I'm a hobbyist who long ago owned a Konica SLR and shot lots of slides.In the digital age, I've only owned point-and-shoot cameras and have become frustrated by their lack of flexibility and quality. I looked long and hard at SLRs but don't yet feel I can spring for the price. I also wanted something more easily portable.But I wanted complete control over shutter speed and aperture, and I wanted to be able to shoot in RAW for more post-processing flexibility.I decided to spring for the G10.
Since purchasingthis camera about a week ago, I've taken about 2,000 shots. (I went a little nuts!)Here's what I've learned so far:
-- Although the auto settings produced very good pictures, this camera really comes into its own when you shoot in Manual mode.I was able to routinely get some vivid fall sunset scenes on a lake with beautifully saturated color and contrast by tweaking shutter speed and aperture settings separately.
-- I'd say that the noise at 400+ without post-tweaking is considerable, though nowhere near what I used to see on 400 ISO film back in the day.It was easily reduced post-processing using a noise-reduction program that works within Photoshop, and I ended up with some beautiful indoor shots with minimal effort. I even took some night landscape pictures with a bright moon at 1600, and was pleasantly surprised at the results after tweaking them afterward.
-- I was able to get extremely sharp photos in macro mode (closeups of bees in flowers, that kind of thing), again without a tripod.I'm still getting the hang of focusing on the exact part of the flower that I want; I find it more cumbersome to do it with this camera than I did with my old SLR (where you just turned the lens with your hand).
-- The camera did a good job out of the box at face recognition.The built-in flash on auto settings was just OK; it didn't hideously over-expose the faces, but it didn't look entirely natural either.Again, moving away from the auto settings and using fill flash judiciously helped me create some much more natural and attractive portraits. I would imagine adding a separate flash attachment would help even more.I found my favorite portraits were taken with no flash at all and some light tweaking with contrast in Photoshop.
-- The optical zoom met my needs well.I loved having the wide-angle capability for landscape shots, and I got some gorgeous, very clear pictures of a bald eagle at the top of a tree with the telephoto zoom. The camera clearly showed me when I was moving beyond the optical zoom into digital zoom, and my pictures of the eagle deteriorated accordingly.I will probably turn off the digital zoom.
-- The camera comes with all kinds of built-in scene settings (snow, night snapshots, sunsets, underwater, etc.), most of which I haven't yet found that helpful.I did get a couple of fun foliage shots using the sunset and foliage settings, but in both cases I could've gotten the same results simply tweaking in Photoshop afterward.If you don't want to mess with post-processing programs or playing with the camera's controls, I could see how these scene settings could be useful.
-- Photoshop CS3 can't open the RAW files from this camera yet.This is a big drawback for my purposes.I have opened the RAW files in the Canon software that comes with the camera, but it's not nearly as powerful or intuitive as Photoshop.So for now, I'm exporting the RAW files to Photoshop as TIFFs, and they're enormous -- 85 MG.The quality is marvelous, however, and I'm hoping that Adobe will quickly add support for the G10.
I'll try to add some photo examples to this review.I noticed they get a little washed out when saved for the web; the originals are much more vivid.
As point-and-shoots go, this is about as good as it gets for my purposes.I gave it five stars, though I'd like to give it a half-star demerit for the lack of RAW support in Photoshop (a problem I hope will soon be corrected).If you're not quite ready for the leap to an SLR but you want more control and quality than the common point-and-shoot camera, this is an outstanding choice.
See more reviews about: Canon Powershot G10 14.7MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

I previously had a Canon PowerShot S110 digital ELPH from 6 years ago or so, and loved that camera.I didn't realize that there was so much more that a little camera could do!I researched the new Canon's out there (since I loved the ELPH), and decided on the SD770 IS for its compact design and features outlined well by others.
This camera just blows me away.It takes amazing pictures in full-auto mode.In situations where full-auto doesn't quite do the job as well as possible, this camera lets you change ISO settings, white balance, focus method, and tons of other factors.
