Canon Powershot SD300 Review

When you select Playback mode the last picture taken is displayed. You can move backward or forward through the images using the LEFT and RIGHT buttons. The amount of overlay information displayed is controlled by pressing the DISP button. This frame shows the default information, across the bottom is 5/9 which means you are viewing image 5 of 9 total, were are using Superfine/Large image quality and the time and date it was captured.

Pressing the DISP button again displays the extended image information to indicate the capture mode (auto, manual, movie), exposure compensation, white balance, ISO speed, flash mode (if used) and metering. In the upper right corner is the exposure histogram.

If you press the DISP button again all of the overlay information is removed. This is good for when you are showing the pictures on the TV and don't want the info displayed.

You can quickly search through stored images using the Index playback function which is activated by pressing the Wide zoom control button. Nine thumbnail size images will be displayed and you can select one using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons and then pressing the Telephoto zoom button.

The image can be magnified up to 10x in ten steps by pressing the telephoto zoom button. Once the image is enlarged at any step, you can move around inside of it using the 4-way selector buttons. Pressing the SET button allows you to compare images at the chosen zoom range.

Both the video and audio portion of movies can be replayed on the camera thanks to the built-in speaker. Full audio-video playback is also possible when connected to a TV monitor or a compatible PC after downloading.

You get "VCR-like" buttons to control the playback of movie clips.

You can also edit the length of a movie clip.

Pressing the MENU button brings up this page of options. Protect or unprotect image(s), rotate portrait mode image for display on TV, Sound Memo will let you attach up to a 60 sec voice "note" with an image, Erase all will delete ALL the images, Slide Show is for automated playback on a TV, Print Order lets you set the DPOF printing information, and Transfer Order lets you select the order from which the images are transferred to your computer.

The Sound Memo options lets you record memos or notes up to 60 seconds in length which are attached to still images. You can overwrite or delete previous memos.

The Setup sub-menu lets you Mute camera sounds on/off, adjust the volume of several functions, change the LCD's brightness, adjust Power Saving feature, set the time and date in the internal clock, format the CF card, reset the file numbering, set auto rotate (on or off), choose the menu language, and specify the video out format (NTSC or PAL).

The MyCamera sub-menu lets you customize the startup and shutdown screens and the camera's sound effects.