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Digital Camera Reviews and Ratings By manufacturer:
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The Canon PowerShot SD30 (also known as the IXUS i) is a 5.0 megapixel camera with a 2.4x Optical Zoom and 1.8 inch LCD. It also features USB 2.0 and comes in four colors (see picture).
The Canon Powershot SD30 will retail for $399 (USD).
Get the Latest Price on the Canon Powershot SD30
The sleek and compact Digital IXUS i zoom comes with 5.0 Megapixels and DIGIC II processing for high image quality and a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface for fast transfer speeds. The supplied Camera Station allows for easy connectivity to the PC, printer and television – perfect for viewing contemporary slide shows created by the camera. The Camera Station also charges the camera when docked.
The Digital IXUS i zoom is available in an array of striking colours: Jet (Black), Sahara (Gold), Cranberry (Red) and Ultra-violet. A silky finish completes the look and feel of this ultimate digital accessory.
Sleek, stylish, better
A first for Digital IXUS i cameras, the Digital IXUS i zoom now features a 2.4x (f/3.2 – f/5.4) optical zoom, with a high contrast Ultra High Refractive Index Aspherical lens for sharp results in a slim package. When combined with digital zoom, the Digital IXUS i zoom delivers 10x magnification. The Digital IXUS i zoom’s 5.0 Megapixel sensor delivers the image quality required for printing up to A3 photo prints. The new focusing system is both faster and more power efficient, making the auto focus more responsive and helping to extend the number of shots possible before charging the battery.
The Digital IXUS i zoom maintains its small size whilst improving the user’s shooting and reviewing experience with the larger 1.8“ LCD monitor. Improvements in the user interface include larger animated icons and the addition of a world time zone display. The menu can also be displayed in 22 different languages.
A clever Camera Station
For fast and convenient charging, printing, downloading and connection to televisions and home cinema systems, the Digital IXUS i zoom comes complete with a Camera Station (CS-DC1). The station acts as a dock, or cradle, for the camera, ensuring quick and easy connectivity without having to attach and reattach multiple cables. The supplied wireless controller allows the docked camera’s playback to be operated remotely. This allows the new slideshow and playback features on the Digital IXUS i zoom to be controlled from the comfort from the user’s sofa when sharing photos and movies on television screens. When connected to both a direct printer and TV, users can view their images and use the print menu on screen to edit then print.
Advanced technology
The DIGIC II processor ensures that the images recorded have superb colour quality, as well as giving the camera improved performance overall. iSAPS technology assesses the scene and adjusts the camera settings to achieve the optimum results. For rapid transfer of images, the Digital IXUS i zoom utilises a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface.
Shooting modes and special effects
The Digital IXUS i zoom features 9-point AiAF to keep even off-centre subjects sharply in focus. With 16 different shooting modes, the camera’s settings are optimised for a wide range of situations. A selection can be made from Auto, Manual, Macro, Portrait, Landscape and Night Snapshot modes, or from the Scene Modes which now include an underwater setting, allowing users to take advantage of the optional All Weather Case (AW-DC40 – waterproof to 3 metres). With the addition of My Colors, users of the Digital IXUS i zoom can become more creative in their digital photography. Special effects such as Color Swap or Custom Colors can be performed in camera while shooting both stills and movies. Previously, this level of image enhancement was only possible after downloading to a PC, and using specialised software.
Intelligent Orientation Sensor
The Digital IXUS i zoom incorporates an Intelligent Orientation Sensor that automatically rotates images for review, regardless of the orientation of the camera. The sensor also activates the FUNC/SET button at the rear of the camera to act as the shutter release when it detects that the camera is in the vertical orientation. This allows the operator to shoot stills in portrait orientation, using one hand, whilst maintaining camera balance.
More than just photos
Users can record movies with sound up to 1 GB or 60 minutes long, whichever is reached first. Digital zoom can be used whilst shooting. As well as being able to select from VGA and QVGA (at 10fps and 20fps respectively), the Compact Movie mode (QQVGA / 15fps) is designed to make sharing movies via email as simple as possible.
Printing images
When used in combination with Canon’s new Compact Photo Printer SELPHY CP710 and Canon’s Ink and Paper Set (KP-108IP), prints can be produced for just 30 euro cents each. With its optional Rechargeable Battery Pack (NB-CP2L), the Compact Photo Printer SELPHY CP710 is highly portable, just like the compact Digital IXUS i zoom, making them ideal partners. Printing via a SELPHY CP Compact Photo Printer also allows the user to print handy ID prints and movie prints. When connected to the latest range of PictBridge compatible PIXMA printers (also released today) image enhancement is possible with functions including Noise Reduction and Vivid Photo, as well as the new Face Brightener feature.
Printing of images without having to connect to a PC is also made simpler via the Print/Share button, which also acts as an easy upload button for Windows XP and Mac OS X systems.
Comprehensive software
The Digital IXUS i zoom comes bundled with the following Canon Software:
* ZoomBrowser EX 5.5, PhotoRecord 2.2 (Windows), ImageBrowser 5.5 (Macintosh): For easy image download, storage and retrieval, as well as management of image layout and printing.
* PhotoStitch 3.1: Creates stunning panoramas and can be used with Windows and Macintosh.
* Movie Edit Task: For easy editing and enhancement of movie footage recorded on the Digital IXUS i zoom and easily accessed through ZoomBrowser and ImageBrowser.
Also included is ArcSoft PhotoStudio photo manipulation software.