Compared to the S110, I thought the ability to change the ISO setting was a big improvement over previous generations.You're actually changing the sensitivity of the sensor in the camera, allowing you to take pictures with more clarity in conditions that have less light.This, coupled with the image stabilization (which again, blows me away on this camera), allows you to not have to use flash, preserve the real look of the scene, and take a crisply clear picture.
Battery life is amazing.I haven't charged it once yet... I'm going on over 150 pictures taken now.I've taken many pictures in low light with no flash, which drains the battery faster because the sensors have to stay on longer.The battery low warning has now come on... but I've still taken over 10 pictures on low battery, so it gives you a good amount of warning time.
I also thought I didn't need more megapixels, because my pictures from my 2MP S110 looked great.True, 10MP looks even better, but a HUGE benefit is that it automatically improves your ability to do digital zoom and keep the picture looking crisp.You can take a 10MP full resolution photo of a scene, then crop it down later to the zoomed-in part of the scene that you want, and still have a crisp image for a 4x6 print.The camera is also able to do this more automatically... if you choose to take a photo at a lower resolution, like 4MP, and you use digital zoom, the camera will automatically use its sensor to it's full 10MP capability to zoom digitally and retain image quality.
Just a fantastic camera.I'm glad I stuck with Canon, and I'm glad I bought the latest generation.
See more reviews about: Canon PowerShot SD770 IS 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)

This camera takes excellent pictures. I particularly like the Optical Image Stabalization, Motion sensor, and face recognition. I only make 4 X 6 prints. So far no problems. The pet/children mode does a good job of stopping action.
I've used the optical viewfinder a couple of times. It doesn't show 100% of the picture, but it sure makes a difference in extreme sunlight.
Sometimes it is necessary indoors to increase the ISO in order to increase the flash distance (easily done with a button). I still get great pictures. I know some reviewers blow the pictures up and indicate the noise in the picture. It's just not evident in normal picture prints. I'm sure there would be obvious noise if I was using high ISOs. Battery life is great also. I use Lithium AAs. They last so long there is no need to use recharageable batteries.
The only thing I definately miss is a button to delete "ALL" pictures. There's a button for individual deleting, but you have to use the menu to detete all. I guess you could look at it as a safety feature, making it hard to accidentially delete all your pictures.
There is a lack of manaul controls, but I never used the manual controls in my prior cameras.
The camera size will fit into a pocket, even though I prefer using a case that fits on my belt. I would highly recommend this camera to others.
See more reviews about: Canon Powershot A1000IS 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Grey)

Last year, Canon SD870IS camera was a winner in the SD series and the SD880IS manages to offer even more at a lower starting price (than that of SD870IS last year).
>>>What's NEW?
--New DIGIC 4 technology, up from DIGIC 3 which tries to improve the camera performance in low light and at higher ISO - is it successful? I noted a slight improvement in some shots.
- Updated face detection technology. It helps the camera create better contrast for faces and does not bleach out all color from the faces in a shot. The Face Detection Self Timer is new, so if you want to take a group shot including yourself all you have to do is focus the camera on the group and then walk into the group. The camera will detect a new face and click the shot.
- A BIGGER CCD - 1/2.3" up from the previous 1/2.5" in the SD870 which allows for increase in MPs to 10MP (up from 8MP of SD870)
- 4X Zoom (up from 3.8X on SD870) and a wide angle which really helps with shots at close quarters (in a car/bus, of a large group etc.)
- Motion Detection is also new. On this mode the camera allows you to focus on a moving object or person by pressing the shutter half-way and then click the shot even though the object/person continued to move across the frame. Earlier, you would have got a motion blur if you tried to take the same picture
- The huge 3 inch LCD screen is the same as the SD870 but slightly improved technology gives you brighter playback in low-light which makes it easier to see the shots in replay. It does not have a viewfinder but I have never missed the viewfinder on my SD870 since Canon made the screen anti-glare. I'd take a bigger screen any day over a 2.5 inch screen with a viewfinder, but if you like to use the viewfinder to compose your shots you might need to look at the SD990 IS and drop another 100 bucks.
- Updated Scene Modes. It gives you the standard Canon modes like before: Auto, Manual, Digital, Color Accent (you can pick a color to retain in the shot and the rest of the picture will be black and white), Color Swap (swap a color in the pic for another) and Stitch Assist (take a panoramic pic by stitching together many shots).
