Canon PowerShot SX100 IS as the best digital camera for a thrifty photographer

Canon PowerShot SX100 is the first in a new series of budget super zoom compact digital cameras. The SX100 IS features a 10x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer, 8.0 Mega pixel image sensor (1/2.5") and DIGIC III processor. It also has face detection and a full complement of auto and manual exposure modes, plus a 2.5" LCD screen. Unfortunately, there is no eye level viewfinder. It is not the pretty camera, which Canon inc. has ever made, but it has a surprisingly comprehensive spec for a 'budget' model.
PowerShot SX100 IS is the first release in the new SX series of great value super zoom digital compact cameras. Combining high optical zoom and user-friendly operation in a remarkably compact form, the SX series offers exceptional performance in the hands of any member of the family, and includes full manual control for those with more experience. The PowerShot SX100 IS features a 10x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer, 8.0 Megapixel image sensor, and DIGIC III processor for superb image quality. Enhanced Face Detection Technology, Red-Eye Correction and Auto ISO Shift features mean that users of any level can achieve impressive results.
SX100 IS features:
- 10x 36-360mm (35mm equiv) F2.8-4.3 optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer
- 8.0 Megapixels 1/2.5 inch sensor
- DIGIC III image processor
- Face Detection Technology enhanced with new Face Select and Track function and dedicated Face Selector button
- Canon’s total anti-blur solution with ISO 1600, Auto ISO Shift and optical Image Stabilizer
- Improved Red-Eye Correction in playback
- 2.5 inch 172,000 pixels, 15 levels of brightness adjustment LCD screen
- 18 shooting modes including full manual control
- Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom
- Storage SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus, HC MMCplus compatible - 32 MB card supplied Power
- 2x AA Alkaline or NiMH batteries- Weight (no batt) 266g (9.4 oz)
- Dimensions 108.7 x 71.4 x 46.7 mm (4.3 x 2.8 x 1.8 in)
The Canon SX100 IS makes up for in photo quality. It is the result of an extra few months of tweaking since the S5 shipped, but the SX100's photo quality, especially at higher ISO sensitivity settings, clearly improves upon its siblings. At ISO 800, there is far less of a mottled look in the SX100's shots, but with no increased loss of detail. The new lens has better distortion characteristics and photos look sharp without looking over sharpened. However, there is yellow and purple fringing; it is not nearly as severe in the SX100's photos as those of the S5 are. In addition, the good aspects of those models’ image its predominantly excellent exposure and color -- highlight the SX100's photos, as well. The Canon PowerShot SX100's present spotty performance, disappointing movie capture and occasionally frustrating design keep it from earning a no-brainer recommendation.

Canon Powershot G9 as the best by for a dandy

Key features of the Canon PowerShot G9 include the much-requested inclusion of a raw shooting mode, a bright new 3.0-inch screen and a new 12.1MP 1/1.7-inch sensor. The face detection, focus and handling have also been improved (the latter through a redesign of the grip and the addition of a small thumb grip) and the G9 is now compatible with Canon's ST-E2 wireless flash transmitter. One thing we have all asked for has now returned; RAW capture. The 6x optically-stabilized zoom remains the same.
Canon’s G-series fell out of vogue for a year or two when no new models released, but appeared with the release of the high-end G7. Now the G9 digital camera is the flagship of the entire PowerShot series with 12 megapixels, 6x optical zoom, image stabilization, and manual and automatic controls etc.
Canon Powershot G9 main features
- 12.1 Megapixels (1/1.7” sensor) with RAW mode for maximum image control
- 6x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer and SR coating
- DIGIC III and iSAPS for lightning fast response, superb image quality and advanced Noise Reduction
- Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction in playback
- 3.0” high-resolution, PureColor LCD II with extra wide viewing angle
- ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
- Compact body with dedicated ISO and Multi Control dials
- 25 shooting modes including full manual control and 2 custom settings
- Extra telephoto reach with Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom*
- Hot shoe support for Canon Speedlite flashes and optional lens accessories
Canon G9’s
Pros:
-Excellent color reproduction- Nice 6x lens with optical Image stabilization - Fast auto focus- Face tracking- Remote shooting
Cons:
-High noise levels over ISO 400- Limited dynamic range- Soft corners - 220-shot battery life- No optical zoom in movies- No RAW file shooting- Confusing user manuals
The Canon PowerShot G9 is a solid enthusiast camera for those who want something compact to complement a dSLR for $499.

Canon PowerShot SD950 IS as the best buy

Known as the Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS it is the new flagship model of its Digital IXUS range. Belligerent a stylish new curvature design sculpted in pure titanium, the Digital IXUS 960 IS features a range-leading 12.1 Megapixel sensor. A new 3.7x zoom with an optical Image Stabilizer is complemented by Auto ISO Shift and high ISO 1600, offering Canon’s total anti-blur solution. With a DIGIC III processor powering Canon’s Face Detection AF / AE / FE and improved Red-Eye Correction, the Digital IXUS 960 IS comes fully equipped for superb people shots. Extensive movie options include XGA recording, Time Lapse Movie and Long Play modes.
“Its supreme titanium build quality and elegant design are complemented by powerful, innovative features that deliver premium-quality imaging. This is a camera that will appeal to consumers who demand the best” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe.
At $450, the SD950 is pricey for a point-and-shoot, but if you're looking for a compact camera that goes well beyond happy snaps, this is a heck of an attractive package.
The 3.7x optical zoom lens covers a 35mm-equivalent range of 36-133mm with a maximum aperture range of f/2.8-5.8. It is good for a wider field of view, the 860 IS offers 28-105mm lens with the same maximum aperture range.
Specifications
- 12.1 megapixels 1/1.7 inch sensor
- ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
- 4000 x 3000 max resolution
- 1024 x 768 at 15fps, 640 x 480 at 30fps, 320 x 240 at 30fps, 160 x 120 at 15fps
- 36-133mm (35mm equiv.) 3.7x optical zoom lens
- 9-point AiAF with Face Detection AiAF
- Shutter speed at 15-1/1600 sec (longer than 1 sec available in Long Shutter Mode only)
- 2.5-inch P-Si TFT 230,000 pixels, 15 levels of brightness adjustment LCD screen
- SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus , HC MMCplus compatible
- 32 MB card supplied
- Weight 165g (5.8 oz)Dimentions 95.9 x 59.9 x 27.6 mm (3.8 x 2.4 x 1.1 in)

