Canon SD 700IS

[shmerham]

This is one of Canon's ultracompacts. It's actually a bit bigger than some of the cameras in the line. Most in the line differ by megapixels and lcd screen size. This one though, has image stabilization and 4x optical zoom (as opposed to 3x on all the others).

It's expensive though at $400 vs. $300 for the same camera with 3x and no image stabilization. I need to replace my broken SD300, which I liked a lot until it broke, but there were times when I wish it took better pictures.

a) is image stabilization worth it on a compact camera?
b) is 4x a worthwhile jump over 3x?
c) I'd really like an ultracompact to take around wherever I go. If I have it, would my money be better spent on one of Canon's less expensive models (something in the $200 to $250 range) and then getting a non-compact for when I care more about getting better pictures? I don't think photography will ever be my main hobby, but I do like taking pictures and sometimes wish I was able to get better ones than with what I had.

[Spats]

My experience is that you'll never take out the big camera if you have a small camera that takes good pictures.

dpreview.com, which is more of a high-end and SLR review site, loves the 700IS and gave it Highly Recommended. I'm tempted myself. Let me know if you get one.

The nice thing about the Canons is they all do continuous shooting at over 2FPS, which is excellent for skiing action photos.

Plus I think their noise reduction and JPEG processing is clearly the best. Panasonics look noisy and over-sharpened, Casios look smeary and blown-out, Nikons blue-fringe too much, Sonys sometimes forget to focus...

[vinnay]

i am trying to decide between this and the sd630, a bit smaller, no IS, no view finder, but 3in screen.

but when i was looking at prices, sd630 looked to be around 400, with the 700is around 450-5.
shmer where are you lookin?

[shmerham]

i am trying to decide between this and the sd630, a bit smaller, no IS, no view finder, but 3in screen.

but when i was looking at prices, sd630 looked to be around 400, with the 700is around 450-5.
shmer where are you lookin?

Have you searched bizrate, nextag, etc? Somebody (BeachCamera, I think) has it for $408 with free shipping I think. Not sure what the 630 was going for.

[Snow Dog]

i am trying to decide between this and the sd630, a bit smaller, no IS, no view finder, but 3in screen.

After hiking with friends with cameras last week -- no viewfinder = big pain in the ass in sunlight.

[spindrift]

After hiking with friends with cameras last week -- no viewfinder = big pain in the ass in sunlight.

Yeah, I have a Pentax Optio wpi. Theoretically great camera - but sucks in the real world. Is tough/waterproof as claimed, but the LCD washes out anyplace interesting, and especially out in the snow taking pics is guesswork. Never again without an optical viewfinder.

The 700 IS is on the contender list for a replacement, so add me to the list of those interested in real world experience with this camera.

[squirrelmurphy]

in addition to washout, action shots are really tough without a viewfinder, and sequences are pretty much impossible

[Staggerwing]

As a long time Nikon shooter, I have to say that Canon pwns the consumer digicam market.

I have a Casio EX-Z50, which isn't bad for a toy, but found it difficult for ski photography. I don't have large hands, but when they're cold, holding the Casio is like handling a wet bar of soap.

From that experience, I just bought a Canon A620, which everyone seems to be closing out cheap. The slightly larger size, and build in grip, are going to work well when it gets cold. It can also be loaded with AA lithiums, or Ni-Mh rechargeables.

Guess what I'm trying to say is, there is a point where too small works against you.

And, Beach Camera may, or more likely, may not work out for you. Expect a full on hard sell, with all the toys that should come in the box, being offered a la carte.

[grapedrink]

get those lcd protector stickers or your huge lcd will scratch up the second you accidently stick it in your pocket with your keys or change or anything really. cloth bags work too. optical zoom is handy, get the 4x/6mp camera.

[Sinecure]

Those protective thingies (I call them screen condoms) can also help keep the lcd from cracking if you fall on it. Every little bit helps.

[coastal]

I've done a ton of research in the past few months and the SD700 IS is exactly what I'm going to be getting. It's small, it's a Canon, it's got solid resolution, and the IS is perfectly suited to a small, difficult to handle style of camera.

Only drawback I can see aside from the price is that it hasn't got all the manual controls. Personally, I'm fine with that since I've got a D70 and the 700IS will mainly be used for partyin and ski snapshots.

Get it!

[Spats]

I recommend buying from buydig.com or newegg.com.

Both will ship you what you ordered without calling you and giving you the hard sell, both have been reliable for me, both get good reviews, and both are always within a few dollars of the lowest price. It's worth those few dollars not to deal with shady BS.