July 8, 2008

Canon PowerShot SD750 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera


Excellent, Sleek, and Stylish Camera
Canon resumes its position at the top of all camera manufacturers. Their design, performance, and quality is hard to match. Now onto the camera:

I have shot around 4-5 Gigs worth of photos in various settings, so I have a good idea of what this camera has to offer. The features itself within the camera are excellent. Aside from increased megapixels, it's not much different than the SD700 except for some odd reason, Canon decided to opt out of the IS (Image Stabilization) feature. I almost gave it 4 stars based solely on that aspect. But other than that, the camera is brilliant.

For portraits and close-ups, the Face Detection feature is phenomenal which is a reflection of the new DIGIC III technology. The camera will lock in on the human face or multiple faces (I've locked in up to 8) and keep it in focus no matter where you move or pan the camera. And if you're shooting indoors or in low-light, the ISO can be set as high as 1600 so you have a lot of Flash Exposure control if you don't like that spotlight look when using the flash. There is also an Auto ISO setting which gives the user a lot of range to shoot. It will determine proper ISO setting and shutter speed and also will predict camera shake resulting in less blurry pictures. I guess this makes up for not having IS. :)

If you are a novice photographer and don't like to mess with ISO, aperture settings, and shutter speed variations this camera will fit your needs just fine. It has 17 shooting modes including "scene" modes for the different settings you may be shooting in such as the beach, fireworks, snow, portraits, night, etc. Fully automatic so any beginner can pick up this camera and shoot like a pro.

The most popular feature has to be the 3" LCD screen. It's ginormous. But in order to get that big of a screen on such a compact camera, Canon forgoes the optical viewfinder. So if you're a viewfinder shooter, then you may not like the fact you are limited to just the LCD screen for image framing.

One shortcoming of the camera is that it still has a weak zoom. 3X optical is nothing and so the zoom feature is pretty much non-existent.

The movie features on the camera are awesome. i like the Time Lapse movies where you can record time lapse of up to 2 hours and condense it into a 4 or 8 minute movie. So if you want to make that cool "cloud moving" effect or the "budding flower" you can accomplish that with this camera. The video resolution is excellent and has a VGA frame rate of 30fps.

Overall, the camera satisfies all users with being simple enough to use for beginners and also boasting features a professional can appreciate. It also looks bitchin and has a two tone effect that people admire. The corners are intelligently rounded so it slips easily in and out of any pocket you may want to put it in.

Outstanding images.... isn't that what we all want?? Here you go!
I just received the SD750 for my birthday (thanks Mom & Dad!). I've had it for several days and have taken over 3 hundred pictures and tons of video. It now replaces my old Canon S400, which was a replacement for my antique Canon S110. I've remained true to Canon because I can see the amount of work they have put into making each new generation of cameras "that much better." First, the colors are so much crisper on the SD750 than in prior models, although some tweeking may be needed, you can always find a setting to capture the color you are after. Second, the video quality is outstanding (at the highest setting, that is), and Canon finally took off the 3 minute cap to video recording to allow for longer videos. Also, at the highest setting only, you can zoom in and out while recording video. I love the 3 inch display that incorporates a shifting orientation so the picture is always upright. I do wish that the camera came with a more powerful optical zoom... but I imagine I'll get that with the next generation. And in the end, I have to emphasize, that this camera takes OUSTANDING pictures. That's what a camera should do, after all. Now for a quick rundown of improvements from previous models (for you Canon loyalists):
- Much improved color
- Faster picture taking and faster everything
- Extended video capacity (to however much memory ya got)
- Large LCD to appease the instant gratification generation
- Overall improved picture quality (clarity, color saturation)

A few small camera quirks outside of picture quality... the jog dial in back (trying to emulate iPod) is not the smartest addition and the "play" button is a little hard to hit at times. Overall, I definitely without hesitation recommend this camera.

Beautiful pictures, but inconvenient battery charging
I bought this camera for my wife so she would have a top-of-the-line compact for taking pictures of our baby son. Neither of us has ever owned a Canon before, so I based my decision to buy from reviews and a friend's recommendation. Now that it has arrived I can happily confirm that picture quality and function are outstanding. The lack of image stabilization hasn't been a problem at all and despite the negative comments on zoom we find 3x more than adequate for the type of pictures we take. The only negative comment I have is that the battery has to be removed from the camera each time it needs to be recharged. This is a big inconvenience to us and I have to believe a detriment to camera longevity due to the wear and tear each time the battery is pulled from the contacts. For all I know, this may be a common characteristic of Canon digital compacts, but we were shocked because all the other digital camera's we've owned including an old Sony and a couple of Fuji compacts all charge the battery internally. While this lack of capability isn't enough to send the camera back, it is the reason I am only giving it a 4 star rating.

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

  • 7.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
  • 3x optical zoom; ISO 1600 and High ISO Auto, 3.0” PureColor LCD
  • DIGIC III Image Processor; Face Detection AF/AE
  • Selectable shooting modes and special scene modes
  • Print/Share button makes direct printing simple

Technical Details

  • Brand Name: Canon
  • Model: SD750
  • Optical Sensor Resolution: 7.1 MP
  • optical_sensor_technology: CCD Unknown modifier
  • Optical zoom: 3 x
  • maximum_aperture_range: F/2.8-4.9 Unknown modifier
  • Minimum focal length: 5.8 millimeters
  • Maximum focal length: 17.4 millimeters
  • Lens Type: Zoom lens
  • optical_sensor_size: 1/2.5" Unknown modifier
  • Included Flash Type: Built-in flash
  • Display Size: 3 inches
  • light_sensitivity: ISO 100 Unknown modifier, ISO 800 Unknown modifier, ISO 400 Unknown modifier, ISO 200 Unknown modifier, ISO 80 Unknown modifier, ISO auto Unknown modifier, ISO 1600 Unknown modifier
  • Image types: JPEG
  • Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
  • Exposure Control Type: Beach, Kids & pets, Digital macro, Night snapshot, Snow, Portrait mode, Color swap, Color accent, Aquarium, Stitch assist, Fireworks, Underwater, Indoor, Foliage
  • Viewfinder Type: None
  • Width: 3.6 inches
  • Depth: 0.8 inches
  • Height: 2.2 inches
  • Weight: 0.31 pounds
Product Description
Manufacturer Description
Canon's iconic Elph design achieves a stunning new evolution with the PowerShot SD750 Digital Elph. Utterly simple edge lines and cut surfaces gleam subtly with high-grade finishes; now offered in a choice of silver or black and silver. Of course, style means little without substance, and here the SD750 Digital Elph more than delivers. 7.1 megapixels and DIGIC III create magnificent images, while exciting advanced technologies include Face Detection, Red-eye Correction, and time lapse movies. Always sized to go, the SD750 Digital Elph is now extra-durable, with a tough scratch-resistant coating on its anti-reflective, brilliantly colorful 3.0-inch LCD screen.
PowerShot SD750 Highlights

Stylish 7.1-megapixel Digital Elph with 3x optical zoom Certainly the PowerShot SD750 Digital Elph's design credentials and high-profile beauty are impossible to ignore. But a quick look beyond the iconic design reveals a camera seriously equipped for high-end performance.
The 7.1-megapixel CCD captures an extraordinary level of detail. Enlarge and crop as far as your vision takes you - you'll have all the detail you need for sharp, rich prints.

