311
people found this helpful, as of 2023
ranked #80,418 most helpful
out of 571,544,897 reviews
★★★★☆
Proof Canon listens to customer feedback!
Canon's newer, higher end SD models (SD200/SD300) are fantastic little cameras for point-n-shooters like myself.
What's new compared to SD110/S410/S500:
-2.0" LCD as opposed to 1.5" on other canon models
-Low-light focus system dramatically improved over previous canon ultracompacts
-Built in scene modes, making it much easier for those illiterate in manual functions (white balance? huh?) to get better looking pictures.
Pros (aside from new features mentioned above):
-Canon's image sensor is consistently one of the (if not THE) best when it comes to ultracompact digital cameras. Compare pictures taken by a Canon ultracompact to any other brand of ultracompact at the same resolution and the difference is remarkable.
-All metal body feels sturdy.
-Controls are mapped very efficiently (zoom and shutter operatable with one hand). Menus can be navigated easily.
-Numerous shooting options are enough to satisfy amateur photographers as well as snapshooters. Auto-mode is efficient and usually does a good job.
-About 2/3 the thickness of the S-series of Canon cameras, which are already about the size of a pack of cigarettes.
-3.2 Megapixel sensor is exactly enough for snapshooters, which ultimately makes this camera cost far less.
-Automatic lens cover prevents dust, etc., from marring lens.
-Canon switched from Compact Flash memory to SD memory, which reads and writes much faster.
-Fast start-up time (although not as fast as Casio's Exilim line).
-Sleek design makes the camera a fashion statement. You can and WILL get "oooh"s and "ahhh"s from people when you pull this thing out.
Cons:
-Canon switched from Compact Flash memory to SD memory, which costs more.
-3.2 megapixel resolution, while enough to print 5x7s, usually isn't enough to print 8x10 images with anything resembling decent resolution. Luckily, 90% of home users will never need more.
-This camera is clearly not for anyone other than casual snapshooters: lacking in the manual functions more experienced photographers demand.
-No RAW file mode for experienced digital photographers.
-Basically, experienced photographers will hate this camera. But thankfully, it's not geared toward them, but rather at home-users. If you are an experienced photographer, don't look at ultra compact snapshooter cameras. Go for digital SLR cameras, like Canon's EOS or Digital Rebel series'.
October 2004 · Electronics