The SD880 IS makes some additions to the special scene modes like Sunset and ISO 3200. The rest remain the same: Portrait, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Aquarium, Underwater, Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot. I really like the special scene modes and use them extensively. According to Canon they are based on their library of shots and I agree that they really work very well to give me great pictures.
>>>The other Canon features are the same as before on this camera. Some that I find useful are as follows:
-Image stabilization, this is particularly helpful at higher zoom
- Single Shot and Continuous mode
- Colors you can set in the manual mode -Vivid, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Custom color (RGB adjustment)
- Movie mode - regular and also slow synchro (allows you to create interesting videos by shooting at timed intervals)
- On camera editing and Pictbridge (print directly from camera)
- Red eye reduction - the face detection technology minimizes red eye more accurately than before. If you still get red eye, especially when you're shooting indoors, I've found that this camera can take care of it automatically. You can select "red eye correction" option in the menu while in replay mode, the camera automatically searches for faces in the pic and removes the red eye and also allows you to do it manually if you want.
- Connect to TV with included cord and run slideshow with transition effects of your choice to view pics. Very useful while on vacation or at a friend's place.
- Allows you to erase pics by number of pics, or by date taken, or even by people vs. scenery/objects, a very useful feature in this age of high capacity cards
- You can record sound bites on pics to remember locations etc.
If you can take the time to read the manual, you will discover more features which allow for more creativity with this camera.
>>> Limitations:
- No viewfinder, I prefer the bigger screen but it may be critical for you
- Some chromatic aberration, common to most point and shoot cameras not just this Canon model
- If you're shooting at night in low light with full zoom the wide angle causes the camera to sometimes focus on the dust particles in between resulting in white orbs in the picture. I've taken care of most issues by setting the focus correctly by half pressing the shutter and using night mode but some orbs still show up in some pics especially if there is moisture in the air and I am using the zoom.
UPDATE 11/21/2008: Downgrading rating to 4 stars, this camera does have more "noise" than my earlier Canons.
>>>Summary
This camera is very well priced for the features it offers. If you are looking for a reasonably priced compact P&S that is still pocketable but gives you superior shots and more flexibility in composing shots (read wide angle), look no further. If you're looking for a smaller camera than SD880 that gives you superior performance, I recommend the SD790 although it does not have wide angle.
See more reviews about: Canon PowerShot SD880IS 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)

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.
See more reviews about: Canon PowerShot SD890IS 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

Canon's 790 IS is a great all-around point and shoot Camera.Canon has been playing with various mixes of features and prices with their newer models.The model numbers are confusing, but I've gone through a few new models recently and hope this extra info may help you.
Even though I do own a few older Canon DSLRs, for point and shoot I've been leaning more towards Nikon's Coolpix S series for the better pricing and some features. I did a lot of research into the various models in this price range.The 790IS stands up well against the competition.And for my needs it's more appealing than Canon's SD890IS , SD950IS, SD770IS or SD1100IS models.
** The Nikon Coolpix S52c with Wi-Fi has all the good stuff that's included with the Nikon Coolpix S52 plus a wireless antenna for uploading pictures without syncing to your PC.Either of these is a better value than the Canon 790 or 770 at about 30% less.To be fair though, they cost less for a reason, since Canon has owned this market segment for a while.
** 10 megapixels is a good capacity on the higher end for point and shoot cameras.I wouldn't expect it to produce better pictures than 8 or 9 MP models.You may have good reason to set your image size smaller within the camera.However having the *option* of more megapixel's gives you certain large image format options you wouldn't otherwise have. Hence the meaning behind the much maligned statement, "more never hurts."That doesn't mean you always want to use more, but it's nice to be able to versus other cameras.The 770 and 890 each also offer 10 MP and the 950 offers 12 MP, though at a much higher price.The Nikon S600 also has 10 MP.The 9 MP of the Nikon S52c was enough for me, so the 790's 10 MP is a slight upgrade.