The camera's genuine Canon 3x optical zoom lens gives you all the benefits of Canon's legendary optics technologies along with the power to zoom in close. Expect clear, brilliant shots all through the zoom range.
DIGIC III image processor with improved Face Detection technology and Red-eye Correction With DIGIC III, you get images of superior quality, the camera functions at top efficiency and battery life is significantly enhanced. What's more, DIGIC III enables Canon's newly improved Face Detection technology and Red-eye Correction to give you better, more true-to-life people shots. Simply press the Shutter Button halfway down, and the PowerShot SD750 Digital Elph automatically pinpoints the faces in the scene and chooses the ideal focus point. To keep every face looking bright and natural - without scary red eyes - the camera controls exposure settings and flash, so every shot is just what you were shooting for.

Face Detection AF/AE finds multiple faces in the frame and sets the most suitable focus point when the shutter button is pressed halfway. And an additional new feature, Face Detection FE, adjusts the flash, based on a person's face on the screen. Exposure and flash are controlled to ensure proper illumination of both the faces and the overall scene, eliminating the common problem of darkened or overexposed faces.
Red-Eye Correction detects and automatically corrects red-eye during playback for both regular and flash photography. In unusual cases where red-eye is not automatically detected, it can easily be corrected manually during playback mode from the LCD screen.

iSAPS technology is an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the fast DIGIC III image processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.
Extra-large, high-resolution 3.0-inch PureColor LCD with scratch-resistant anti-reflection coating for easy on-camera viewing The camera's 3.0-inch LCD screen gives you the big picture, whether you're shooting, reviewing or showing off your images. This extra-durable, high-resolution screen with tough scratch-resistant coating on the anti-reflective, PureColor LCD screen offers a crisp, clear picture to make shooting, playback and using the camera's menu functions especially convenient. Clear and bright, it also features Night Display for easy viewing in low light.
ISO 1600 and High ISO Auto to reduce image blur and expand low-light shooting capability The PowerShot SD750 Digital Elph features new ISO 1600 and High ISO Auto settings that reduce the effects of camera shake and sharpen subjects in low-light situations, giving you greater flexibility for shooting.

Five movie modes including 30 fps VGA, Time Lapse and Fast Frame Rate With a highly flexible movie mode, you can create the movie that's perfect for any application. Select from VGA (640 x 480 pixels) and QVGA (320 x 240 pixels), with frame rates of 30 fps and 15 fps for recording up to 1 hour or 4GB. Also choose from Fast Frame Rate (QVGA; 320 x 240 pixels) recording at 60 fps for up to 1 minute, Compact Movie Mode (QQVGA; 160 x 120 pixels) recording at 15 fps for up to 3 minutes, and Time Lapse (640 x 480) recording at 1 or 2 sec. intervals. The PowerShot SD750 Digital Elph supports the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed standard, so you'll enjoy the fastest possible data transfer speeds when using a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed compatible computer.

Print/Share button for easy direct printing and downloading The PowerShot SD750 Digital Elph's Print/Share button makes direct printing easier than ever. Simply connect the SD750 Digital Elph to a Canon CP, Selphy or Pixma photo printer or any PictBridge compatible photo printer, press the lighted Print/Share button and print! Also use the Print/Share button to transfer images to a computer (Windows and Macintosh).

Print your own ID photos in 28 different sizes or use the Movie Print function to output multiple stills from a recorded movie on a single sheet with a Canon Selphy compact photo printer.

Direct photo printers For desktop large-format printing, try one of the direct photo printers that allow you to print without a computer in one of two ways: plug your compatible PowerShot camera into the direct photo printer using the supplied USB interface cable, or simply insert a memory card into the supplied adapter. You can also connect the printer to your computer for more options. Print high-resolution, borderless images as postcards or 8.5 x 11-inch sheets within minutes.

Compact photo printers Compact photo printers let you produce versatile, fun 4 x 6-inch postcards, 4 x 8-inch wide greeting cards or credit card size prints in just two easy steps: connect and press/print. Control the printer right from your camera's LCD screen. You get durable, dye-sublimated prints quickly with or without borders. Assorted paper types let you create mini or credit card size labels. You can even take select compact photo printers to a party or an outdoor picnic using an optional rechargeable battery.
Product Description
Canon's iconic ELPH design achieves a stunning new evolution with the PowerShot SD750 Digital ELPH. Utterly simple edge lines and cut surfaces gleam subtly with high-grade finishes. Of course, style means little without substance, and here the SD750 Digital ELPH more than delivers. 7.1 megapixels and DIGIC III create magnificent images, while exciting advanced technologies include Face Detection, Red-eye Correction, and time-lapse movies. Always sized to go, the SD750 Digital ELPH is now extra-durable, with a tough scratch-resistant coating on its anti-reflective, brilliantly colorful 3.0-inch LCD screen.

Canon PowerShot SD850 IS 8.0 MP Digital Elph Camera


Very Good Camera
For a point and shoot camera, this little gem packs a lot of advanced features. It's definitely not a DSLR but it's sure convenient when you want to conceal it and carry it with you in your pocket.

Pros:
1) Red-eye correction. No more red-eyes! It automatically fixes them.
2) Image stabilization. Will correct your hand movements but will not stop action.
3) Face Detection. Automatically finds and focuses on faces, and sets the proper exposure.
4) LCD Screen. The 2 1/2 LCD screen is very high resolution.
5) Lots of choices concerning picture quality and color.
6) Image and video quality are very good for such a small camera.
7) Optical viewfinder. Many cameras do not have this. It comes in handy when you do not want to use the LCD screen such as in theaters.
8) Auto White Balance is much improved over the older Digic II processors.
9) There is a manual setting where you can treak your photo settings. My preference is "Positive Film," "ISO 100," "+1/3 exposure," "flash on." The photos look fantastic.

Cons:
1) Noisy pictures with ISO settings over 200. (Pretty much what you get with any point and shoot camera.) Auto setting usually selects ISO 200, which is a little noisy. You're better off to go with ISO 80 or 100.
2) Lens is wide enough for most purposes but it's definitely not a "wide angle" lens. There is some barrel distortion on the short end, meaning that straight lines, buidings, walls, etc, appear a little curved.
3) Battery/SD Card Door can slide out and pop open easily.
4) Cannot chose aperature or shutter speeds manually.
5) No battery life meter. The LCD screen only displays a "low battery" warning.

