Best Camera for New Parents: Canon PowerShot SD870 IS

New parents or parents of toddlers or small children often want a pocket-sized point-and-shoot digital camera to carry along to capture memories. After extensive research, I found a terrific one in the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS. Here is my review:

I used the Canon PowerShot SD600 for the first two years of my son's life, but I found the shutter lag was causing me to miss great shots.

Extensively researching the options for pocket point-and-shoot digital cameras, I wanted something sturdy and simple, with low shutter lag. I also wanted value for my money; I wasn't prepared to spend a ton (definitely less than $300), but I wanted a nice quality camera.

Google searches, CNET, Amazon and the helpful DPReview.com were key to compare features and, critically, read what other consumers had to say. I began to narrow down to a final choice.

In the end, I settled on the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS, narrowly edging out the Canon PowerShot SD850 IS (which I had bought just a month earlier for my sister). What made the difference?

The camera is incredibly simple: The on-off button was moved from the back-face on the SD850 to the top, which makes powering on a snap (it powers on quickly, too, which is a must when trying to capture those fast-moving moments with your toddler).

I particularly like the 3-inch viewing screen. The SD850 IS has a small viewfinder on the back; the SD870 IS removed that (essentially useless) feature and made the viewing screen larger, which makes viewing the photos -- either immediately after you have taken them or later, perhaps showing off your shots to friends and family -- an incredibly good experience.

The buttons are well-placed; I don't use many of the optional functions - I just want a camera I can turn on and shoot in "auto" mode, giving me great pictures. There is a handy button on the back that allows you to view your pictures immediately, a welcome upgrade from my old SD600. The camera also has what experts call a "nice build"; it feels sturdy in your hand - like it won't disintegrate if my kid happens to handle it.

The price-point was very appealing, too: I got the camera for $250, mainly because it is considered an "older" model (or because newer models have come out since the SD870IS was introduced). But it seems to do everything the newer, more expensive cameras do -- at a much lower price.

(And if it the camera "technically" isn't as good, as a casual photographer, I simply don't notice. In short, it is more than "good enough" - and for the purposes of a camera you can take anywhere to shoot photos of your kids, that is the best standard to apply.)

Finally, I had previously enjoyed a good experience with my existing Canon SD600, so I was comfortable with what the brand would give to me.

Since buying the camera a month ago, I have been thrilled with it so far. It has done everything I have wanted it to do:

Crisp pictures, easily viewed on its large display; a simple interface; and vastly improved shutter lag over my previous point-and-shoot camera (but -- to manage your expectations -- not instant like my SLR, also a Canon -- the Rebel XTi.) I would recommend buying a small screen protector, which eased my fears about scratching my brand-new screen while the camera was in my pocket or my wife's purse. (I got a screen protector from BoxWave for less than $10. Totally worth it.)

Most importantly, I have used the camera extensively -- often during spur-of-the-moment times with my toddler - and I have enjoyed it. I am thrilled with my choice.

I know how hard it can be to sift through the choices when it comes to high-end technology like cameras. I am very happy to strongly recommend the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS.