Canon A3500 IS vs Sony S980
96 Imaging
39 Features
35 Overall
37
94 Imaging
34 Features
17 Overall
27
Canon A3500 IS vs Sony S980 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-140mm (F2.8-6.9) lens
- 135g - 98 x 56 x 20mm
- Revealed January 2013
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 3200
- 1280 x 720 video
- 33-132mm (F3.3-5.2) lens
- 167g - 93 x 56 x 24mm
- Launched February 2009
Photography Glossary Canon A3500 IS vs Sony S980 Overview
Lets look closer at the Canon A3500 IS vs Sony S980, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Canon and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the A3500 IS (16MP) and S980 (12MP) but they use the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modesThe A3500 IS was unveiled 3 years after the S980 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).
Before delving through a full comparison, below is a short introduction of how the A3500 IS grades versus the S980 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards Canon A3500 IS vs Sony S980 Gallery
This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot A3500 IS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The full galleries are provided at Canon A3500 IS Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon A3500 IS over the Sony S980
| A3500 IS | S980 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launched | January 2013 | February 2009 | Newer by 48 months | |
| Display dimension | 3" | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") | |
| Touch display | Easily navigate |
Reasons to pick Sony S980 over the Canon A3500 IS
| S980 | A3500 IS | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | More accurate focus |
Common features in the Canon A3500 IS and Sony S980
| A3500 IS | S980 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed display | |
| Display resolution | 230k | 230k | Same display resolution | |
| Selfie screen | Lacking selfie screen |
Canon A3500 IS vs Sony S980 Physical Comparison
For those who are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Canon A3500 IS provides outer dimensions of 98mm x 56mm x 20mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 135 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Sony S980 has dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).
Analyze the Canon A3500 IS vs Sony S980 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at that moment. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the A3500 IS compared to the S980.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the A3500 IS and S980 is 96 and 94 respectively.
Canon A3500 IS vs Sony S980 Sensor Comparison
Often, it is difficult to envision the gap in sensor dimensions merely by looking through specifications. The image here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the A3500 IS and S980.
To sum up, both of these cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but not the same resolution. You can expect to see the Canon A3500 IS to provide you with greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images much more aggressively. The newer A3500 IS is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.
Canon A3500 IS vs Sony S980 Screen and ViewFinder
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Canon A3500 IS vs Sony S980 Specifications
| Canon PowerShot A3500 IS | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand Name | Canon | Sony |
| Model | Canon PowerShot A3500 IS | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 |
| Type | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
| Revealed | 2013-01-07 | 2009-02-17 |
| Physical type | Compact | Compact |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Processor Chip | DIGIC 4 | - |
| Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
| Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Highest Possible resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4000 x 3000 |
| Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 3200 |
| Min native ISO | 100 | 80 |
| RAW support | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focus | ||
| Autofocus touch | ||
| Continuous autofocus | ||
| Autofocus single | ||
| Autofocus tracking | ||
| Selective autofocus | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Autofocus multi area | ||
| Autofocus live view | ||
| Face detect focus | ||
| Contract detect focus | ||
| Phase detect focus | ||
| Number of focus points | 9 | 9 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
| Lens focal range | 28-140mm (5.0x) | 33-132mm (4.0x) |
| Max aperture | f/2.8-6.9 | f/3.3-5.2 |
| Macro focus range | 3cm | 10cm |
| Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| Screen | ||
| Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Display size | 3 inches | 2.7 inches |
| Resolution of display | 230k dots | 230k dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch operation | ||
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 15 secs | 2 secs |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/1600 secs |
| Continuous shutter rate | 1.0 frames per sec | 1.0 frames per sec |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manually set exposure | ||
| Custom white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Built-in flash | ||
| Flash range | 3.00 m | 3.50 m |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
| External flash | ||
| Auto exposure bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment metering | ||
| Average metering | ||
| Spot metering | ||
| Partial metering | ||
| AF area metering | ||
| Center weighted metering | ||
| Video features | ||
| Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (25 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
| Video data format | H.264 | Motion JPEG |
| Mic support | ||
| Headphone support | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Built-In | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | Optional | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental sealing | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 135g (0.30 pounds) | 167g (0.37 pounds) |
| Dimensions | 98 x 56 x 20mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") | 93 x 56 x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 200 shots | - |
| Battery style | Battery Pack | - |
| Battery model | NB-11L | - |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Time lapse shooting | ||
| Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal |
| Card slots | 1 | 1 |
| Retail price | $115 | $300 |