Bottom Line:
This camera is a great little convenient camera, which is able to be concealed easily, and taken about anywhere because it easily slips into a purse or pocket. It's a great camera for taking indoor portraits with flash, as well as outdoor photos. It is not good at stopping action. Pictures of kids and pets running around will often be blurry because of the 1/60 sec. shutter speed. If you are needing to take low-light or action/sports photos, you would be better off purchasing a cheap DSLR. The only reason I don't give this camera 5 stars is because of the noise at higher ISO's.

Product Features

  • 8.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints
  • 4x Optical Image Stabilized zoom for steady, long zoom shooting
  • High-resolution 2.5-inch PureColor LCD with scratch-resistant, anti-reflection coating
  • Sensitivity range to ISO 1600 for sharper photos in low light
  • Print/Share Button for easy direct printing and downloading

Technical Details

  • Color: Silver
  • Type: 1/2.5-inch CCD
  • Total pixels: Approximately 8.3 megapixels
  • Effective pixels: Approximately 8.0 megapixels
  • Focal length: 5.8 to 23.2mm (35mm film equivalent: 35 to 140mm)
  • Aperture: f/2.8 to f/5.5
  • Optical zoom: 4x
  • Digital zoom: 4x (16x combined zoom)
  • Focusing range: Normal: 1.6 feet to infinity; macro: 0.79 inches to 1.6 feet (wide), 1.3 feet to 1.6 feet (tele); digital macro: 0.79 inches to 1.6 feet (wide)
  • Autofocus system: TTL
  • Viewfinder: Real-image optical zoom viewfinder
  • Display: 2.5-inch low-temperature polycrystalline silicon TFT color LCD
  • LCD pixels: Approximately 230,000
  • LCD coverage: 100 percent
  • Shutter speed: 15 to 1/1,600 second
18 Shooting Modes including 11 Special Scene Modes
  • Auto The camera chooses all the settings so you can concentrate on your subject.
  • Manual The ultimate in creative control, you set ISO speed, exposure compensation and white balance.
  • Color Accent Choose to retain a single color in your image while other colors turn monochrome.
  • Color Swap Select a color and replace it with a color you specify for special effects.
  • Digital Macro Shoot larger-than-life close-ups with one-button simplicity.
  • Stitch Assist Build awe-inspiring panoramas by neatly aligning sequential images.
  • Movie Shoot in VGA and QVGA (30 fps/15 fps for up to 1 hour or 4GB), Fast Frame Rate (60 fps for up to 1 minute), QQVGA (15 fps for up to 3 minutes) or Time Lapse (640 x 480 for 1 sec./2 sec. intervals).
  • Portrait The camera sets a large aperture, focusing the subject and artistically blurring the background to make your subject "pop."
  • Foliage Capture brilliant shots of autumn foliage, greenery and blossoms.
  • Snow Shoot clear snow scenes without darkened subjects or an unnatural bluish tint.
  • Beach Get clear shots of people at a sunny beach without darkened faces.
  • Fireworks Grab brilliant images of skyrocketing fireworks.
  • Aquarium Achieve proper flash-free exposure and natural hues at indoor aquariums.
  • Underwater Capture underwater images with reduced backscatter effect (Note: Optional Waterproof Case WP-DC15 required for shooting any underwater images).
  • Indoor Reduce blur and improve color accuracy when shooting handheld indoors.
  • Kids & Pets Reduced focusing time freezes fast-moving subjects, so you won’t miss those special shots.
  • Night Snapshot Get natural-looking pictures with brighter backgrounds and subjects lit by flash.
  • Creative Light Effects Transform background bright spots to stars, hearts, music notes and more.
What's in the box

PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH body, Lithium Battery Pack NB-5L, Battery Charger CB-2LX, SD Memory Card SDC-32M, Wrist Strap WS-700, Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM, USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU, AV Cable AVC-DC300

Product Description
Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH camera has an impressive array of top-tier photo features including an advanced ultra-compact zoom lens and optical viewfinder to easily capture, record and share brilliant images under a full range of shooting conditions, all within a curvaceous, eye-catching compact design. It is a digital camera that will really get your creative juices flowing. It starts with a high resolution 8.0 Megapixel CCD, a 4x Optical Zoom with Canon's exclusive UA Lens and an Optical Image Stabilizer for steady zooming. There's also a DIGIC III Image Processor with Face Detection and Red-eye correction, an ISO 1600 setting for sharper images in low light, 5 Movie Modes and a 2.5-inch PureColor LCD with scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating for easy viewing. Still Resolution - Up to 3,264 x 2,448 (Large), 3,264 x 1,832 (Widescreen) - 16 - 9 Movie modes - 640 x 480 / 320 x 240 (30 fps/15 fps) available up to 4GB or 60 minutes, 640 x 480 (2 hours at 0.5 fps/1 fps), 320 x 240 (1 min. at 60 fps), 160 x 120 (3 min. at 15 fps) On camera editing Windows and Macintosh capable Computer Interface - USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (mini-B jack); Video Out - NTSC/PAL (connect cables included); Audio Out - Monaural Power Source - 1. Battery Pack NB-5L; 2. AC Adapter Kit ACK-DC30 (both included) Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) - 3.56 x 2.22 x 1.04 in./90.4 x 56.5 x 26.4mm; Weight - Approx. 5.82 oz./165g (camera body only)

Canon PowerShot SD870IS 8MP Digital Camera


Canon's best ELPH yet !!!
This camera replaced my trusty SD450. I loved the SD450, but I wanted to upgrade to something with image stabilization. To put it simply, the SD870 totally rocks! The 3" screen is beautiful to behold. It's even viewable outside with bright sunlight shining directly on it. And the pictures this thing takes are absolutely gorgeous! They are sharp as a tack, and the colors are spot on. I have to say, the image stabilization really makes a big difference, particularly when you are shooting in low light. I also like the new, wide-angle lens. It really comes in handy when taking group shots or shooting in close quarters.

The only negative I can come up with is the lack of an optical viewfinder. I guess this is a sacrifice you have to make in order to get a screen this big on such a small camera.

Pros:

Sharp photos with great color saturation
Optical image stabilization
Speedy shot-to-shot time for an ultra-compact
Bright 3" screen that's easy to view in all lighting situations
Great movie mode
28mm - 105mm (35mm equiv.) 3.8x wide-angle zoom lens
Easy to use controls with intuitive GUI

Cons:

No optical viewfinder

Overall, I think the SD870 is just about perfect in every way, and I highly recommend it!