** 3x optical zoom is also a perfect amount that tends to not result in blurred photos.The 950IS and the 870IS each has 5x optical zoom, but both have smaller screens and thicker bodies.Digital zoom is irrelevant to me.
** Canon's image processing is faster and more reliable than on my Nikon.The built-in image stabilization, face detection and motion detection reduce blur.I simply wouldn't consider a Canon without IS at this point.
**Just like the Nikon, and unlike many other Canon models I was looking into, the 3 inch LCD screen is too beautiful to ignore.No view-finder here, but with this beautiful screen you don't really need one.The Nikon's screen is best of all, and made from a nicer glass that seems more durable.But this Canon is just as big and very nice as well.
** In terms of memory compatibility, Canon's lead this group.Just like the Nikon they support SD and larger SDHC cards.And they also support the wide range of MMC, MMC Plus, and HC MMC Plus.No usable card is included, but you can get a nice 8 GB SDHC for only 30 or 40 bucks.
** All those common extras for in-camera editing are included here.The Canon has a lot of extra shooting modes too.These may aid casual users a lot, but you have to spend some time studying the manual and playing with them.I haven't used them all a great deal, but I'm generally happy with using minimal adjustments instead of the shooting modes.
** The control wheel and buttons are intuitive but not as tactile as on the Nikon.I'm not crazy about the flattened buttons.But if you really want a Canon with a 3 inch screen, you give up the buttons.As for the wheel, those not used to it should have no trouble adjusting.
** The other advantage of the Nikon S52 is the internal zoom.That means no waiting for the lens to zoom in and out, and no worries about the mechanical issues with those external lens extension cameras. It is possible to view pictures on the 790 IS without activating the lens by pressing the view button.But for taking pictures, the lens articulates out.
** The slim chiseled body of this Canon is very comparable to the S52 and more attractive than the rounder and fatter 870, 890 and 950.I still prefer the Nikon body design, but the Canon definitely feels more solid in your hand.
** Picture taking is better feeling on the Canon, with a more effective button design, less lag and faster shutter.It's true that some manual controls aren't available here, but it's a point and shoot.Step up to a bridge model like the Canon G9 or the Nikon P80 if you want more manual controls.
** Low light performance is better with the Canon in auto but better with the Nikon when the ISO is set manually.On balance I think the S52 is better in this area.
** The wireless upload feature is a nice extra on the S52c.Connecting to a wireless access point takes some time.This is not a feature I plan on using often, but considering even the S52c is significantly less pricey than the 790 it's almost like a freebee.Upload speeds are too slow for video, but for pictures it will do in a pinch.
** The video recording features are pretty similar but slightly better on the Canon.The video quality is great on both and sound quality could be improved on both.
** The Canon PowerShot SD870IS and the Nikon Coolpix S600 each offer widescreen lenses.The 790IS is on the cusp of wide-lens aperture. The SD870IS is clearly the most popular camera in that group.Like the S600 it also has an externally articulating lens, so it's less compact than the S52.The S600 is a serious competitor but the 790IS is still nicer looking and the 870IS is much more popular.The 870IS has a ton of in depth reviews out there, so look them up.
** All of the ELPHs have proprietary rechargeable batteries.Plan on recharging them often and buying a spare battery.You'll also need to buy a little case for this camera.Some bridge models like the Nikon Coolpix P60, Canon PowerShot A590IS and Canon PowerShot A720IS offer the convenience of AA batteries.If you plan on travelling a lot internationally, being able to use AAs comes in handy.
This is a great camera, and probably the best Elph out there right now.
1)If you plan on shooting a lot in auto mode and want a thin camera with the 3 inch screen, the 790IS is the way to go.
2) If you think you might use the Wifi upload feature, prefer the internal lens or are looking for the best value, the S52c or S52 is the way to go.
3) If you don't need the 3 inch screen and just prefer Canon to Nikon, go with the 770 IS or the 1100 IS to save some cash.
4) If you need something that doesn't force you to use those proprietary batteries and chargers, check out the P60, A590 or A720.
5) If you want a little wider lens capabilities and don't mind spending a little more cash, look at Nikon S600 and the very popular Canon 870IS.
