Canon PowerShot SD790 IS

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.

I'm getting married in two months, so I began looking for a camera for use on the honeymoon, to replace my Casio EX-Z57.

I'm hardly a professional photographer; mostly I take pictures of family and friends in party situations, or scenery.

Ideally my new camera would fit easily in my pocket, would have a large LCD screen suitable for reviewing pictures at parties, and would produce great pictures on the "automatic" settings. Manual settings are lost on me; I don't want to mess with the F-stop setting, white balance, or focus.

I started doing quite a bit of research, and was a little intimidated by the number of models on the market. I created a spreadsheet to sort through the 25 most popular models on amazon.

My primary criteria was:

LCD Screen Size
Thickness
Resolution

Secondary Were:

Optical Zoom
Price

This camera ended up on top. I summoned my courage, added it to my cart, and hit "checkout".

I received the camera 3 days later, and fell in love on the first day of using it.

Observations:

The 3.0" LCD screen is bright, and is clearly visible even in bright sun. I don't miss the viewfinder.

The camera is very small (3.6 x 2.2 x 0.8) and fits easily into my pocket. Surprisingly light, much more so than my old Casio, which was the same approximate dimensions (3.5 x 2.3 x 0.8).

Pictures taken on the "auto" mode look beautiful, both on the computer screen and my 42" plasma. Colors seem accurate, and everything is very crisp. People's faces don't look washed out, or orange. For additionaly testing, I took pictures in bright sun, of faraway objects, and things up close (about 4 inches), and everything came out great.

Video is surprisingly good, but VERY file sizes are large. My first video was about a minute and a half, and was about 150 Megabytes. Played on Playstation 3 (the Casio wouldn't).

The 3x optical zoom works fine. I expected a little more for a camera in this pricerange, but I realize you have to sacrifice something for a camera to be this thin.

Concerns:

I was worried that I wouldn't like the "new" buttons, which aren't actually buttons at all, but similar to a Motorola Razr. They work well so far though.

The scroll wheel. It actually rotates, unlike one you'd see on an iPod. As a mechanical engineer, I know moving parts will wear out. Durability may be an issue, but on the plus side, it has really improved navigation through the menus.

Overall, it's a fantastic camera, and has exceeded all my expectations. I would reccommend it without reservations to any of my friends, and am looking forward to the pictures it will take of my honeymoon.

5-Stars

Canon PowerShot SD790IS 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

I did a lot of research before purchasing this camera. I have been disappointed and frustrated by the last three or four digital cameras I purchased, and got a little wiser this time. I mostly use my cameras for vacations and snapshots, nothing earthshattering, but I have, in the past, had a lot of trouble with blurry, vague, dark pictures, except with my very large digital Kodak, which is too big to take on an upcoming trip.
I purchased a 4G highspeed sd card and an extra battery and leather case along with this camera. When I received it, I charged it, actually read the manual, then started taking lots of photos, and I am having a great time with it. Maybe this will turn me into a half way decent photographer.
My initial battery charge is lasting a very long time, (two weeks +, and it is still fully charged) and the pictures are the best I have ever taken.
I am blown away by all the things this camera will do, and how easy it is to figure out, all in a small but sturdy package.
Most of all, I am super happy with the quality of the photos, and cannot recommend this camera highly enough. I was a little concerned initially at the lack of an optical view finder, but the screen is excellent, and its brightness level is adjustable. The camera turns on and is ready to use almost instantly, and focusses quickly. Pictures turn out sharp and clear, even with the flash, the zoom works easily with a very accessible button, and there is absolutely no red eye.
I cannot give you a very technical review, I am just a regular casual user.
I am very impressed, having fun, and cannot recommend this camera highly enough, it exceeds all my expectations.

Now first things first. I am upgrading from a Sony p-72 3.2 mega pixel camera that I got back in 2003. So there are many cameras out there that would be a big step up.
I was only interested in a point and shoot and it had to be compact for traveling purposes. I would love a DSLR but they are pricey, bulky and did not fit my daily needs.

I started reading around for a month or so to see what was out there and read all the pros and cons. I have read so much that I finally grew sick of it. In its basic form, all point and shoot cameras have +'s and -'s. It all depends on features that are most important to you and how you will be using the camera.

After many reviews, forums, and websites I decided to go with the Canon 790IS. I was very apprehensive on the quality of picture this camera would provide due to manufacturers pushing the limitations of the sensor. The sweet spot for most point and shoots are 6-8MP.

So what drew me to this camera?
I was really impressed with the size, screen size, material that the camera was made out of (not cheap plastic), and most of the automated settings which make the camera very easy/quick .

I didn't want to have to mess with manual settings on a point and shoot. My impression of a point and shoot is it is ready to go when I need it. Maybe 5-10 seconds to change the macro but that is it. If I have to spend much more than that, great picture opportunities would be lost.

So I took the plunge and bought it here off of Amazon in addition to a 8 gig Sandisk ultra II for pictures and a spare battery.

I am not going to go into what the camera comes with as other people have done a great job with that already.

After three days of waiting, I got the camera.

I was quickly impressed on the startup speed of the camera and quality of the pictures. I took 150 in the first day. The battery is still going strong.

I also tried the higher ISO settings and they will only be good on a tripod. The 3200 iso macro that is in the camera is really good. It downgrades the 10 MP to 2ish but makes a really dark shot seem to be early evening. I used it many times and it worked great. Way better than what I am use to. You can do it manually but need to keep the camera stable or you will get a blur.

I have had the camera for almost a month and I am very pleased with it.
You can't go wrong with the Amazon price. It is 100$ lower than retail.
The camera is very well built and does an excellent job as a point and shoot. Even quick when using the flash. So again, you need to look at what you will use the camera for and what features are important to you. This one satisfied all of my requirements and I am very happy with my purchase.

