm) |
| Weight | 5.5 oz (157g) incl. battery & memory |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 4 customers
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Comments about Sony DSC-S980 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Silver):
I love this series of Sony point and shoots. I had the previous model, and I gave that one to my mother when I bought this one. We both love them! I'm usually a Canon person - but with point and shoots, Sony is my preference. This little camera is a great size. It takes fantastic photos, especially in low-light situations. The video isn't as great as comparable Canons, but it does a well-enough job. Perfect partner for my DSLR.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony DSC-S980 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Silver):
I use the product for personal proposes. It's easy for anyone to use it, and is the right choice if you want a camera that has a good cost/use relationship.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony DSC-S980 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Silver):
I like this camera, great resolution and clarity
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony DSC-S980 Cyber-shot Digital Camera (Silver):
Purchased this camera for my Mom. It's probably
the easiest to use in it's class for a non-camera person. The screen resolution is
great for a camera in this price bracket and
even I was impressed with the quick shutter
response.
The battery life could be a bit better but
hey Moms happy so I'm happy.
James
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