Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been doing a lot of research on the best compact camera to get. Besides the usual pre-requisites like size, weight and LCD screen, I was adamant that I was going to try to get the best mini-DSLR possible (if there is such a thing).

Having caught the DSLR bug, I couldn’t possibly settle for a crappy little compact which would take mediocre images. I needed something small enough to fit into my clutch bag on a dinner date but yet have the ability to great pretty damn good images.

I googled extensively until I came across the Canon Ixus 980 IS. My sis had an older IXUS and I have heard good reviews about it from her. In addition, a lot of the photographers I know said that this particular camera is pretty much a “photographers compact camera”. I was intrigued. The one bonus feature about the Canon Ixus 980 was the Manual control capability it offered.

I was sold.

Until of course, I discovered the price.

Currently retailing at £329.99, it is a hefty price to pay for a compact camera. I could get another lens/flash for my D90 with that amount of money. The surprising thing however was that even with the latest Ixus (Canon Ixus 990 IS) which was released as its successor, the 980 is still a favourite choice amongst consumers (particularly photographers). What baffled me even more was the fact that Canon totally abolished the Manual controls on the 990 even though they knew how popular its predecessor (the 980) was because of its Manual controls capabilities and knocked down the resolution from 14MP to 12MP.

The Ixus 980 was a clear choice for me but I soon resounded to the fact that I was going to have to wait for a little while longer in order to save up for it.

Until one evening after work…

I was passing by a local second-hand electronics store only to discover an immaculate looking Canon Ixus 980 sitting in the shop window. On further scrutiny, I realised it was going for £150! I immediately went in to have a look and low and behold, it was pretty much brand new. I mean, this guy (I’m guessing it was a guy…) hadn’t even taken the wrist band out of its packet and tied it to the camera. Neither did he even remove the film over the LCD screen.

Now, what would someone do when faced with a bargain like this…
You grab it! And that was exactly what I did.

And I have to say, it is a brilliant piece of kit. With its 14Megapixel resolution and full control over aperture, shutter speeds and ISO settings, it’s almost like a mini-D90. The Auto mode works a treat as well (for J).

Exactly what I was looking for. I’m pleased.