Canon Powershot SD880 IS Review

The SD880 features a 4.0x (28-112mm in the 35mm format) f/2.8-5.8 all-glass aspherical zoom lens. This lens features Canon's exclusive Ultra High Refractive Index Aspherical technology (UA) which produces outstanding sharpness and clarity. It allows the camera body to be even thinner and more compact than previous models with smaller zoom ratios. When powered down, the lens is retracted inside of the body and a built in shutter closes to protect the lens.

The SD880 also features true Optical Image Stabilization. Unlike electronic image stabilizer systems that typically cause degradation of image quality, Canon's Lens Shift Optical IS system is based on the advancements made in the development and refinement of Canon's EF and video lenses. Reduced in size to fit ELPH scale, this Image Stabilizer provides up to three stops of camera shake correction in shutter speed equivalent.

An advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system permits the camera to automatically select the primary subject even when off-center. Focusing range is 1.6 ft./50cm-infinity in normal mode and macro coverage is 0.8 in.-1.6 ft./2-50cm at wide angle and 1.0-1.6 ft./30-50cm at telephoto. The Digital Macro mode has a focus range of 0.8 in.-1.6 ft./2-50cm at wide angle. The autofocus is light-assisted and works properly even in the dark. The AF-assist Illuminator also functions as the self-timer indicator.

The built in flash offers Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Auto Red-eye Correction, Flash On, Flash Off; FE lock, Slow Synchro. Flash range is 1.0 - 13.8 ft./30cm - 4.2m (W), 1.0 - 6.6 ft./30cm - 2.0m (T) (when sensitivity is set to ISO Auto).

On the back is a large 3.0-inch PureColor II LCD monitor which can be used for framing, review and changing settings. Advanced features include "Quick-bright" function which switches the brightness to the highest setting by pressing the DISP button for 1 second. When shooting in dark lighting, the LCD is automatically brightened to make it easier to frame and focus on the subject.

Controls on the back: The Print/Share button allows you to easily print and transfer images to your computer (Windows users only), in record mode it acts as the Custom button. The Play button enters playback mode. The 4-way controller or "multi-control dial" is a unique addition to many of Canon's new models. In record mode you press "Up" to change ISO sensitivity (rotate in playback), press "Right" to change flash modes, press "Down" to change the drive mode (image delete in playback) and press "Left" to change the focus mode. It is also a mode dial or "wheel" that allows you to quickly navigate the menu, stored images, and change exposure settings/modes. In the center is the FUNC./SET button which gives you access to the Function menu in record mode as well as accepts menu options and settings. The MENU button calls up and dismisses the menus. The DISP button controls the amount of data displayed on the LCD.

Controls on the top: you can see the built-in microphone, Mode switch (Movie/SCN/Record), power On/Off button as the shutter release button with the zoom lens controls mounted around it. The zoom lens control also functions as the magnify and index buttons in playback mode.

On the right is the multi IO port. It handles both the AV Out with audio and video signal which can be connected to your TV set with the supplied cables as well as high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity for transferring images and movies to your PC. This port can also be used for direct printing to any PictBridge compatible photo printer.

The Powershot SD880 is equipped with a card slot that supports use of SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC+ or HC (High Capacity) MMC+ cards, and comes with a 32MB SD. Shown here with an OCZ 4GB Class 6 SDHC card - see the tables below for the approximate storage capacity. See the tables below for approx. storage capacities.

The SD880 comes with a Canon NB-5L 3.7v 1120mAh lithium rechargeable battery pack. Canon claims a fully charged battery can record 310 shots with the LCD on and a continuous playback time of approx. 420 minutes (CIPA standard). You can also use the optional AC adapter kit ACK-DC30.

The supplied 100-240V CB-2LX rapid charger plugs directly in the wall socket and charges the battery "out of the camera" which is very handy if you have a second battery (highly recommended!)  The normal charging time is about 90 minutes.

The optional Waterproof Case WP-DC26 (WP-DC5 shown above) allows you to take the SD880 underwater up to a depth of 40 meters (~130 feet). It is also ideal for using your camera in severe weather conditions.