I know this is a lot to digest.I hope you can benefit from this info and the recent spree of camera purchases I've made.
Enjoy your new camera.
See more reviews about: Canon PowerShot SD790IS 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

I previously had a Canon PowerShot S110 digital ELPH from 6 years ago or so, and loved that camera.I didn't realize that there was so much more that a little camera could do!I researched the new Canon's out there (since I loved the ELPH), and decided on the SD770 IS for its compact design and features outlined well by others.
This camera just blows me away.It takes amazing pictures in full-auto mode.In situations where full-auto doesn't quite do the job as well as possible, this camera lets you change ISO settings, white balance, focus method, and tons of other factors.
Compared to the S110, I thought the ability to change the ISO setting was a big improvement over previous generations.You're actually changing the sensitivity of the sensor in the camera, allowing you to take pictures with more clarity in conditions that have less light.This, coupled with the image stabilization (which again, blows me away on this camera), allows you to not have to use flash, preserve the real look of the scene, and take a crisply clear picture.
Battery life is amazing.I haven't charged it once yet... I'm going on over 150 pictures taken now.I've taken many pictures in low light with no flash, which drains the battery faster because the sensors have to stay on longer.The battery low warning has now come on... but I've still taken over 10 pictures on low battery, so it gives you a good amount of warning time.
I also thought I didn't need more megapixels, because my pictures from my 2MP S110 looked great.True, 10MP looks even better, but a HUGE benefit is that it automatically improves your ability to do digital zoom and keep the picture looking crisp.You can take a 10MP full resolution photo of a scene, then crop it down later to the zoomed-in part of the scene that you want, and still have a crisp image for a 4x6 print.The camera is also able to do this more automatically... if you choose to take a photo at a lower resolution, like 4MP, and you use digital zoom, the camera will automatically use its sensor to it's full 10MP capability to zoom digitally and retain image quality.
Just a fantastic camera.I'm glad I stuck with Canon, and I'm glad I bought the latest generation.
See more reviews about: Canon PowerShot SD770IS 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

This camera marries some of the best features of the Canon S series like zoom and manual flash with the convenience of the A series. This camera is an upgrade of the SX100 and feels much more sleeker than the previous model.
Here is my take on the camera:

Strengths:
- 9MP CCD sensor with DigicIII processor, the CCD sensor is 1/2.3 inch which is bigger than the most SD series cameras resulting in better pictures
- Controls are intuitive and a separate replay start button on the back gives you the flexibility to switch on the camera for playback without extending the lens
- Feels good in the hands, battery compartment gives the camera a better grip, DSLR like black color
- Huge 3" LCD scratch resistant screen makes composing shots easy
- Great 10X optical zoom and 40X digital zoom
- Flash can be flipped up or down as needed, this camera also offers 3 manual flash settings which really helps with portraits
- Sharp pictures - Daylight pictures are excellent and zoom is great for capturing landscapes
- Many modes to shoot - night mode, portrait, landscape, kids and pets, indoors, special scene modes (fireworks, aquarium, foliage, snow, beach etc.) and custom colors too
- 2 extra buttons at the back for changing exposure in 1/3 stops and also adjust for face detection
- Macro mode results in stunning close-ups with outstanding level of detail
- Uses 2 AA batteries, can take 300-400 pics with one set of rechargeable NiMHs and if you run out of battery they are universally available
Limitations:
- Size and bulk makes it inconvenient to carry at all times, this will probably become your vacation/ special occasion camera.
- No optical viewfinder, has not bothered me but can become an issue for some especially in bright sunlight or if you want to conserve battery
- Noise is noticeable beginning at ISO 400, ISO 1600 mostly unuseable
- Cannot adjust focus or optical zoom while shooting in movie mode, you can only zoom in digitally which reduces movie picture quality
- Typical Canon chromatic aberration (common problem with P&S cameras)
- No RAW shooting mode
Overall, this is a great camera for the price if you want a camera with high zoom, especially for shooting outdoors in good light. It also offers some manual functions as well as flash reduction which helps you take the best picture.
See more reviews about: Canon Powershot SX110IS 9MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)