Product Features

  • 8-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints
  • 3.8x wide-angle image-stabilized optical zoom; 3.0-inch wide-viewing-angle LCD display
  • Face Detection technology and in-camera red-eye fix
  • 17 shooting modes, including 10 special scene modes; Print/Share button
  • Powered by NB-5L lithium-ion battery (battery and charger included); stores images on SD memory cards (32MB memory card included)

Technical Details

  • Color: Silver
  • Type: 1/2.5-inch CCD
  • Total pixels: Approximately 8.3 megapixels
  • Effective pixels: Approximately 8.0 megapixels
  • Focal length: 4.6 to 17.3mm (35mm film equivalent: 28 to 105mm)
  • Aperture: f/2.8 to f/5.8
  • Optical zoom: 3.8x
  • Digital zoom: 4x (15x combined zoom)
  • Focusing range: Normal: 1.5 feet to infinity; macro: 1.2 inches to 2.0 feet (wide), 1.0 feet to 2.0 feet (tele); digital macro: 1.2 inches to 2.0 feet (wide)
  • Autofocus system: TTL
  • Viewfinder: None
  • Display: 3-inch low-temperature polycrystalline silicon TFT color LCD with wide viewing angle
  • LCD pixels: Approximately 230,000
  • LCD coverage: 100 percent
  • Shutter speed: 15 to 1/1,600 seconds; long shutter operates with noise reduction when set at 1 to 15 seconds
Product Dimensions: 3.6 x 2.3 x 1 inches ; 5.4 ounces
Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
What's in the box:
PowerShot SD870IS Digital ELPH digital camera, lithium battery pack NB-5L, battery charger CB-2LX, 32MB SD memory card SDC-32M, wrist strap WS-DC2, Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM, USB interface cable IFC-400PCU, AV cable AVC-DC300
Product Description
From the very first glance, the smooth shape and bold lines of the stylish PowerShot SD870IS Digital ELPH signal that this is no ordinary camera. With 8.0 megapixels of resolution, an Optical Image Stabilizer, and 3.8x optical zooming, the SD870IS Digital ELPH boasts impressive specs as well as a host of convenience features. Face Detection Technology for worry-free people shots. A large 3.0-inch LCD to give you a perfect view of your scene. The Auto ISO Shift and ISO 1600 deliver brilliant images in challenging lighting.

Canon PowerShot A590IS 8MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized ZoomCanon PowerShot A590IS 8MP Digital Camera

Canon PowerShot A590IS 8MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

Nice features but way too much noise
I bought the A590 as a camera to keep with me in the book bag/briefcase that I carry around most every weekday. You may recall the old saying that the camera you have with you (when you see a photo op) is your best camera. The A590 fills that role by virtue of its small size combined with full exposure control. The big problem is that the noise generated by putting 8 mpix on a tiny (1/2.5) sensor chip can overwhelm the image and render detail moot.

I use Imagenomic NoiseWare combined with Photoshop Elements to reduce noise and sharpen the image as best I can. If possible I shoot at the lowest ISO setting, 80, which lowers the noise. I never go over ISO 100 if I can help it, and usually at -2/3 on the exposure control. It's much better to have the photo-editing software brighten up the image than the amplifier boosting the signal (and noise) from the sensor. When you play back the image on the camera's LCD, it should look a little dark -- never overly bright (which can also blow out details).

Here are two other items about the Canon A-series cameras. My 15 year old son uses a Canon A720 for what are essentially snapshots and is very happy with it. If you don't crop substantially and aren't too picky about sharpness and noise, the camera is quite capable. From what I can tell, the A720 uses the same electronics (including the sensor and image stabilization) as the A590. The A720 has greater zoom capabilities (and hence a different lens system) and is a little bit larger and heavier. If I were going to get just one of these, I would go for the A720 because of the zoom.

The second point is that the other camera I frequently use is a Canon A650, and it is far more capable than either the A590 or A720. The A650 has 12 mpix on a larger sensor (1/1.7). Comparing sensor sizes (available at www.dpreview.com/learn/?/key=sensor+sizes) and mpix shows that the A650's sensor has 1.75 times the area as those of the A590 and A720 with only 1.5 times the pix -- hence pix density is lower and the noise generated by the A650 is much better controlled. And because there are more pix, the noise gets smoothed over as a result of more little points covering the same area in the image. (FYI: Greater pix density on a sensor chip creates more noise.)

I did a noise and sharpness test with all three of these cameras plus my Nikon D40 DSLR. I set two shoes, one black and one brown (the latter with lots of texture) on a rug, just beside a sunlit spot inside my house. The shoes were well lit but not in direct sun. I shot all of the cameras at 200 ISO (because that is as low as the Nikon would go) and f/5.6, with the exposure control at -2/3 of an f/stop.

The results surprised me. For whatever reason, and despite several tries, I could not get the Nikon to focus adequately on the shoes -- this from a distance of about four feet. I know from experience that the Nikon D40, with 6 mpix on a 2/3 sensor (2/3 the size of a standard 35mm film frame) has extremely well controlled noise and excellent sharpness, but the inability to focus here took it out of the comparison.

The superiority of the A650 to the A590 and A720 was startling. Keep in mind that I "zoomed" in on the images in Photoshop after I had transferred them to my 24" iMac (a great computer for photo editing). This made different sections of the shoes appear much larger (the laces were really telling), and the 12 mpix A650 (vs. 8 mpix of the others) had more pixes to work with for any particular area I looked at. Nonetheless, the other two cameras had so much noise that the details were overwhelmed and no amount of noise reduction and sharpening could change that. The A650's image was far sharper and clearer.

The A650 has one other big advantage so far as I'm concerned and one drawback. The advantage is the articulating LCD, which I find extremely useful for many shots. Yesterday, I had to lay down on the cold, damp ground to get a shot with the A590, but with the A650 I would have put the camera at foot level and looked down into the cocked LCD. That is really nice, almost addicting. However, the A650's drawback is that it's bulky and surprisingly heavy, which is why I don't carry it along all the time.

So you pay your money and take your choice -- or, like me, pay your money twice and have it both ways. Remember, the camera that you have with you is the best camera you own -- so think about what size and type of camera you want to carry plus when and how you will use it. For some people, that means owning more than one camera.

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

  • 8.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16x 22-inch prints
  • 4x optical image-stabilized zoom
  • 2.5-inch LCD screen; Face Detection
  • New Easy Mode simplifies operation
  • Captures images to SD memory cards (not included); powered by AA batteries

Technical Details

  • Sensor: 8.0 Megapixel
  • Size: 1/2.5-inch
  • Image Resolution: 3264 x 2448
  • Movie Resolution: 640 x 480
  • Memory Included: 32MB Internal Memory
  • Storage Media: MultiMediaCard
  • Storage Media: HC MMC Plus Card
  • Storage Media: SD/SDHC Memory Card
  • Storage Media: MMC Plus Card
  • Compressed Format: DPOF 1.1
  • Compressed Format: JPG (EXIF 2.2)
  • Movie File Format: AVI motion JPEG
  • Optical Zoom: 4X
  • Digital Zoom: 4X
  • Combined Zoom: x16
  • Focal Length: 5.8-23.2mm
  • Focus Mode: Manual focus
  • Focus Mode: TTL - AF


Product Description
Manufacturer Description

The PowerShot A590 IS will astound you with its power-packed performance and impressive value. It’s got 8 megapixels, a 4x optical zoom, an Optical Image Stabilizer, and a large 2.5-inch LCD. A range of shooting modes -- from manual to automatic, including Canon’s new Easy Mode -- make picture-taking carefree. A DIGIC III Image Processor with Enhanced Canon Face Detection assures natural-looking results, while Motion Detection Technology reduces blur. For added creativity, attach wide or telephoto converter lenses.

