Product Review: Canon Powershot SD790IS 10 Megapixel Digital Camera

The Canon Powershot SD790IS digital camera is the newest camera in the Canon's Image Stabilizer Powershot line. It is a small 10-megapixel camera sporting decent optical zoom and a CCD sensor. It's marketed for the average consumer in need of a light, portable and fairly cheap all-purpose point and shoot digital camera.

Before purchasing a camera, ask yourself what type of camera you need. The Canon Powershot SD 790IS may be the right camera for you. This camera is intended for the average consumer or hobbyist that needs a cheap price tag with good pictures and a durable body.

If you think the Powershot 790IS may be the camera for you, read on to discover the pros and cons of the camera, as well as any issues you should be aware of.

Body

The body of the camera is very sleek. It is similar to the other Powershot point-and-shoot cameras in Canon's line, except it sports to sharp angles on the face of the body instead of a smooth taper. This makes it easier to distinguish, and prevents the camera from looking like dozens of others like it.

The lens is retractable and offset on the camera. Like the other Powershots, the Canon logo is mounted sideways on the right front side of the camera.

The back is made up almost entirely of the LCD screen, and has minimal menu controls on the right side, including a zoom button and dial.

There is no dedicated mode dial - the top of the camera features only a shutter button.

Features

Features are fairly standard, but fall to the higher-end of the consumer market. The LCD is a large 3-inches, which is more than large enough to adequately analyze a snapshot for blurs or an over/under exposure.

The SD790IS has a wide array of support for memory cards, including: SD/SDHC, and all version of MMC cards (MMC+, HCMMC+, etc).

The best feature of this camera is the 10-megapixel CCD sensor, which allows you take high resolution shots and make prints larger than what most digital cameras will allow. The camera has image stabilization, which insures the shots are always clear and sharp.

Perhaps the best feature of this camera is the battery, which lasts longer than any camera I've used - about two weeks with daily snapshots (300+ pictures).

Photo Quality

As a Canon camera, it isn't surprising that the photos come out clear and crisp. This camera does the series justice, with accurately colored photos and good exposure. Auto mode does a good job of getting an accurate shot of the object/person. Face Detection does a good job of keeping faces in focus.

Cons

As with every, there is a downside. The menu dial on the back is not like it is on most cameras - it physically rotates, which means there is a gear mechanism that will eventually wear out from being turned so often. However, this is a small issue, and if you aren't planning on keeping your camera for many years, then it likely won't be a concern for you.

Conclusion

This camera is a good choice for someone who wants the Canon image quality without a high price. The photos are good, but the buttons and dial are different from what is considered normal. They aren't bad, but they are different, and some people don't like different. This camera is good for the price, but I recommend that you try it out in a store before you buy it.