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Digital Camera Reviews and Ratings By manufacturer:
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The Canon PowerShot SD700 IS (also known as the IXUS 800 in Europe) is a nice looking camera with a 6 megapixel sensor, a 4x Optical Zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD.
It has image stabilization (the first in this range to get it) and shoots at up to 800 ISO which makes it a good camera for low light shooting. it also features a 9 point AF system and
The SD700 IS takes SD Cards and has USB and NTSC/PAL connectivity.
The Canon PowerShot SD700 IS will have a retail price of $499.99 and will be available in April.
Compare prices on the Canon Powershot SD700 / IXUS 800 and get the latest price on it at Amazon. at Amazon.
Canon today releases the Digital IXUS that advanced photographers have been waiting for – the 6.0 Megapixel Digital IXUS 800 IS. Redefining the boundaries of compact camera design, the new flagship of the Digital IXUS range fits a 4x optical zoom lens and Canon's optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology into an incredibly slender body.
Exquisitely styled with a unique 'Curvature and Stream' design, the camera incorporates a host of cutting-edge features and shooting options to satisfy the most demanding of photographers, including:
"IXUS is synonymous with distinctive style and leading technology," comments Mogens Jensen, head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. "The Digital IXUS 800 IS adds another dimension to the range with a new level of functionality that will thrill serious photo enthusiasts."
4x optical zoom with Image Stabilizer
Smaller, lighter camera bodies are more susceptible to camera shake from handheld shots, especially in low light situations. The Digital IXUS 800 IS employs the same optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology used in Canon's professional EF lenses to reduce the image blur caused by camera shake. IS allows for sharper flash-free shooting by enabling photographers to shoot at shutter speeds up to 3 stops slower. It also allows for steadier macro shooting when using the camera's 2cm Macro mode. To incorporate this technology into such a compact space, a new IS processor chip was developed by Canon's engineering team. The new chip accurately controls the movement of lens elements, delivers fast, precise shake correction – processing up to 4000 signals per second – and contributes to lower power consumption.
The 4x optical zoom lens incorporates an Ultra-High Refractive Index Aspherical (UA) lens to achieve a focal length range of 35-140mm (35mm equivalent) while allowing the camera to maintain a slender profile. The camera retains a real-image optical viewfinder despite its compact size, enabling users to frame without the LCD and further extend the camera's impressive 240-shot battery capacity.
Increased ISO speed
The Digital IXUS 800 IS incorporates ISO 800 to facilitate flash-free shooting indoors - ideal in low-light environments where the use of flash is not desirable or appropriate, such as churches and concerts. A new High ISO Auto setting automatically sets exposure using the higher range of ISO sensitivities, prioritising faster shutter speeds to avoid blur from camera shake or moving subjects.
New design
In keeping with its status as a new class of IXUS, the Digital IXUS 800 IS has a resolutely unique appearance that sets it apart from its predecessors. In an evolution of the Perpetual Curve design found on the Digital IXUS 750, the camera's elegant contours are accentuated by a striking tri-coloured design – 'ice metal' silver and 'moonlight' silver in satin and glossy finishes, complemented by an ebony black gloss surrounding the LCD screen. Designer Kosei Takahashi has dubbed his concept 'Curvature and Stream', a reference to the elliptic curves of each coloured segment and the bold, flowing lines that appear where segments meet.
The large 2.5" LCD screen gracing the back of the camera features a wide viewing angle for easy sharing of images. A selectable Grid Line Display helps with image composition, while Night Display aids screen visibility after dark. The camera's mode dial is embedded into the body of the camera, leaving thumb space clear for an easier grip.
Creative shooting
Canon's My Colors photo effects can now be applied to images both before and after shooting, offering users more opportunities to customise their creations without having to connect to a PC. The Digital IXUS 800 IS offers 16 shooting modes including Manual mode. Preset scene modes assist with tricky lighting conditions, including an Underwater mode for shooting underwater with the optional Waterproof Case. Color Accent and Color Swap modes enable dramatic colour effects to be applied to both images and movies.
A new Widescreen recording mode (2816 x 1584 recording pixels) allows for still image capturing in 16:9 format – perfect for viewing images on widescreen television or printing wide photos with a SELPHY CP series Compact Photo Printer.
The camera's powerful movie features enable recording of 30fps VGA movie clips of up to 1GB . A 60fps QVGA mode is ideal for recording fast action sequences and analysing them in slow motion, while the handy Compact mode records up to 3 minutes of footage in low resolution for easy sharing via email.
Printing and other new features
A new Print menu simplifies printing of multiple images. Full PictBridge support means users can print directly to any PictBridge compatible printer without the need for a PC. The camera's ID photo and movie stills features are also available when connected to a SELPHY CP Compact Photo Printer. A Print/Share button allows one-touch printing and easy uploads to Windows or Mac systems.
The camera's menu system now features support for Arabic, bringing the total number of supported languages to 23.
Optional Accessories
An optional Waterproof Case (WP-DC5) allows users to bring the camera to a depth of up to 40 metres for compelling underwater shots. Specially designed Weights (WW-DC1) are available to control camera buoyancy.
