Another Canon PowerShot SD870 IS Review

The PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH Camera is ideal for style-conscious photo enthusiasts with impeccable taste who want their substance to keep pace with their style. The PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH camera is built on a foundation consisting of one-part Canon technology - 8.0-megapixel resolution, 3.8x wide-angle optical zoom with optical image stabilization and a DIGIC III processor with Advanced Face Detection Technology- and one-part fashion accessory - with its smooth curves, sleek mode dial and the option of a black or silver lens ring that's sure to complement any taste or style. This sassy shooter's wide-angle zoom lens makes it a snap to capture large group shots at a favorite hang-out, the wide expanse of a sandy beach on a vacation or the throngs of people at a red-carpet event. The extra-large three-inch PureColor LCD screen with scratch-resistant and anti-reflection coating also makes it easy to view and review these great shots. All this great photo-creating fun is available for an estimated selling price of $399.99*.

The extended zoom range of the camera makes optical image stabilization (OIS) essential. Canon's lens shift OIS provides an effective antidote to camera shake, particularly at longer zoom lengths or during long exposures when even the slightest hand-held shake is magnified to picture blurring proportions. Superior to electronic image stabilization systems that simply use software to mask movement, OIS actually shifts the lens proportionately to compensate for unwanted motion, making it easier to snap great images. The OIS found in Canon PowerShot digital cameras is based on technology developed for Canon's renowned high-end professional EOS SLR cameras.

The steady effectiveness is further enhanced when paired with the new "Auto ISO Shift" feature which, at the touch of a button, can automatically increase the ISO speed setting as required to maintain fast shutter speeds when shooting in low-light conditions without a flash.

With Canon's new Genuine Face Detection technology, the camera can detect up to nine forward-looking human faces in a scene. The Face Detection algorithm automatically prioritizes and selects faces and not simply the closest object (based on Canon's Intelligent Scene Analysis/iSAPS technology). It will then optimize the focus, exposure and flash to ensure the best possible results. Using Canon's Face Detection, photographers can keep up to nine faces in focus at any one time no matter where they are within the image. Working in concert with Face Detection, the "Red-Eye Correction" feature helps to detect and correct red-eye during playback mode. Images can be corrected manually while viewing photos on the LCD screen. Canon's new Face Detection Technology makes for even easier picture-taking moments, helping users ensure in-focus smiles, and assist in the elimination of over-exposed faces.

The "brain" of these new PowerShot cameras is DIGIC III, the gold standard on all new Canon digital cameras. The DIGIC III image processor accounts for the camera's higher performance levels, including faster start-up, faster autofocus and quicker shutter response times that leave long-lag competitors in the dust. The DIGIC III chip design improves image quality and offers more efficient power consumption, resulting in extended battery life under typical shooting conditions.

Like all of the Canon's new models, the SD870 offers a widescreen 16:9 ratio resolution setting that facilitates creating panoramic-style prints. Additionally, all new PowerShot models support 23 languages (now including Thai and Arabic). The new cameras have an improved direct printing function that permits greater flexibility in print settings, including a face brightener setting for backlit photos.

Canon also enhanced the ‘My Colors’ mode found in the new PowerShot line. Where previously, users could only enable ‘My Colors’ while shooting, the current iteration permits captured images to be retouched as well, without the need for special software applications or tools. Available My Color playback modes include Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, and Vivid Red; lighter and darker skin tones, as well as options for creating black & white, sepia, neutral and positive film effects.

For those who consider the ocean depths part of the Digital Elph camera line’s “go anywhere” promise, Canon offers individual optional waterproof housing systems. With a depth rating of 40m/130 feet for many of the PowerShot Digital ELPH cameras, these models are a natural choice for underwater photo enthusiasts, SCUBA divers and even snorkelers.

As an added convenience, Canon PowerShot digital cameras also accommodate MultiMedia MMC and MMC+ memory cards, as well as standard SD memory cards and the new, high-capacity SDHC memory cards. This way, consumers do not have to carry around multiple memory cards in order to be able to continue to save those special moments during extended vacations or high-photo-taking adventures. Canon PowerShot owners can travel in sleek style.

Powershot SD870 IS Features:

• 8 Megapixel CCD sensor for up to 3264x2448 pixel images
• 3.8x Wide optical 28-105mm f/2.8 zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer
• Large 3.0" color LCD with wide viewing angle
• Widescreen 16:9 still image aspect ratio for HDTV display
• Ultra-compact and durable stainless steel body (3.65 x 2.32 x 1.02 in.)
• Advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system with focus-assist lamp
• Program AE automatic and Manual exposure modes
• Continuous 1.3fps shooting until memory is full
• Movie mode w/sound 30/15fps 640x480/320x240 unlimited length
• Fast Frame Rate Movie recording, 320x240 at 60fps
• Evaluative metering on focus point or Spot
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
• Photo Effects: Vivid, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Custom Color
• Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/1600 second
• Auto noise reduction with 1.3 sec or longer shutter speeds
• Selectable ISO settings from 80 to 1600
• Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
• Built-in microphone and speaker
• Lithium rechargeable battery and charger included
• Direct print and PictBridge Compliant
• High-speed USB 2.0 (high-speed) connectivity for PC and Mac
• Secure Digital (SD) card storage, 32MB supplied

The PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH is available now for an estimated selling price of US$399.99, and ships with PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH Body, Lithium Battery Pack NB-5L, Battery Charger CB-2LX, SD Memory Card (32MB), Wrist Strap WS-DC2, Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM, USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU, and AV Cable AVC-DC300.

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Via Steve Digicams