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Monday, October 13, 2008

Canon PowerShot SD770IS 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)

10-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: 35-105mm * top JPEG resolution: 3648 x 2736 * face detection automatically sets focus, exposure, flash, and white balance for better portraits * motion detection calculates subject movement and sets ideal exposure and sensitivity to reduce blur *
Customer Review: I'm delighted!!
I had done some shopping before realizing that Amazon offered the best price on the camera I desired. Service was excellent - I received the camera VERY quickly, using the basic option. And what an excellent camera it is. I'm very pleased.
Customer Review: Astonishing power in a super-compact design
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.


Point and shoot is a term used to describe those compact digital cameras designed for simple automatic operation. Usually, a single press of a button is enough to take a photo. These compact digital cameras are the best selling kind, because they are also often made cheap.

New models of digital point and shoot cameras come out quite often and as the price of components comes down, you can get more and better features for the same price. Here are some 2008 models that fit the definition of point and shoot, while being especially budget friendly.

Kodak EasyShare M753 Zoom

This Kodak camera is a true entry level camera that does not boast with complex features. It has an automatic mode that should take care of lighting conditions and of course an automatic focus. It has a 7 megapixel resolution and high enough image quality for web use and small prints.

Price tag: approximately $130

Canon PowerShot A470

PowerShot is the beginner level digital camera series by Canon. It is very easy to use and affordable, even for the budget conscious. A470 has highly developed automation, including motion detection and face detection technologies. These coupled with a 7.1 megapixel resolution make it a good choice for casual photographers.

Price tag: approximately $160

Nikon CoolPix S550

CoolPix is the Nikon series of point and shoot compact cameras. S550 is one of the best 2008 models for a casual user, offering 10 megapixels of resolution and high quality automation of adjusting to conditions. Add in a 5X optical zoom and you are ready for some photography.

Price tag: approximately $230

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FS series is aimed at beginner level users. The FS20 model makes point and shoot automatic using an Intelligent Auto Mode, which includes detection systems for motion and ambient conditions - among others. The resolution of over 10 megapixels is more than enough for most users.

Price tag: approximately $300

The four compact cameras above show some of the things year 2008 has to offer for casual photographers. As seen above, the prices of entry level cameras vary from around $150 up to $300. If you pay more than that, you should require quality or you have been scammed. Price and features correlate, but by making informed decisions you can get more for less.

Once you have your camera, you need to learn how to use it. This is where online photography courses become useful.

Cannon Cameras