Other accessories include:
The camera is compatible with MMC/SD cards, and comes supplied with a 16MB Canon memory card.
Technologies Explained
DIGIC II
Canon's purpose-built DIGIC II (DIGital Imaging Core) image processor links all primary camera functions for maximum efficiency. High-speed processing results in outstanding responsiveness, rapid auto focus and extended continuous shooting ability. Advanced image processing algorithms deliver superb image detail and colour reproduction with accurate white balance and minimal noise. DIGIC II operates efficiently to extend battery life, for longer shooting on a single charge.
iSAPS
iSAPS (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space) automatically optimises key camera settings before every shot. Each scene is analysed and cross-referenced against Photographic Space – a vast in-camera library of photographic data. This enables the camera to make optimal adjustments to auto exposure, auto focus and auto white balance before image capture occurs.
9-Point AiAF
Canon's 9-point AiAF (Artificial Intelligence Auto Focus) automatically scans and selects subjects from a set of nine focusing areas across the scene. This ensures accurately focused images even when subjects are not in the centre of the frame.
Optical Image Stabilizer
Canon's optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology uses special vibration sensors to detect and correct slight camera shakes that can cause image blur. It allows photographers to shoot at shutter speeds up to 3 stops slower with no perceptible increase in image blur. IS is extremely helpful in low light situations, at full zoom and when shooting macro photography.
Ultra-High Refractive Index Aspherical (UA) lens technology
Canon's UA lens was the world's first ultra-high refractive index glass moulded aspherical lens. Made from glass with a higher refractive index than other aspherical lenses, it allows for an exceptionally slim and compact lens unit. The glass moulded aspherical shape delivers remarkable image quality and avoids the image aberrations that can occur with spherical lens designs.
The PowerShot SD700 IS Digital ELPH camera will be available in April for an estimated selling price of $499.99.
Get the latest price on the Canon PowerShot SD700 at Amazon.
CNET reviews the Canon PowerShot SD700 IS and gives the camera a rating of 7.8 out of 10. They write - 'Compared to its siblings in Canon's SD line of compact point-and-shoot cameras, the top-end SD700 IS packs more features into its small frame than higher resolution. It shares the same 6-megapixel sensor as its peers, the PowerShot SD600 and SD630 but has a longer zoom lens and image stabilization to curb blurry photos. The Canon PowerShot SD700 IS is compact, though slightly larger than the other two models. Still, it's the right size to slip into a jacket or a loose pants pocket. At 6.8 ounces, it's a bit heavy for its small size, giving it a nice, solid feel.'
Digital Camera Tracker reviews the Canon PowerShot SD700 IS and gives it a rating of 8.5 out of 10. They write - 'Canon's SD700 IS was enjoyable and easy. In the picture quality area there is nothing to complain about because the SDF630 delivers outstanding photos with vivid color. It's fast to turn on, power up and recycle time between shots seemed almost instantaneous. The SD700's 6 megapixel sensor was designed to suppress noise from the higher ISO setting however, in my tests it still exhibits digital "chatter" at the highest ISO setttings.'
Lets Go Digital reviews the Canon IXUS 800 IS and writes - 'To sum things up, we have nothing but praise for the top model from the Digital IXUS series: the Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS. The camera features a user-friendly operation, and produces first-rate image quality. It is not a camera for the photographer with high demands looking for something compact, whilst also wanting to make choices in aperture and shutter speeds, but then again, the Canon IXUS 800 IS does not claim to be this type of camera in the first place. It is an attractive design camera, attaching particular value to quality and ease. And once you have worked with an optical image stabilizer and have experienced the advantages of care-free photography in every imaginable situation, you are not likely to return to a camera that is not equipped with an image stabilization system. We can conclude the Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS is a champion among compact cameras, a camera that truly deserves to be a style icon! An outstanding performance!'
Steves Digicams reviews the Canon Powershot SD700 IS Digital ELPH where they write - 'The PowerShot SD700 is another outstanding member of Canon's Digital ELPH series, offering great image quality, robust performance, and useful exposure modes, all packed in an ultra-compact, durable and stylish shell. It's sure to make an excellent choice for any user in the market for an extremely pocketable 4x zoom, high resolution digicam. At about US$499 MSRP, it is roughly $100 more expensive than its SD630 sibling, but its combination of 4x optical zoom lens and Image Stabilization will be worth the extra cost to those who need those features.'
Megapixel reviews the Canon SD700 IS / IXUS 800 IS and writes - 'The image quality of the PowerShot SD700 IS is nothing short of excellent. Three levels of JPEG compression are available to record images, and the level that applies the least compression, and therefore guarantees the highest image quality, is the Superfine setting. Set to this compression level, the SD700 IS yields images that show no loss of detail, and subtle colours can be detected in both sky and foliage. Moreover, the Fine image quality, a compression level that yields file sizes that are half of those in the Superfine mode, offers an image quality that is often hard to differentiate from the Superfine level.'
