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| Review Date: June 9, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Julie Neal, Sanibel Island, Fla. |
As a travel writer I spend a lot of time at Walt Disney World, and Canon PowerShot Digital Elphs are the most common cameras I see. Families seem to love them, because they're so easy to carry and operate. About the size of a deck of playing cards, each of these "pocket cameras" really do slip right into a pants pocket, and their rectangular designs make them easy to grip. Best of all, they all take good photos. (How do I know? Because I've actually gotten to use every one of these models. Nearly every day guests ask me to take photos of them with their own cameras, which most often are Canon PowerShot Digital Elphs.)
Here's my breakdown of the ten bestselling Digital Elph models. Any of the first six are superb choices:
1ST PLACE: SD1100 IS
An update to the SD1000 (see below), this 2008 8MP beauty adds image stabilization, a slightly longer zoom (38-114 mm), another MP of photo size and a small indent on the right side for a better grip. Plus it comes in colors! My daughter has a blue one and uses it every single day. During school days the image stabilization made a real difference in her on-the-bus shots. With that heavy of use hers has gotten scratched up a bit, but the marks are small and hardly noticeable.
2ND PLACE: SD870 IS
The ELPH to buy if you want a wide-angle lens. Slightly thicker than the SD1100 IS, this 8MP model doesn't have an optical viewfinder which makes it tough to use in bright sunlight, otherwise there's little not to love. My husband uses one as a comp camera, to compose shots for the travel guide "The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World."
3RD PLACE: SD770 IS
Just released in May, this 10 MP model is, in a way, an update of the SD1100 IS (see above). I rate it lower because it costs about $50 more and doesn't come in colors. On the other hand, it has a longer battery life than the 1100 and features an improved LCD screen that is very easy to view. As for photo quality, I can't tell the difference.
4TH PLACE: SD950 IS
There's a lot to like in this 12.1 MP camera. First off, it's gorgeous. The body, though a little thick, is titanium. An upgrade to the SD850 IS (see below), it has a 3.7x zoom lens and adds manual controls as well as the ability to stitch together panoramic images. The only reason I don't rate it higher is the price.
5TH PLACE: SD890 IS (The camera on this page)
Want a long zoom lens? Here's your baby, a 2008 10 MP model with a 5x zoom. Also has the new bright LCD screen and all the other 2008 Canon goodies. The most expensive Canon PowerShot ELPH.
6TH PLACE: SD790 IS
With the same 10 MP image sensor and 3x zoom lens as the SD770 IS, this 2008 model stands out only for its larger 3-inch LCD display and, as a result, lack of optical viewfinder. The rear controls are different, too, with a flatter design that uses fewer buttons.
7TH PLACE: SD1000
In my opinion there's no reason to buy this 7.1 MP model. Released in 2007, it's been replaced by the SD1100 IS (see above). The SD1000 is a fine camera but it doesn't have image stabilization, a key feature of the 2008 lineup.
8TH PLACE: SD850 IS
The ancestor to the SD890 IS, this 8 MP Elph combines a 4x zoom and 8 MP photo size with an image stabilizer. Every button, dial and switch has a quality feel. Slighter larger than the other models here, it is a little tougher to pop in and out of your pocket, but if you have larger hands it may be just what you are looking for.
9TH PLACE: SD800 IS
This 7.1 MP predecessor to the 870 doesn't focus well at its edges when set at its widest angle. Unless it's priced really cheap, get the 870 instead.
10TH PLACE: SD750
The 2007 PowerShot flagship offers a light meter that adjusts for facial brightness, 17 shooting modes, some first-rate movie features and red-eye correction -- features that were innovative a year ago but are common in Canon's latest models. No image stabilization; no optical viewfinder. Choose a 2008 model instead. |
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| Review Date: July 17, 2008 |
| Reviewer: L. Hermann, |
My family has purchased, over the years, several versions of this camera starting the first Elph version about five years ago. I have a Canon XT also and multiple lenses and do a lot of amateur photography. We have been really happy with our Canon equipment. It's not as flashy with all the bells and whistles of some of the other manufacturers but the quality is good and the firm reliable.
We were going to Italy and France for two weeks and I didn't want to lug around all the XT lenses. We were determined to both carry laptops but NOT check luggage and so really needed to minimize the camera equipment. We would be on planes, trains, buses and partly on foot (we stayed three nights in Careno, Italy, a pedestrian only village in Lake Como).
I searched through the various Elphs and picked this one for the 5x zoom and image stabilization features. We carried along the camera's USB cord to download photos to the laptop, an extra battery and the battery charger and that was it. Oh, a little plug adapter for European wall plugs (the battery charger works in Europe so you don't need a converter, just the wall adapter). The setup is much like earlier Elphs so the learning curve was easy. I didn't discover until quite late that there was a wide-angle option on the camera and wished I had realized that earlier.
We took almost 1,000 photos with in on the trip. The quality of the photos is great, and the ability to slip the camera into a pocket such a plus. We'll be carrying this little baby along on other trips and I'll save the big one for stationary visits. |
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| Review Date: June 9, 2008 |
| Reviewer: G. Geier, |
| I was looking for another Canon camera to replace my SD700IS and couldn't find anything with comparable optics in that model. I found out about the new SD890IS but couldn't find anyone who had it available online or in a retail store within 120 miles of me. Google pointed me to Amazon who I would not have thought of for buying a camera, and not only did they have it in stock, but for less than the cost of gas, plus not having to waste a day traveling, I had the camera within 24 hours. It was also $50 cheaper than the online sites who had it on back order. I'm very pleased with the camera which has all the features of my old one, plus 5X optical and 10MP which is an upgrade from the 4X & 6MP of the SD700IS. Both Macro and Telephoto images are very impressive for a camera small enough to be constantly carried around with me on my belt. It has a large enough selections of modes to handle most situations. I also like it's movie capabilities. At a commencement exercise a couple of weeks ago I was able to get some surprisingly decent pictures under the circumstances without using a flash, because I was able to use a very high ISO and could match the type of available indoor lighting. This compact camera has a lot of capabilities. |
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| Review Date: May 24, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Godfisher, Woodbridge |
| It is safe to say that this camera is the best camera I have ever owned. It is simple to learn. It is compact and small enough to fit into any small space. Although it is small it packs a powerful punch. The pictures are amazing. I have taken pictures that are just as good as some top SLR cameras. The on-off button is a little small and it makes a scratching noise when you zoom, but those are minor problems. The picture quality alone makes up for its cons. I have tried other point and shoot models and brands and nothing comes close. |
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| Review Date: July 29, 2008 |
| Reviewer: CMO, Houston, Texas |
I purchased the Canon SD890IS about a month ago, after my Olympus Stylist 400 was stolen. I read many reviews, but I have had a Canon 35mm camera for years, and know its reputation. This camera does not disappoint.
I find it takes great pictures, and so far the image stabilization feature has given me excellent and sharp pictures, even at low light levels.
The camera has many more features than I will ever use, but I particularly like the large screen and the optical viewfinder. If I were to offer any criticism, I would like to see the instruction manual be enlarged (it is 230 pages) with more instructions on how to use the advanced features.
Nicely built, small size, and the battery really lasts. The 5X optical zoom is a great feature. |
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