Canon SD980 IS SD940 IS

Wrapping up Canon's camera launches today are two high-end PowerShots that include its first touchscreen camera. The SD980 IS puts most of the control on a 3-inch touch display that both simplifies changing settings as well as more precise shooting: like some newer touch cameras and cameraphones, photographers can tap to autofocus on a particular point rather than trust the camera. In playback mode, users can flick through photos with a finger.

Outside of its input, the 12-megapixel camera brings other high end features such as a particularly wide-angle 5X (24-120mm equivalent) stabilized lens, 720p video capture and an improved auto scene selection mode. It ships in October for $330.

The SD940 IS has an identical sensor but is much more conventional with button controls and a slightly more narrow-angled 4X lens (28-112mm). Movies are still recorded in 720p on the camera, which will cost less at $300 and should be ready sooner with a September introduction.

By Electronista Staff