The Sony S980 looks to be a fairly straightforward resolution upgrade of the previous camera, as it is around a 1/2.33" SuperHAD CCD image sensor with 12.1 megapixel resolution, just slightly higher-res than the S950's 10.1 megapixel image sensor. Sony S980 is equipped with SteadyShot image stabilization for reduced camera blur and also has high sensitivity ISO 3200 for better shots in low-light situations. This powerful point-and-shoot also features Face Detection and six scene selections to help ensure you get the perfect shot.

While the camera does help you capture images with sensor shift image stabilization, it has no auto-scene selection or smile detection functions, staying instead with the standard face detection. You can also record 30 fps movies, which you can save to the supported microSD Duo memory cards.

On the technology side, the S980 includes a pared-down selection of Sony's intelligent features, but offers enough to keep the casual photographer happy. Steady Shot digital image stabilization, six pre-programmed scene modes, and face detection technology round out the S980's tech profile. A few in-camera retouching options are also available, including image cropping and red-eye correction.

On the back of the camera is a zoom rocker, the six-selection mode dial, a menu button for accessing contextual settings, and a four-way directional pad for navigating the on-screen interface. The four main directions on the circular pad also offer one-press access to the LCD screen settings, the flash, the self-timer, and the macro mode. Below that are two more dedicated buttons, to activate playback and delete photos. The battery and Memory Stick slot are tucked under a door on the bottom of the camera.

The Sony DSC-S980 is equipped with tools to edit, archive and share. The Sony camera has in-camera retouch features like red-eye correction and image management to easily sort through thousands of photos in calendar view or album view. You can group favorites and filter by baby, adult, all faces or smiles. The PhotoMusic feature offers an HD slideshow mode with transitions and music for viewing on the camera or television.

The button layout is simple, which goes hand-in-hand with the camera's basic set of features. The power button and shutter button are on the top right of the DSC-S980 digital camera, while the A/V-out and DC-in ports are on the right side behind a flimsy-feeling plastic and rubber door.