Purchasers of the Digital IXUS i zoom are eligible for membership of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, which offers 100 MB of online space for uploading and sharing images. Membership also allows users to download start-up images and sounds to customise their My Camera settings.
The bundled software supports Windows 98 (SE), ME, 2000 (SP4), XP (SP1/3) and Macintosh OS X v10.2-v10.3. The Digital IXUS i zoom supports PTP for driverless transfer to supported Windows XP or Macintosh OS X systems.
Accessories
A range of accessories is available to complement the Digital IXUS i zoom. Accessories include an All-Weather Case (AW-DC40), High Power Flash (HF-DC1), Compact Power Adapter (CA-DC20E),
Battery Charger (CB-2LVE), and the Digital IXUS Metal Strap. The Digital IXUS i zoom is compatible with SD and MMC Memory Cards, and comes complete with a 16 MB SD Memory Card.'
Digital Camera Resource Page reviews the Canon PowerShot SD30 Digital ELPH and writes - 'The SD30's photo quality is good in most respects. Outdoors it takes smooth-looking photos with accurate color and low noise levels. Corner softness i was an issue in some of my real world photos. Indoors you'll be disappointed with the camera's weak flash and high redeye, which is why this camera is best suited to the outdoors. Noise levels in long exposures were a bit higher than I would've liked. Also disappointing was the camera's movie mode, which isn't nearly as good as those on the other cameras in the SD series.'
Steves Digicams reviews the Canon Powershot SD30 and writes - 'if you're in the market for a stylish little point-n-shoot that can be tucked away just about anywhere, the Canon PowerShot SD30 Digital Elph might be the camera for you. It offers great image quality and performance, all with the features and quality we have come to expect from Canon. The only negatives I found were the awkwardness of the Zoom controls and the slow frame rate of the VGA movie mode. With 5-megapixels there's enough resolution to create up to 13x19-inch size prints or cropped prints of a smaller size. The SD30 has an MSRP of around $399, which nowadays is rather expensive for a consumer digicam.'
Megapixel reviews the Canon Powershot SD30 and writes - 'Based on its specs alone, the PowerShot SD30 is a fairly standard camera: it has a 2.4X optical zoom � a touch shorter than many of its competitors � a compact size, a 5-megapixel resolution, a 1.8 inch LCD monitor, and SD memory compatibility. What differentiates it from the rest of the cameras occupying that particular segment of the marketplace, is that it has a stylish exterior that can be had in a variety of colours, and a Camera Station � a docking cradle � that makes it simple to connect the camera to a computer, a printer, a television, or simply to recharge its battery.'
Imaging Resource reviews the Canon PowerShot SD30 and writes - 'An upgrade to last year's SD20 model, the SD30 adds a zoom lens (a particularly welcome addition), and makes noticeable strides in shooting performance, with a faster shutter response, and significantly better shot to shot cycle times. When it comes to picture taking, while actual exposure control remains automatic, the ability to adjust ISO, White Balance, and access longer shutter times significantly increases the camera's shooting range. Thanks to its high-speed DIGIC-II processing chip, it's also surprisingly responsive for a subcompact digital camera. The wireless remote is a big plus if you like to display slide shows on your TV set, too. '
Lets Go Digital reviews the Canon Digital IXUS i Zoom Digital Camera and writes - 'Concluding we may say that Canon once again added an excellent digital camera to the rich Digital IXUS range of cameras. The Canon Digital IXUS i Zoom is not perfect but the target group will certainly appreciate this camera. It has its limits but on the other side; it offers a heck of a lot too. The scales definitely turn to a positive appraisal. As a point-and-shoot camera the IXUS i Zoom is a resounding success. It's not a versatile digital camera but Canon doesn't pretend that either. A beautiful design combined with excellent user friendliness has to guarantee success. A recommendable camera for the user that is looking for a trendy design, fine photo quality and user friendliness! '
BIOS reviews the Canon IXUS iZoom (also known as the Powershot SD30) and gives it a rating of 7 out of 10. They write - 'The Digital IXUS i zoom is aimed at general users looking for effortless point-and-shoot operation, so you shouldn�t expect top-end picture quality. Images taken generally turned out well in our tests, though night photos were a little disappointing (too dark). Another downside is that the microphone is positioned beside the shutter button, meaning you�ll likely fully cover it when shooting movies. On a more positive note, the camera�s removable Lithium-ion battery should last approximately 250 photos on a single charge, and the time-to-first shot of about 3 seconds means you shouldn�t miss out on any spontaneous shots.'Photoxels reviews the Canon PowerShot SD30 Digital ELPH and writes - 'The Canon PowerShot SD30 Digital ELPH is a beautiful ultra compact digital camera that gives great looking pictures. If you take a lot of flash pictures, the results come out very good as long as your subject is portrait distance away (i.e. waist shot). It looks really good in black (with silver/chrome accents), but if you fancy something in another colour, it also comes in red, gold or violet.'
Pocket Lint reviews the Canon IXUS i Zoom digital camera where they give it a rating of 8 out of 10 and write in their review - 'The IXUS i Zoom is a stunning-looking, petit package that can create high resolution snaps to be proud of. There�s only a modicum of manual control making this less suitable for the more enthusiast user and its RRP is tad pricey, though you�ll be sure to pay less online or the High Street. But, it�s a gem, slightly flawed yes, but a gem none the less.'
Posted by Darren in our Canon category on August 22, 2005