Canon PowerShot A590IS Highlights

8 megapixels with 4x optical zoom and optical image stabilizer With the PowerShot A590 IS, dramatic, personal pictures have never been easier to shoot and share. The 8.0-megapixel design lets you create impressive high resolution images of family and friends you’ll be proud display. The genuine Canon 4x zoom lens moves you in for powerful close-ups -- like a bird in flight or a child’s winning goal -- at the touch of a button. Plus, Canon’s highly sophisticated Optical Image Stabilizer keeps every shot absolutely steady even when you’re not.

2.5-inch LCD screen The camera’s 2.5-inch LCD screen gives you the big picture, whether you’re shooting, reviewing or showing off your images. This high-resolution screen offers a crisp, clear and bright picture. It also features Night Display for easy viewing in low light.

New Easy Mode simplifies operation Even if you’ve never picked up a camera before, with Canon’s new Easy Mode you can take inspiring, dramatic pictures that will impress everyone. Once you choose Easy Mode, the PowerShot A590 IS handles all the details automatically. It automatically sets every camera control including the flash to reduce blur and improve image quality. So you get pictures that are bright, clear and natural just by pushing a button. Best of all, you can relax and concentrate on what really counts -- your subject.

Selectable shooting modes With 19 Shooting Modes including 7 Special Scene Modes, you’re ready for whatever shot comes your way.

DIGIC III Image Processor With DIGIC III, your images boast superior quality, the camera operates at top efficiency and battery life is enhanced. What’s more, DIGIC III enables Canon’s Face Detection Technology and Red-eye Correction to give you better, more true-to-life people shots. Simply press the Shutter Button halfway down, and the camera automatically pinpoints the faces in the scene and chooses the ideal focus point. The camera controls exposure settings and flash to keep every face looking bright and natural. Red-eye Correction can be handled in-camera, in two ways. The entirely new Red-eye Correction during shooting uses the Face Detection Technology to recognize and remove red-eye from flash images as they're taken, before the file is written to the memory card. It's also possible to correct red-eye during image playback, using simple settings in the A590 IS's menu.

iSAPS Technology is an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the fast DIGIC III Image Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.

Face Detection Technology Canon's powerful Face Detection Technology delivers even better results with the new A590 IS. The Face Detection Technology continues to recognize faces in a scene, and concentrate exposure (daylight or flash) and focus upon them. But the A590 IS adds more: Face Detection WB means the camera concentrates upon faces when calculating white balance for the best possible skin tones. Face Select and Track lets the A590 IS user highlight one face among several in a scene, and the camera concentrates on that person, even as they move around the scene. Face Detection Technology is a powerful contributing factor in Canon's new Motion Detection Technology.

Red-eye Correction Red-eye Correction provides three options for removing red-eye from subjects in flash pictures.

  • The new Red-eye Correction during shooting actually identifies and corrects red-eye in human subjects as pictures are taken.
  • The A590 IS can be set to automatically detect and correct red-eye during image playback.
  • The user can manually locate any red eyes in a scene during image playback on the LCD screen, and command the camera to remove them.


High ISO The PowerShot A590 IS features ISO 1600 and High ISO Auto settings that reduce the effects of camera shake and sharpen subjects in low-light situations, giving you greater shooting flexibility.

Motion Detection Technology automatically reduces blur Life doesn’t stand still for picture-taking. That’s why Canon included its advanced Motion Detection Technology in the PowerShot A590 IS. This sophisticated feature works in the background to instantly evaluate how fast your subject is moving. Then it automatically selects and sets the optimal exposure and ISO settings to keep everything looking sharp and clear. So whether you’re shooting a bride walking down the aisle, a ballet recital or even a child’s soccer game, you can relax and shoot with confidence knowing you’ve got the picture you intended.

Accepts Wide-Angle and Telephoto Converter Lenses To expand your creativity, the PowerShot A590 IS is compatible with shooting accessories such as wide and tele converter lenses, High-Power Flash designed for all of the PowerShot models.

The Complete Print Solution

The A590IS features a Print/Share button for easy direct printing and downloading, plus ID Photo Print and Movie Print with select Pixma photo printers and Selphy compact photo printers.

The PowerShot A590 IS's Print/Share button makes direct printing easier than ever. Simply connect the A590 IS to a Canon Pixma photo printer or Selphy compact photo printer or any PictBridge compatible photo printer, press the lighted Print/Share button and print! Also use the Print/Share button to transfer images to a computer (Windows and Macintosh).

Print your own ID photos in 28 different sizes or use the Movie Print function to output multiple stills from a recorded movie on a single sheet with a Canon Selphy compact photo printer.

Product Description
8-megapixel effective recording * 2-1/2" color LCD screen * real image optical zoom viewfinder * 4X optical zoom (4X digital/16X total zoom) * 35mm equivalent lens focal length: 35-140mm * optical image stabilization * top JPEG resolution: 3264 x 2448
*

Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera (Blue)

Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue)

Product Description
Manufacturer Description
Color communicates. It introduces you before you say a word, making the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph the ultimate image-maker. Five fashion-forward hues expressed in pure aluminum add a new burst of excitement to Canon’s Perpetual Curve design. Of course, a camera that brings out the best in you also delivers Canon’s most advanced technology features. Call it style with substance, for a new level of picture taking pleasure.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5K 9MP Digital Camera

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5K 9MP Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

Couldn't be more pleased.
This camera is fantastic. The Intelligent Auto feature works very well. Though I suggest turning if off for nighttime photos and instead fiddling with whatever setting works best in your lighting environment.

The zoom is incredible for a camera of this price that doesn't require a lens. You're not going to find a better zoom. Trust me. And it comes in extremely handy.

The video records well enough. The autofocus can cause some temporary blurring, but whatever, it's a photo camera, not a video camera.

The LCD screen is very big. I've had lots of people comment on how big it is. (The LCD screen.)

The only draw back is it is bigger than other similar cameras; as a guy, this is no problem, as it still fits comfortably in my jean pocket. If you are a girl and want something that is cute & tiny, this isn't for you.

I recommend getting the 16GB Transcend card with it. There is probably a link on this page. I bought it just because I was going on a two-week vacation and didn't want to have to worry about running out of space. For the price, you can't beat the convenience of knowing that even if you are shooting lots of video on vacation you probably won't run out of memory.