Canon PowerShot A650 as the best purchase

Canon Powershot A650 IS is an elegant digital camera which offers a range-leading 12.1 Megapixel CCD, 6x optical zoom lens and a 2.5” vari-angle LCD. Equipped with optical Image Stabilizer technology1 and advanced high ISO capabilities, both camera offer a comprehensive solution to image blur.
Replacing the PowerShot A640, the PowerShot A650 IS also benefit from Canon’s DIGIC III processor, which powers Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction for improved people shots.
“The PowerShot A650 IS incorporate several features usually associated with high-end cameras in two affordable, compact packages,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “This makes both models an attractive proposition for novices and experienced camera users alike.”

Specifications
- 1/1.7" Type CCD, 12.1 million effective pixels
- 35-210mm (35mm equiv) 6x optical zoom, F2.8-4.8
- Optical Image stabilization
- Face Detection AiAF
- 9-point AiAF
- 1-point AF (center or FlexiZone)
- Manual focus
- Real-image zoom, optical viewfinder
- 2.5-inch Vari-angle P-Si TFT, 173,000 pixels
- USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
- AV out (PAL / NTSC switchable)
- SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus , HC MMCplus compatible
- 32 MB card supplied
- Weight (no batt) 200g (7.0 oz)
- Dimensions 97.3 x 67.0 x 49.1 mm (3.8 x 2.6 x 1.6 in)

Canon PowerShot SD1000 as the best ultra compact digital camera

PowerShot SD1000 / Digital IXUS 70 is Canon’s slimmest optical zoom camera yet, featuring a clean, minimalist design inspired by the original IXUS. Measuring only 19.4mm deep, it comes in both black and silver finishes. Both cameras incorporate a clever new Red-Eye Correction feature in Playback mode.
Canon PowerShot SD1000 main features
- 1/2.5 inch 7.1-megapixel sensor
Canon PowerShot SD1000 captures photo-quality, 300dpi images up to 7.7” x 10.2”, and good-quality 200dpi images up to 11.5” x 15.3”. That is plenty of sharp resolution to capture the finest details, crop creatively and produce beautiful enlargements.
- 3x zoom lens
Optical zoom magnifies subjects without sacrificing resolution. This 3x optical zoom goes from a slight wide-angle view to a telephoto view that brings you closer to the scene (35 - 105mm equivalent). The 4x digital zoom picks up where optical zoom leaves off, stretching pixels to make the image look bigger.
- 2.5" 230,000 pixels LCD screen
The vivid PureColor LCD screen offers a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating. The clear high-resolution picture makes it easy to shoot, playback and use the menu functions. The Night Display mode lets you work in low light.
- Face detection
Simply press the Shutter Button halfway down, and the camera automatically pinpoints the faces in the scene and chooses the ideal focus point. The camera controls exposure settings and flash to keep every face looking bright and natural.
- Red-eye correction
Canon’s Red-eye Correction gives you better, more true-to-life people shots. In unusual cases, where red eyes are not automatically detected, this feature help corrected manually during playback mode.
- High ISO settings
With its high ISO 1600 performance, this camera is well suited to low, difficult lighting conditions. High ISO also means that the image sensor can handle shorter exposures to light, allowing faster shutter speeds that can prevent blurred images due to camera shake or moving subjects.
- Scene modes
Choose your mode, and this camera automatically adjusts settings such as shutter speed, color saturation, flash and focus to adapt to the setting. This camera features a wide variety of scene modes, including portrait, foliage, snow, beach and more.
- Video
If a still photo just is not enough, you can shoot 640x480 video, with sound, at 30 frames per second.
- Memory
This digital camera comes with a 32MB SD memory card. Get the most out of your camera by adding a 1GB or larger SD, SDHC or MMC memory card.
Specifications
- 4x digital zoom.
- Optical viewfinder
- Automatic exposure
- Built-in flash with red eye reduction and slow synchro options
- SD/SDHC compatible, with 32MB card included
- USB 2.0 Hi-Speed computer connection
- Rechargeable Lithium battery and charger included
- Software for Mac and PC; Windows Vista compatible
- Automatic Face Detection optimized for focus, exposure, and flash intensity
- Expanded ISO from 80-1600 (manual), with Auto, High, and Auto ISO Shift options
- Ten scene modes; Color Swap, Color Accent, effects, and multiple color options including Sepia, Black and White, and Vivid
- Adjustable contrast, sharpness, saturation, red, green, blue, and skin tones
- Programmable Print/Share Button
- Shutter speeds from 15 seconds to 1/1500 second
- In-camera red eye correction in playback mode
- Up to 26-image stitch-assist for panoramas
- Evaluative, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering modes
- White balance (color) adjustment with seven options, including a manual setting
- DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), PictBridge printing compatibility
- Custom /adjustable self-timer
- Movie recording modes with sound, including fast frame rate and time lapse