The Review of the Canon SD700

In February 2006. The Canon Company introduced to the global market what they called the Canon SD700 IS Digital ELPH. The SD 700 IS is the first Canon ultra-compact ever to feature optical image stabilization, and the first to sport a 4x zoom lens, though in most other respects it is very similar to the previous 'top of the range' SD550. It also comprises of some features like: 6.0 million effective pixels, 4x (35-140mm equiv.) zoom ISO 800 and optical IS for flash-free indoor shooting, Canon's DIGIC II image, processor, iSAPS and 9-point AiAF, Wide viewing angle 2.5" LCD screen, 16 shooting modes, My Colors photo effects, Wide screen (16:9) stills recording, and 30fps VGA movies.

Image sizes of the Canon SD 700 IS Digital ELPH
It comprises of image sizes: 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1584, 2272 x 1704, 1600 x 1200, and 640 x 480.

Design of the Canon SD 700 IS Digital ELPH
Like the SD500 and 550 before it previously introduce by the Canon Company, the SD700 IS replaces the minimalist boxy styling of earlier Ixus/Elph models with what Canon's marketing department christened a 'Perpetual Curve' design. The SD700 IS bears a close resemblance to the SD550, though some controls have moved, and the back plate is now half-covered in an attractive shiny black plastic.

Similarly the SD500 / SD550 before it, the SD700's looks and feel exude quality, and the silky stainless steel finish is almost indulgently tactile, and - as befits a camera at the higher end of the ultra- compact price range - it is beautifully built with an admirable attention to detail. The only downside of the finish used is that it seems very susceptible to scratches and marks (so keep it in a case when not in use). Although the control layout has been tweaked slightly (the mode dial is now inset into the body), the basics are the same as most models in the range. This means you get external controls for flash.

Handling of the Canon SD 700 IS Digital ELPH
With a fully loaded weight of around 192g (6.8 oz) the SD700IS is just heavy enough to feel solid and stable in the hand, though as noted above, the pebble-smooth exterior, combined with the lack of any discernible 'grip' means it can feel a little unstable held in one hand, but is in fact perfectly usable. The positioning of the shutter release and zoom rocker make single-handed operation easy.

Key body elements of the Canon SD 700 IS Digital ELPH
Though the changes to the body over the SD550 are quite minimal, they are a small improvement; particularly the new mode dial, which is a lot more difficult to move accidentally when holding the camera with one hand.

The SD700's optically stabilized lens covers a useful 35-140mm (4x) zoom range, the maximum aperture drops from F2.8 to F5.5 as you zoom from wide to tele. The lens collapses into the body when not in use.

The ubiquitous four-way controller is used to navigate the menu system and provides direct access to flash, macro, self-timer/drive mode and ISO.

Controls & Menus of the Canon 700 IS Digital ELPH
Canon has been fine-tuning its user interface for several generations of Power Shot, but the basic operation has remained the same, which is good news, because it works well, and is fast and instinctive. The SD700 features all the nifty new features seen on Canon's other more recent high end models, including an orientation sensor that rotates the display in playback mode if you turn the camera round, slideshow transitions and, of course, My Colors and Color Swap options.

A good understand of this review above would tell every procurer around the world a brief description of the Canon 700 IS Digital ELPH.