Battery life is fine. I'd go out for a day with a full battery and take hundreds of pics and wouldn't have to worry about conserving battery. Just make sure you buy a spare though for if you have a day outing on a non-full battery. I bought one of the non-Panasonic spares here on Amazon and it was sufficient.

I highly recommend this product. I can't imagine a better camera in this price range. It's about as good as you'll get without going SLR.

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

  • 9-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for poster-sized prints
  • 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens; Face Detection
  • New Panasonic Venus Engine IV improves noise reduction, elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effects
  • 3.0-inch LCD; Mega O.I.S. and Intelligent ISO
  • Captures images to SD memory cards (not included)

Technical Details

  • Brand Name: Panasonic
  • Model: DMC-TZ5K
  • Optical Sensor Resolution: 9.1 MP
  • optical_sensor_technology: CCD Unknown modifier
  • Optical zoom: 10 x
  • maximum_aperture_range: F/3.3-4.9 Unknown modifier
  • Minimum focal length: 4.7 millimeters
  • Maximum focal length: 47 millimeters
  • Lens Type: Zoom lens
  • optical_sensor_size: 1/2.33" Unknown modifier
  • Included Flash Type: Built-in flash
  • Display Size: 3 inches
  • light_sensitivity: ISO 100 Unknown modifier, ISO 800 Unknown modifier, ISO 400 Unknown modifier, ISO 200 Unknown modifier, ISO auto Unknown modifier, ISO auto (1600-6400) Unknown modifier, ISO 1600 Unknown modifier
  • Image types: JPEG
  • Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
  • Exposure Control Type: Candle, Beach, Snow, High sensitivity, Starry sky, Soft skin, Baby1, Baby2, Portrait mode, Aerial photo, Hi-speed burst, Clipboard, Party/indoor, Night portrait, Self-portrait, Pet, Scenery, Food, Fireworks, Night scene, Underwater, Sports mode, Sunset
  • Viewfinder Type: None
  • Width: 1.42 inches
  • Depth: 1.5 inches
  • Height: 2.34 inches
  • Weight: 0.51 pounds
Product Dimensions: 2.3 x 1.4 x 4.1 inches ; 11.2 ounces
Shipping Weight:
2 pounds
Product Description
Now you can fit sweeping landscapes into a single frame with the 28mm wide-angle setting. Pull in subjects from far away to capture even subtle facial expressions with the dynamic 280mm telephoto setting. Ideal for traveling, the DMC-TZ5 Lumix 9.1-megapixel digital camera combines a wide-ranging LEICA DC Vario-Elmar lens with a handy, compact body. The Extra Optical Zoom function also extends the zoom to as much as 16.9x, giving you even greater telephoto power. Set the TZ5 to iA mode and let the five Intelligent Auto functions team up to help prevent shooting errors. Intelligent Exposure corrects lighting differences, so images come out just the way you see them; Intelligent Scene Selector chooses the mode that best fits the situation; MEGA Optical Image Stabilization helps prevent blurring from hand-shake; Intelligent ISO Control helps prevent motion blur; and Face Detection helps produce clear portraits by optimizing the focus and exposure settings. The TZ5 can record motion images with sensational 1280 x 720 HD resolution at 30 frames per second (fps). f=4.6-46mm (35mm equiv - 28-280mm) Focal Length 3.0 Diagonal Polycrystalline TFT LCD Display (460K dots) Focusing Area Normal - Wide 50cm/Tele 200cm - infinity, Macro/Intelligent AUTO / Clipboard - Wide 5cm / Max 200cm / Tele 100cm - infinity 8 - 1/2,000 sec. Starry Sky Mode - 15, 30, 60sec. Shutter Speed Auto /100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 (High Sensitivity Mode - Auto(1600 - 6400) ) ISO 27MB Internal Memory (additional memory recommended to store more photos and video) Built-in Microphone and Speaker SD/SDHC, MultiMedia Card Slot Built-in Flash with Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced Off modes DC Input, AV Output (NTSC/PAL), HD AV Output (Component), USB Connections PictBridge Compatible Approximate Battery Life - 300 Shots (CIPA Standard) Approximate Unit Weight - 0.507 lbs

Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera

Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)

Perfect for me
I have been using a Powershot I2 IS for the last 3 years. Very good camera with a fantastic 12X Zoom. However, I wanted a camera to carry in my pocket. So many times I just didn't feel like dragging a large camera with me to various parties or events. This camera fills the bill. I carry it everywhere.

The pictures it produces are stunning. The 8MP 3X zoom produces a picture that you can crop to the point that you get almost the same picture as you would have with the 5MP 12X zoom lense (my opinion). The movie feature is wonderful too, even better than the I2 IS.

The camera feels great in your hand with a solid, quality feeling. If you have used Canon cameras before the menus are very intuitive. I would not have purchased this camera (or any camera for that matter) if it did not have the Image Stabilization feature. This is especially a must as you get older.

By the way there is an advantage to the Brown color: If you have to use the optical view finder outside, the camera itself produces minimum glare for you eye to see more clearly through the small opening. The color also makes the LCD playback pop. And as a bonus, it really gives the camera a luxury look, you have to see it in person to appreciate the color.

I recently took it to a monthly card party and everyone went wild over it. So much so that one person sat right down at the computer and ordered one! If you want a sub-compact, pocketable camera that takes great pictures, I highly recommend the Canon SD1100IS.

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

  • 8.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16x 22-inch prints
  • 3x optical image-stabilized zoom
  • 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II monitor
  • Face Detection; Motion Detection Technology automatically reduces blur
  • Captures images to SD memory cards (not included)

Technical Details

  • Sensor: 8.0 Megapixel
  • Size: 1/2.5 inch
  • Image Resolution: 3264 x 2448
  • Movie Resolution: 640 x 480
  • Memory Included: 32MB Memory Card
  • Storage Media: MultiMediaCard
  • Storage Media: HC MMC Plus Card
  • Storage Media: SD/SDHC Memory Card
  • Storage Media: MMC Plus Card
  • Compressed Format: DPOF 1.1
  • Movie File Format: AVI motion JPEG
  • Optical Zoom: 3x
  • Digital Zoom: 4X
  • Combined Zoom: 12x
  • Focal Length: 6.2mm - 18.6mm
  • Focus Mode: TTL - AF
  • Focusing Range: Normal: 12 in./30cm-infinity
Product Dimensions: 3.4 x 0.9 x 2.2 inches ; 4.5 ounces
Shipping Weight: 2 pounds

Product Description
8.0-megapixel effective recording * 2-1/2" color LCD screen * real image optical zoom viewfinder * 3X optical zoom (4X digital/12X total zoom) * optical image stabilization * 35mm equivalent lens focal length: 38-114mm * top JPEG resolution: 3264 x 2448 *

Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera

Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Great DSLR, if you know what you're doing
Here's the quick reminder: it's not the camera, it's the photographer. Maybe, maybe a nice fast lens would help.

