Canon SD980 IS vs Canon SX280 HS

On this page, we will be matching up the Canon SD980 IS and Canon SX280 HS, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are created by Canon. The sensor resolution of the SD980 IS (12MP) and the SX280 HS (12MP) is pretty similar and both cameras provide the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SD980 IS was unveiled 4 years prior to the SX280 HS and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the SD980 IS grades against the SX280 HS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SD980 IS & Canon PowerShot SX280 HS. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SD980 IS Gallery & Canon SX280 HS Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Canon SD980 IS provides exterior dimensions of 100mm x 53mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Canon SX280 HS has sizing of 106mm x 63mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 233 grams (0.51 lbs).

Check the Canon SD980 IS and Canon SX280 HS in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the SD980 IS against the SX280 HS.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SD980 IS and SX280 HS is 95 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements merely by reading a spec sheet. The graphic here will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SD980 IS and SX280 HS.

Clearly, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the identical resolution and you can expect similar quality of pictures although you would want to take the launch date of the products into consideration. The older SD980 IS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.