Canon IXUS 980 IS

The basics

14.7 megapixel compact camera with a 3.7x zoom lens, 2.5-inch LCD screen, optical image stabilisation and QuickShot viewfinder, and a full set of digital tweaks.

The good

Underneath all the bells and whistles, Canon has always been about just one thing: image quality. So forget that ground-breaking 15MP resolution, the AI dynamic contrast system and even the high-speed Digic 4 processor, and concentrate on the 980’s gorgeously smooth colours, stiletto-sharp detail and glowing exposure. An image stabiliser keeps blur from the door, while a new manual mode lets you choose aperture and shutter speed settings like a pro. One useful innovation – a viewfinder-only QuickShot mode that virtually eliminates shutter lag.

The bad

Some aspects of the all-metal 980 don’t quite live up to its hefty price-tag. The 2.5-inch screen feels cramped in these 3-inch-plus times, the movie mode isn’t High Def and the 3.7x lens leaves a little sharpness to be desired. And don’t go bragging too much about that 15MP resolution – although your photos will look good, they’re no match for a full-size SLR.

The bottom line

Despite the inevitable hype from having the world’s biggest resolution – and the inevitable disappointment that follows – the 980 is a beautiful compact camera that takes beautiful photos. Its 10MP little brother, the 870, has a wider lens and larger screen for £75 less – a real bargain.