Canon Powershot SD750 Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the SD750

The PowerShot SD750 and the SD1000 Digital ELPH cameras build on Canon's original box and circle design - now so frequently replicated by others - while maintaining their own individual ELPH identity. The SD750 Digital ELPH design features artfully sculpted contours, evocative etched surfaces and even the option of dual-tone, silver and midnight matte black face and full-black back panel that blends seamlessly with its large and newly enhanced three-inch LCD display. The model is also offered in the traditionally finished case with its timeless brushed sliver patina and brilliant gloss highlights.

The "brain" of these new Digital ELPH cameras is DIGIC III, the newest iteration of Canon's ultra-efficient (and proprietary) image processor. The DIGIC III Image Processor accounts for the camera's higher performance levels including faster start up, autofocus and shutter response times, improved image quality and more efficient power consumption; resulting in extended battery life under typical shooting conditions.

With Canon's new Face Detection AF/AE/FE technology, the camera can detect, lock on and track multiple human faces in a scene simply by pressing the shutter button halfway. The face detection algorithm automatically prioritizes and selects faces and not simply the closest object (based on Canon's Intelligent Scene Analysis/iSAPS technology). It will then optimize the focus, exposure, and flash to ensure the best possible results. Working in concert with Face Detection, the "Red-eye Correction" feature helps to detect and correct red-eye during playback mode. In addition, images can be corrected manually while viewing photos on the LCD screen. Canon's new Face Detection Technology makes for even easier picture taking moments, helping users to ensure in-focus smiles, and assist in the elimination of overexposed faces.

Thanks to the DIGIC III Image Processor's more aggressive noise reduction algorithm, both the SD750 and the SD1000 cameras are able to shoot at ISO equivalent speed ratings from 80 to as high as 1600. This increased sensitivity at the top-end allows the cameras to utilize faster shutter speeds, significantly reducing the effects of camera shake and subject movement during hand held or low-light photography. In addition, both models offer users the option of Canon's new "Auto ISO Shift" feature which, at the touch of a button, can accurately increase the ISO up to 800, in order to help offset camera shake due to low-light or unsteady shooting conditions.

Both cameras' big and bright 230,000 pixel LCD screens feature Canon's new PureColor LCD and are constructed with a new multi-level coating that reduces glare, suitable for brightly lit environments. In addition, the new PureColor LCD offers a layer of protection to that extra large three-inch LCD screen on the SD750 and 2.5-inch LCD screen on the SD1000. The multi-level coating also resists scratches, smudges and fingerprints.

The PowerShot SD750 features a new "Touch Control Dial" on the rear panel that provides easy, fingertip access to many operations including mode selection, setting ISO speed and other value settings. As with all Digital ELPH cameras, the SD750 is lightweight and compact, tipping the scales at less than five ounces, and measuring approximately 0.75 of an inch thick, 2.25-inch high and fractionally more than 3.5-inches long.

Like all PowerShot digital cameras, these newest additions to the SD-series work seamlessly with Canon's petite compact photo printers to deliver stunning high quality borderless prints. Consumers simply connect their PowerShot digital camera to a Canon compact photo printer--such as the SELPHY CP730 or PIXMA mini260 models. Press the bright blue Print/Share button, and within moments1, a brilliant, borderless 4x6-inch print begins to emerge. It is that simple. Canon's compact photo printers are PictBridge compatible, so they work with PictBridge enabled digital cameras to provide users with excellent image quality and ease- of-use, especially when paired with a Canon digital camera.

Powershot SD750 Features:

• Ultra-compact, stylish and durable alloy body
• 7.1 Megapixel CCD imager and 3x optical zoom lens
• Large 3.0" color LCD display with 230,000 pixels
• Precision 9-point autofocus with Face Detection and focus-assist lamp
• Program AE auto, 10 Scene and Manual exposure modes
• Movie mode w/sound 640x480/320x240 (4GB maximum per clip)
• Continuous shooting at 1.7fps to the capacity of the memory card
• Evaluative, Center-weighted average or Spot metering
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
• My Colors: Vivid Color, Neutral, Sepia, B&W, and Custom color
• Shutter speeds of 15 to 1/1500 second
• Selectable ISO settings from 80 to 1600, with Auto and High Auto
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery and charger included
• Direct print and PictBridge Compliant
• High-speed USB 2.0 connectivity for PC and Mac
• Secure Digital/SDHC/MMC card storage, 32MB included
• Optional Waterproof case and High Power Flash

In stores beginning late March 2007, the PowerShot SD750 Digital ELPH ships with a rechargeable battery pack, a 32MB SD memory card, USB interface cable, AV cable, wrist strap, and Canon's software suite, it sells for an estimated price of US$349.99.

Focusing Distance:
Normal: 1.0 ft./30cm-infinity
Macro: 1.2 in.-1.6 ft./3-50cm (W), 1.0-1.6 ft./30-50cm (T)
Digital Macro: 1.2-3.9 in./3-10cm (W)