Canon SD980 IS vs Sony NEX-7

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Canon SD980 IS vs Sony NEX-7, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Canon and Sony. There exists a big gap between the resolutions of the SD980 IS (12MP) and NEX-7 (24MP) and the SD980 IS (1/2.3") and NEX-7 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

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The SD980 IS was brought out 3 years before the NEX-7 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SD980 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise overview of how the SD980 IS grades against the NEX-7 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SD980 IS and Sony Alpha NEX-7. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon SD980 IS Gallery and Sony NEX-7 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Canon SD980 IS enjoys outer dimensions of 100mm x 53mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.1" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Sony NEX-7 has sizing of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 400 grams (0.88 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SD980 IS vs Sony NEX-7 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the SD980 IS against the NEX-7.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SD980 IS and NEX-7 is 95 and 84 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizes simply by going over specs. The pic underneath should offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SD980 IS and NEX-7.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SD980 IS due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-7 will offer more detail having its extra 12MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged SD980 IS is going to be behind in sensor tech.