As a side note:
I recommend getting a screen protector for the large screen. It will be easily scratched if you put in your pocket with change or other objects.
Just keep in mind you get what you pay for in screen protectors. Boxwave ones are highly rated and last forever. IT would suck to get a scratch across that beautiful 3inch screen.

I had a panasonic pocket cam, but I scratched up the screen!!!! So... I was able to return it and get another pocket cam. The model of panasonic that I had was unavailable at the store where I returned it. Therefore I decided to get this canon since I have had good luck with canons previously. (I own a rebel xti and a canon a75. Both of them are too large to carry in my pocket.)

Ultimately, all pocket cams suffer from the size of their minuscule sensors. Anything but the lowest ISO setting will show some noise and the dynamic range is fairly low. But that's what DSLR's are for. Of course DSLR's have one huge drawback. I can't fit any of them in my pocket!

On to the review.

First off, I would like to get my biggest complaint out of the way. That little spinning wheel SUCKS!!! It is far too sensitive. Also, the designers of this camera made the little function/set button in the middle of the wheel too small in order to accommodate said wheel. Hence, four stars instead of five.

Now for the best thing about this camera: THE SCREEN! Bright, fairly accurate, legible from all angles, and contrasty. (Is that a word?) There will never be a need for a peephole viewfinder (which this camera lacks). Even in bright sun, I can be fairly confident about the results of each shot. Hallelujah! Most surprisingly, there seems to be some kind of anti-reflective coating. And the coating actually works! Blacks look black and bright external lights don't obscure the view.

There are even a few hidden features that I am extremely happy with. (I say "hidden" because I never would have figured them out without the instruction manual.) Hidden bonus #1) Exposure lock and FLASH EXPOSURE LOCK. This means that I can actually attempt to get some control over the output level of the flash. I have never seen this feature on any other pocket cam. I would recommend reading the instruction manual to learn how to do these things. I don't want to give step by step instructions in a review.

Hidden item 2) the "my colors" mode. Once this mode is accessed, the color saturation, contrast and sharpness can be adjusted to taste. Once I figured this out, I immediately turned the contrast all the way down. Now I am able to avoid blown highlights in high contrast situations more easily. And portraits are also better with lower contrast. Sure, dynamic range is still limited, but it helps to have this kind of control. One other thing: a little saturation boost looks good to me. Your results may vary.

Hidden item 3) grid lines. This puts lines across the lcd which break the composition into thirds. (Those of you who know about the rule of thirds will appreciate this.) I can keep straight lines fairly straight (assuming lens distortion hasn't curved the straight lines) and I can use the intersection of lines to apply the rule of thirds. (I would recommend a google search of "rule of thirds.")

Hidden item 4) aspect ratio masking. This means that I can choose to have gray shaded bars at the top and bottom of the screen which will show what I will get from a 4x6 print. I like to print my pics at a popular warehouse store (rhymes with bosco) and in the past it has been frustrating to receive prints which crop away the edges of my careful in- camera framing of a shot. Now I can pre-visualize the results of a 4x6 print while I shoot. Amen brother.

One last complaint: these cameras should be made available in black. Not silver with a little "black eye" in the middle. My panasonic was black. Damn.

One more complaint: Hey Canon people!!! Figure out a more creative name than "powershot sd 790 is." My recommendation: paint it black with a skull and crossbones. Call it the "poison cam." Okay, maybe not. But, seriously, how many times can a new model with yet another number designation suffice? 790,870,950,911, 666 the camera of the beast!!! Enough with the stinkin' numbers!

One last recommendation: use caution when carrying a camera in a jacket pocket or (worse still) pants pocket. I ruined my panasonic by carrying it in the same pocket as a set of keys. Luckily, my brain has two distinct, separate lobes which don't slosh around in my skull damaging each other like my keys damaged my camera. (What a lousy metaphor!) I bought this case and it's a perfect fit.Tamrac 5204 T4 Digital Camera Bag (Black)

In conclusion, I expect that I will use this camera quite often owing largely to its diminutive proportions. (Hopefully, its diminutive proportions don't mean that it will be lost!) I just need to make sure not to accidentally spin that stupid little wheel. Oh well, perhaps I can cut a little piece of gaffer's tape to hold it still.
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update to review
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Order this battery: Lenmar DLC5L Lithium-ion Digital Camera/Camcorder Battery Equivalent to the Canon NB-5L Battery Works great for a great price.

Another good thing about this camera: it is possible to view images on the camera's screen without extending the lens. With the camera turned off, just hold down the play button to turn on image playback. The lens won't pop out.
The extending lens design of this and many other point and shoot cameras seems to me the most likely element to be damaged. Some cameras avoid this issue by utilizing a lens design whereby the zoom lens is entirely contained inside the camera housing. I'm not entirely certain whether internal zoom lenses are equal in quality to extending zoom lenses.

Another thing I have noticed is that I can't really see any difference between "fine" and "super fine" jpegs. One thing is certain. The fine jpegs take up less file space.
Also, 10 megapixel files ("large" jpeg setting) seem like overkill for such a tiny sensor. I haven't done any valid comparisons, but I suspect that setting this camera to record 6 megapixel images may look just fine and would also save on file size. I have a Canon A75 which makes great 8x10 prints even though it only has 3.2 megapixel resolution. If this camera is used to make poster-size prints, that little bit of extra resolution may help. But, then again, maybe not. I know of at least one article on the internet which suggests that 6 mp may be the "sweet spot" for sensors of the size contained in this camera. I will need to compare prints made from files of different resolutions to know for sure. If I remember, I will eventually post my opinion here. I would appreciate if anyone more knowledgeable in this area could post a comment.