DCRP comprehensively reviews the Canon PowerShot SD700 IS Digital ELPH and writes - 'Camera performance is very good. The camera starts up in about a second, it focuses quickly, and shutter lag was not a problem. Shot-to-shot times were impressive, as was the SD700's low light focusing abilities. The continuous shooting mode is superb. Like on Canon's other DIGIC II-based cameras you can keep shooting at 2 frames/second until you run out of memory -- assuming you're using a high speed SD card. While an improvement over its predecessor, the SD700's battery life numbers are average.'
Imaging Resource reviews the Canon PowerShot SD700 IS where they write - 'Though it's a pricey little camera, the 6-megapixel Canon PowerShot SD700 IS offers some great tools for improving your photos that go beyond megapixels. In particular, the camera might change how consumers think about taking low-light photos. Instead of "nuking" your subject in a flash of harsh light, turn on this camera's Image Stabilizer and set it to one of the higher ISO light sensitivity levels and you'll be able to take very nice, atmospheric shots with little blur. Speaking of high ISOs, while some competing models offer ISO settings above the SD700 IS' maximum of 800, Canon's latest models do a better job controlling noise in their images. This can make a big difference when deciding whether to keep or trash an image, especially if you're considering printing it out. In the case of the SD700 IS, images captured in low-light at ISO 800 made excellent 4x6's and not-bad-at-all 8x10s. In regular lighting at lower ISOs, things improved further with the camera providing solid image quality, good color and accurate skin tones.'
Photoxels reviews the Canon PowerShot SD700 IS and writes, "This camera is targeted to Point-and-Shoot photographers with 6.0MP resolution (which is more than plenty for producing very large prints), and a 4x optical zoom (where most of its competitors stop at 3x). AUTO and 9 Scene Modes (plus 2 Color Effects) simplify shooting, but more advanced photographers can also switch to the Manual (M) mode (essentially a Programmed Auto mode with manual long shutter speeds (up to 15 sec.) for more control. ... The Canon PowerShot SD700 IS is stylish and easy to use, and produces very good to excellent image quality. The addition of optical image stabilizer technology makes it a perfect easy-to-use take-anywhere ultra compact digital camera."
ComputerActive has a review of the Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS (Canon PowerShot SD700) and writes, "The camera powers up in two seconds, the lens barrel extending from flush to the body; however we felt the location of the on/off button above the LCD didn’t make for the most fluid operation. ... The shutter button is surrounded by a responsive zoom lever, while a slightly recessed mode dial falls under your forefinger. The screen attracts prints as you grip the camera, so you’ll be constantly wiping it. ... Images the 800 IS delivers onto its 16Mb SD card are mainly sharp. Even with image stabilisation on continuous there was the occasional blurred shot, though less than you’d get without. Switching to ‘shoot only’ was more reliable. There’s also occasional fringing in areas of high contrast, only visible when enlarging a small area. Colours were well saturated."
DPReview has a review of the Canon PowerShot SD700 IS and writes, "The SD 700 IS is, in essence, everything a pocket camera should be; fast, easy to use, well designed and - above all - reliable. When you've got little or no manual control the reliability and accuracy of the automatic focus, exposure and white balance systems is of paramount importance, and it is here where the SD 700 IS really shows its mettle; out of the 750+ shots we took for the gallery no more than a handful had any problems at all with exposure, focus or color. That's an impressively high hit rate, and one that inspires the confidence needed for someone like me, used to endless tweaking of camera controls, to use a true 'point and shoot' model. It's also surprisingly good in low light, with the combination of image stabilization and usable ISO 400 (even ISO 800 is fine for social snaps), meaning you can shoot without flash if you want to. If you do use flash it's fast and exposure is excellent (though the range is a bit limited unless you crank up the ISO). ... ultimately the thing that matters is taking pictures, and - a few minor quibbles aside - that's where the SD 700 IS's strength lies. It's fun to use, takes great pictures in almost any situation and it's fast and accurate; what more could you ask for?"
Digital Camera Review has a review of the Canon Powershot SD700 IS and writes, "The image quality was excellent. Colors were accurate (unless you play around with the My Colors shooting mode), showed good dynamic range and exposure was excellent. Images were very sharp except for some shots taken at full telephoto where the focus might have been off just a tad. Noise was very well controlled. In my opinion, it's acceptable up to ISO 200 but a little too much at ISO 400, but you could probably get away with a smaller print of ISO 400. The camera does sport an ISO 800 mode if you really need that extra sensitivity to capture a shot. Keep in mind that the camera does employ some on-board noise reduction when the shutter speed is slower than 1.3 seconds."
PhotographyBLOG reviews the Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS and writes - 'Easy to use, reliable, fast in operation – and delivering pictures that, for the most part, require little if any post processing – the Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS suggests itself as one of the better (perhaps even one of the best) compromises between style, features and portability. Its zoom range is better than many fashion-orientated compacts at 4x, the LCD is large and clear enough to make framing and reviewing images a stress free process, while real optical image stabilization on such a camera, if not quite perfect, is still a real plus. As such, the IXUS 800 IS is a worthy continuation of the IXUS family lineage, and, for me, that feature alone makes it worth the extra £50 over and above the IXUS 65.'
Posted by Darren in our Canon category on February 21, 2006