Like most things in life, it doesn't really matter how "good" or how expensive the equipment is, it's really how "well" you can use it. You can own the best racket in the world, but Roger Federer will still beat you with a wooden racket any day.

Such is the case for the D60. It has more than enough features to produce great pictures. If you take the time to learn all its functions, you'll find that for an entry level DSLR, it's a great camera. If you think about it, all you really need in a camera are controls for shutter speed, aperature, and focus. For me (pure amateur), 95% of the time I'm shooting in Aperature-priority mode. The only other settings I might touch from time to time are the ISO and white balance settings. Most likely you'll do the same.

Pluses:
- light & compact
- ultrasonic sensor cleaner, matched with a airflow control system (keeps the sensor dust free!)
- 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II (compares against over 30,000 pics stored in database to achieve best exposure, available only with Nikon D or G type lenses)
- pretty good performance from built-in flash
- ISO 3200 available
- ISO 100 available (this is becoming a rarity)
- Active D-Lighting (automatically compensates over or under exposed areas in a high contrast scene)
- LCD screen shuts off when eye is close to viewfinder (saves power)
- very quick startup, you can take a picture as soon as you turn the camera on, even if flash is needed
- SDHC compatible (I use an 8GB card!)

Minuses:
- not so great focusing in poor lighting, only 3 focus points, sometimes wrong objects are focused on
- Auto ISO doesn't always choose the right ISO
- the all "Auto" mode produces slightly oversaturated pictures
- slightly "noisy" from ISO 800 and above, but noise reduction is available
- no built-in auto focus motor, Nikon AF-S/AF-I lenses or third party lenses with built-in focus motor are necessary, unless you like to manually focus

If you're looking the DSLR that can do many wonderful things but don't have a whole lot to spend, this is the camera to get. It may not have as many pixels (who really needs more than 10mp?), nor does it have the large 3" LCD screen like the D300 or D3, but for a fraction of the price, you can take just as good pictures. Point is, rather than spending $1000 more on a D300, you're much better off getting the D60 and spending the $1000 on a nice fast lens.

The only reason I'm giving this camera 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the average focusing performance. 3 focus points are adequate, but having more focus points and a faster focus system would speed up overall focusing and wouldn't have as much trouble in poor lit conditions.

And don't buy into all that hoopla about the D60 not having VR (Vibration Reduction) built-in. First off, there are plenty of new lenses coming out with VR built-in. Second, I'd trade VR for a 2.8 lens ANYDAY!

So, unless you have a need to shoot fast actions in poor lighting conditions, get the D60. It's SO worth the money. And remember, it's not about the megapixels or the size of the LCD screen, or the VR, or whatever, it's about YOU, the photographer!!!

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

  • Extraordinary 10.2-megapixel DX-format Nikon picture quality
  • Includes AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G Vibration Reduction lens
  • 2.5-inch LCD screen; horizontal and vertical orientation are detected automatically
  • Continuous shooting at 3 fps; Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow Control
  • Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Technical Details

  • Sensor: 10.2 Megapixel
  • Image Resolution: 3872 x 2592
  • Storage Media: SD/SDHC Memory Card
  • Compressed Format: JPEG
  • Compressed Format: NEF (RAW)
  • LCD Monitor: 2.5-inch
  • LCD Pixels: 230,000 pixels
  • LCD Coverage: 100%
  • Shutter Speed: 30 - 1/4000 sec.
  • Light Metering Method: Spot
  • Light Metering Method: Matrix metering
  • Light Metering Method: TTL
  • Light Metering Method: Center Weighted
  • Exposure Modes: Auto
  • Exposure Modes: Manual
  • Exposure Modes: Landscape
  • Exposure Modes: Portrait
  • Exposure Modes: Close-up
Product Details
  • Product Dimensions: 4.6 x 6.6 x 12 inches ; 1.6 pounds
  • Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
Product Description
18-55mm AFS DX Nikkor / Fast Start-up / Active Dust Reduction / 2.5" LCD / Up to 3 Frames per second / SD and SDHC Memory Slot Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available / Date imprint - Date, Date and Time, Date Counter, or None (selectable) Eye-level penta-Dach mirror single-lens reflex viewfinder File system - DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge Focusing screen - Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V Compatible lenses - AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR - All functions supported; Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor - All functions supported except autofocus; Non-Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor - All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and autofocus; IX-NIKKOR and AF-NIKKOR for F3AF - Not supported; Type D PC NIKKOR - All functions supported except some shooting modes; AI-P NIKKOR - All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II; Non-CPU - Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; Lens with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster - Electronic rangefinder can be used Frame advance up to 3 fps Self-timer - Can be selected from 2, 5, 10 and 20 second duration Metering method - Matrix - 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); Center-weighted - Weight of 75 percent given to 8mm circle in center of frame; Spot - Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5 percent of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used) Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20 degrees C/68 degrees F); Matrix, Center-weighted, and Spot metering Dimensions (W x H x D) - 126 x 94 x 64mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 inch)/ 1.1 lb

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)

I love my new camera!
For quite some time I was wanting to get a digital SLR camera, because I was sick and tired of the shutter lag that regular digital cameras have. Though I was happy with the pictures my Konica Minolta Dimage Z10 made - especially outdoors, I dreaded to make pictures indoors or trying to capture moving objects on picture (now you see me, now you don't).
So I was contemplating for month which digital SLR I wanted and needed. Since this is my first camera of this kind and I'm merely a hobby fotographer, I didn't want to shell out several grands. But I wanted something that had enough "oomph" to it to justify the price tag. So I looked into the Canon Rebel XTi, Nikon D40, Olympus E30 and Olympus E50. The thing I didn't like about the Olympus was the fact, that it seems that I had to buy Olympus picture cards and they are kinda pricy.
So I went back and forth between the Canon Rebel XTi and the Nikon D40. Then I looked into the XSi and read the repords on amazon.com and other sites, compared both Canon cameras side by side. After a week or two I finally decided to spend a bit more but have a few more extras with my camera.
And I had a lot of fun in the last few days with this camera. I can take pictures with it, that come out clear and vivid even in lower light indoors. I would have had smudgy blurrs with my other camera under the same condition. Right now I am only using the Canon lens EF 50 f/1.8 II for it's higher sensitivity to light, but wait until I go on vacation to Northern Germany in 2 weeks and I will try out the lens that came with the camera. Can't hardly wait!
I have had no problems figuring out the functions on the camera so far, but then again I used to own a manual SLR years ago. But if you are new to SLR fotography enirely I would say take the manual and your camera and just shoot pictures in different settings and modes and learn by trying. Don't be intimidated by all the lights and options and wheels and buttons!
In a nutshell: So far I haven't regreded my desicion to buy this camera!

