Product Review: Canon PowerShot SD780 is 12.1 Megapixel Ultra-Thin HD Digital Camera

Canon's new ultra-thin Powershot, the SD780 with image stabilization, measures in at a thin 0.7" while offering high megapixels, excellent optical zoom, and high definition video filming. This camera is marketed towards anyone who needs a small digital camera that will fit in any pocket, purse, or backpack, take outstanding pictures, and do it all in a stylish case that would blend right with a professional's gear.

Features

The screen on the SD780IS measures in at 2.5" inches, while the camera offers a 12 megapixel sensor that utilizes the DIGIC IV image processor. It has the standard modes you would expect to find on a camera, such as auto and manual. You can manipulate the exposure, aperture, and shutter speed. It also has face detection, which is becoming more common on digital cameras, but also includes blink detection, which is still uncommon; blink detection avoids taking images while someone is blinking.

The video records in 720p high definition, which can be played back on an HDTV via an included HDMI cable.

Image Quality

The images from the SD780 are very sharp and crisp, and have saturated colors-perhaps too much for some people. The noise levels from the this camera are too high for my prefers-they are unacceptable over ISO 600 if you're planning on doing some extensive post-processing. As well, low-light images get a yellow-tinge that JPEG images are more common for. You can load CHDK onto the camera to take RAW shots, which will get rid of the yellow tinge.

Video Quality

Videos taken in bright light, especially daylight, looks very good. Low-light shots have an unacceptable amount of noise for someone looking to make short films, but is alright for home videos.

Conclusion

Canon's new sleek and thin Powershot camera is an excellent option for professionals, as it offers a nice set of features wrapped in a solid black matte body. The screen is large enough to adequately review your images, while the lens is completely retractable for easy storage. The image quality is excellent, and the videos look comparable to an expensive Xacti pocket camcorder. Though the price is a tad high, you won't regret getting the Powershot SD780 IS.