In Scene Mode, you get six options: a soft-focus portrait mode, a landscape mode, twilight modes for both portraits and scenery shots, and modes for snow and beach shots.

The Cyber-shot DSC-S980 shoots standard-definition, 320-by-240 video at 30 frames per second, saving them as AVI files. As with most basic point-and-shoots, you can't use the zoom while filming video.

As usual with Sony's point-and-shoot cameras, the on-screen navigation for selecting and adjusting settings is intuitive and well designed; users should have no problem picking the camera up and getting started right away.

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, while the A/V-out and DC-in ports are on the right side behind a flimsy-feeling plastic and rubber door.

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.