Canon Powershot SD10 Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the SD10

Canon's PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10 tips the scales at a diminutive 3.5 ounces and measures just 3.6 x 1.9 x 0.7 inches, as of October 2003 it is the world's smallest four megapixel digital camera. Despite its diminutive size, the SD10 camera's high- resolution four-megapixel CCD captures brilliant images and then - thanks to Canon's exclusive DIGIC (Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit) Imaging Processor - takes image quality to a new level.

Canon developed the proprietary DIGIC image processing technology specifically for use with its line of digital cameras. DIGIC combines the roles of image processing and camera function control into one chip and because it was designed for use in digital cameras, it is also capable of handling JPEG compression/expansion; memory card control; LCD/Video control and processing; gain control (control of CCD signal amplification); Auto Exposure; Auto Focus; Auto White Balance control and most other functions of a digital camera. The DIGIC Processor offers the added benefit of faster display and write-times for each image and low power consumption, saving valuable battery power.

Direct Printing significantly expands the appeal of the PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10 cameras by making it simple, quick and convenient to produce high-quality photos without the need for a personal computer. It works with Canon's Card Photo Printers, Bubble Jet Direct Photo Printers and all the new PictBridge compatible printers such as the i960 and the i900d.

The PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10 cameras feature a high-quality four-element 6.4mm (equivalent to 39mm in 35mm format) f /2.8 single focal length lens and a 5.7x digital zoom. The camera also features an easy to read 1.5-inch (diagonally measured) color LCD Monitor, and through the lens (TTL) 5-point AiAF autofocus. The camera's shutter speeds (mechanical and electronic) range from 15 to 1/1500 of a second and there are 6 white balance modes including Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent and Fluorescent H settings.

The Digital ELPH SD10 cameras offer Super Fine, Fine and Normal JPEG compression modes and features resolution settings of 2272 x 1704, 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768 and 640 x 480 (VGA) for still images. The Digital ELPH SD10 cameras can also shoot movie clips with sound up to 3 minutes apiece at resolutions of 320 x 240 or 160 x 120. Sound memos up to 60 seconds can be recorded with the cameras' built-in microphone and attached to individual still images during playback The camera is supplied with an ultra-compact 32MB SD memory card and features video out and USB ports. Canon supplies a comprehensive software bundle with multiple features, but the SD10 can also be connected directly to Mac OS X and Windows XP computers for basic downloading without installing any software.

Dedicated accessories will include color-coordinated soft cases and an attractive All- Weather Housing that allows underwater photography at depths up to 9.8 feet. This accessory also comes in handy when using the SD10 to photograph outdoor activities such as snow or water skiing, white water rafting, etc.

Powershot SD10 Features

• 4.0 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 2272x1704 pixel images
• 39mm f/2.8 lens with 5.7X digital zoom
• 1.5" color LCD with up to 10x playback zoom
• Ultra-compact and durable stainless steel body (3.6 x 1.9 x 0.7 in.)
• Advanced TTL AiAF five-point autofocus system
• Program AE automatic and Manual exposure modes
• Movie mode w/sound 320x240 up to 3 minutes long
• Evaluative metering on focus point or Spot
• Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
• Photo Effects: Low Sharpening, Vivid Color, Neutral, Sepia and B&W
• Low-light focus assist illuminator
• Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/1500 second
• Auto noise reduction with 1.3 sec or longer shutter speeds
• Selectable ISO settings from 50 to 400
• Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
• Builtin microphone and speaker
• Lithium rechargeable battery and charger included
• Direct print with PictBridge compatible printers
• USB connectivity for PC and Mac
• Secure Digital (SD) card storage
• Optional Waterproof Case

Carrying a suggested retail price of $449, the Canon PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10 cameras will be available in stores around mid-October.

Physical Views

The SD10 compared to a standard CD disc.

The Pentax Optio S4 and the ultra-compact Powershot SD10.

Powershot SD10 Specifications