Product Features

  • 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for poster-size, photo-quality prints
  • Large 3.0-inch LCD display; includes Canon's EF-S 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens
  • DIGIC III image processor provides fast, accurate image processing; improved Autofocus and framing rate
  • EOS Integrated Cleaning system, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software
  • Stores images on SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Technical Details

  • Sensor: 12.2 Megapixel
  • Image Resolution: 4272 x 2848
  • Storage Media: SD/SDHC Memory Card
  • Compressed Format: JPEG
  • Compressed Format: RAW
  • Focus Mode: Manual focus
  • Focus Mode: One-shot AF
  • Focus Mode: AI Focus AF
  • Focus Mode: AI Servo AF
  • Focusing Range: EV -0.5-18 (at 73°F/23°C, ISO 100)
  • LCD Monitor: 3.0-inches
  • LCD Pixels: 230,000 pixels
  • LCD Coverage: 100%
  • Shutter Speed: 1/4000 sec. to 1/60 sec.
  • Shutter Speed: X-sync at 1/200 sec.
  • Light Metering Method: Evaluative
  • Light Metering Method: Partial metering
Product Details
Product Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 12 inches ; 2 pounds
Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
Product Description
12.2-megapixel effective recording * EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens (35mm equivalent focal length: 28-90mm) * 3" color LCD screen (230K pixels) with two Live View modes * Auto Optimization to maintain detail in bright and dark areas of your pictures * DIGIC III image processor for responsive handling * EOS Integrated Cleaning System (for cleaning image sensor) * wide-area 9-point autofocus *

Canon PowerShot G9 12.1MP Digital Camera

Canon PowerShot G9 12.1MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

Perfect SLR alternative
I've owned the G7 for about 1 month now and I've really learned to appreciate all its advanced features - but recently I received my G9 and I will be returning the G7. What I like about the G9 over the G7:

1. Bigger screen (3.0" vs 2.5") - with no apparent decrease in battery life.
2. Picture quality is better. I have done many parallel tests using the exact settings on both cameras (with the exception of the 12 vs 10 MP of course) and the results have been clearly more favorable towards the G9 in terms of light metering and sharpness. The G9 has a new metering system as well as a more advanced focusing system too.
3. RAW option is great. Even though most pics will be taken using JPEG (to conserve memory space), you know it when you've got a great landscape with just the perfect lighting conditions that you know may result in a printable pic, in which case you will want to have a raw copy for processing it to the highest potential.
4. Timelapse photo functionality is a very nice to have option which the g7 lacks
5. The physical handling of the camera is better, the front has more grip.
6. Some other design aesthetics have also gone into the g9 which I prefer.
7. Noise levels are exactly the same as in the G7. I tested both up to 400 ISO (I would not use anything higher that that) many times and the speculations found on the internet forums that the higher number of pixels would result in more noise is simply incorrect - at least in my ability to see it in my tests.

* the only thing I dislike in the g9 over the g7 is that new usb connection door mechanism. It feels like it may one day break even with proper use. The "slide out" door (like the battery door) mechanism was so much better in terms of use and possible durability.

If I were a G7 owner (and you could not return it because you've had it longer than 30 days) I would not upgrade as the g7 is a superb camera - but if you were looking to buy a new camera the g9 is a better choice over the g7. The g9 is the perfect camera alternative to a bulky SLR - without the loss of total photographic control or quality. Highly recommended.

Product Features

  • 12.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
  • 6x image-stabilized optical zoom; 3.0-inch LCD display; optical viewfinder
  • Face Detection technology and in-camera red-eye fix
  • 25 shooting modes, including 9 special scene modes; Print/Share button
  • Powered by NB-2LH lithium-ion battery (battery and charger included); stores images on SD or MMC memory cards (32MB MMC memory card included)
Product Details
Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.8 x 1.7 inches ; 11.4 ounces
Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
Item model number: G9
Product Description
Given the success of Canon's highly acclaimed G Series, it's no surprise that ambitious photographers have been eagerly anticipating the next model in its evolution. The wait has paid off handsomely with the introduction of the PowerShot G9. In image quality and functionality, the G9 stands above the competition with 12.1 megapixels of resolution, a 6x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer, and RAW mode for the ultimate in creative control. Sophisticated design and high-quality construction complement the technology and make the G9 a camera to be reckoned with.

Canon EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera


The best professional Camera in the market

Hi everyone,
Before I purchased canon EOS 40D, I had done my home work. What I mean by that is checking every web site for the best camera in the market, every search engine for the best price and quality, consumer reports, consumer reviews and most of the retail store reviews online. Believe me when I tell I have been lsearching for 4 months at least! Here is the conclusion: This is the best (Budget wise $1300 - $2500) professional camera in the market in term of picture resolution, picture quality (not too red or too white, great skin tone), Image stabilization(when you use your hand not the tripod), sport pictures (moving objects, this camera takes 6 pictures/SECOND!!!), Easy to use (you have to read the manual for few hours first), The quality of the picture, the quality of the camera( not too light and not heavy), and the durability (if you take care of this camera, it will stay working with the same efficiency for 20 years at least!
Remember, Canon professional grade cameras are the most expensive ones in the market, Do you know why? Because you pay for what you get. It is an asset for every home, business, or any time you need a camera to take memorable pictures.
P.S. All parts in this Camera even the battery are made in JAPAN.
Good Luck.

Product Features

  • 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
  • Kit includes body and EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens
  • Large 3.0-inch LCD display with enhanced Live View and broadened color gamut
  • 6.5 frame-per-second continuous shooting; sRAW mode; 35-zone metering system; integrated Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit
  • Powered by BP-511A, BP-511, or BP-512 lithium-ion battery pack; stores images on CF cards
Product Description
Welcome to the next generation of digital SLR photography-the Canon EOS 40D. The EOS 40D combines Canon's tremendous know-how in both the digital and photographic worlds, creating a camera that not only does everything one would expect of a traditional digital SLR, but one that incorporates staggering leaps forward in technological innovation. With new features like Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a more powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3.0-inch LCD monitor and more, the EOS 40D elevates digital photography to new heights, enhancing the shooting experience, and delivering images one could only expect from a Canon. EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Picture Style settings, Spot metering, and Highlight Tone Priority for advanced in-camera image control Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor and advanced Live View Function with new options for reduced shutter time lag and quiet operation Wide range of accessories, including interchangeable focusing screens, extensive remote control options, new battery grip BG-E2N, and new dedicated wireless file transmitter WFT-E3A DCF 2.0 (Exif 2.21) - JPEG, RAW and RAW + JPEG simultaneous recording possible - up to 3,888 x 2,592 resolution JPEG Auto and manual exposure and focus modes Shutter Speeds - 1/8000 to 30 sec. (1/3-stop increments), X-sync at 1/250 sec. Auto pop-up, retractable, electronic-flash in pentaprism Dimensions (W x H x D) 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 inch (Body Only); 26.1 ounce