With the PowerShot SD750, Cannon introduces another new ELPH model for 2007 to go with it's popular Powershot SD1000 . Differences from the SD1000 include a 3.0-inch "PureColor" Multi-level LCD display versus the SD100's 2.5, 8 picture modes versus 10 on the 1000, and 10 scene modes instead of the 8 on the SD1000. The SD750 offers 7-megapixels of resolution, a 3x optical zoom lens, a VGA sized movie mode as well as Canon's new Face Detection AF/AE/FE technology. The SD750 does not have a Real-image optical zoom viewfinder which I do miss.

The "ultra-compact" SD750 measures just 3.6 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches, and fits in almost any size pocket or purse. However, it still offers a comfortable feel in your hands. The controls of this ELPH are placed with in easy reach of your fingers. With the zoom controls mounted around the shutter release you can zoom in and out with ease. The menu system is a breeze to use and the FUNCtion button shortcut allows you to quickly bring up settings like white balance, my colors, metering, resolution, etc.The SD750 features a new and improved 3.0-inch display. This is Canon’s new PureColor LCD, which is constructed with a multi-level coating. They claim it helps reduces glare, scratches, smudges and also fingerprints. I found this large display was great to use in most lighting conditions and was nice to have for viewing and editing my shots.

As with all Canon models, the SD750 offers speedy performance for a consumer digicam. Power up until the first image captured measured only 1.4 seconds. Shutter lag, the delay between depressing the shutter button and capturing an image, was almost instantaneous (less than 1/10 of a second) when pre-focused, and 2/10 second including autofocus. In single frame drive mode, the shot to shot delay averaged 1.5 seconds without flash, and between 2.6 and 3.5 seconds with flash depending on subject distance. Using the continuous (burst) mode, I was able to capture 10 Large/SuperFine JPEG images in just over 5 seconds, surpassing Canon's claim of 1.7fps. This was also with no full-buffer slowdown. When shooting in burst mode, the LCD only briefly displays the last image captured, making it difficult to follow moving subjects; this is where the optical viewfinder comes in handy. Our tests were done using a SanDisk Ultra II SD card, Manual mode, Large SuperFine quality, preview off, flash off, and all other settings at default (unless otherwise noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, camera settings, media, etc.

The overall image quality was very good for a 7-megapixel model. We used the highest quality setting available (Large SuperFine), and when doing so, the SD750 captured nice images. I did not see much CA (chromatic aberrations, aka purple fringing) on the edges and color saturation was good. Its 3x optical zoom lens offers a typical range of 35 - 105mm (35mm equivalent), and helped the camera produce sharp images throughout the zoom range. I did observe moderate barrel distortion and pincushioning at the wide angle and telephoto extremes, respectively. Noise levels were also a bit higher than I would have expected from a Canon model, however still within the "average" of consumer models. As you increase the sensitivity, noise levels rise. Once you reach ISO 400, noise is easily seen. By locking the ISO at 80 (manual mode only), you can be sure the camera has selected a low enough setting so that images don't display this.

With its dedicated Portrait scene mode,the Canon's new Face Detection AF/AE/FE technology does an excellent job of detecting faces in the frame, and helped produce nice sharp portraits, that show pleasing facial detail and skin tones. The flash has an average range of about 11 feet at wide angle (ISO Auto). I found it produced good exposures when shooting close-up portraits from no further than 6 feet away, using the mid telephoto end of the zoom. If you need more power, look into a unit like the HF-DC1 external flash, which delivers proper illumination up to approximately 30 feet, at all zoom positions. Red-eye was an issue during our testing. Because of the close proximity of the flash to the lens this is hard to rule out in these compact digicams. Luckily, it only takes a few seconds in any image editor to correct this common occurrence.

The SD750 features a high-quality VGA 640x480 movie mode. Standard mode offers selectable resolution (640x480 or 320x240) and frame rates of 30fps or 15fps. You can also choose from Compact, Fast Frame rate, Color Accent and Color swap, and Time Lapse, which allow for more creative recording and the ability to shoot QVGA movies with sound at 60fps. Because audio is recorded, the optical zoom may not be used during recording. You can however, preset the desired focal length before recording starts. The digital zoom may be used, but this just degrades image quality. Our movie samples were pleasing, with minimal compression noise, even indoors. However, if you're one who likes taking allot of videos, be sure to purchase a large capacity (like a 1 or 2GB) SD card, as the camera consumes nearly 2MB per second when using the 640x480 30fps mode.

The SD750 is powered by a tiny NB-4L 3.7v 760mAh proprietary Li-ion battery pack. Canon claims you can capture up to 210 shots with full-time use of the LCD. I was able to capture about 140 images and conduct other testing without any indication of low battery warning. Canon includes a very compact and portable AC charger that takes about 90 minutes to charge a fully depleted pack. The charger plugs directly into any 100-240V AC outlet and has fold- away prongs. As always, we recommend you purchase at least one extra pack and keep it charged and ready at all times; you wouldn't want to miss a spontaneous photo opt due to a dead battery, would you?

Bottom line - Canon has added another appealing Digital ELPH model to its "ultra-compact" model line. With a street price of US$299 or less, I feel the Canon Powershot SD750 offers a great value for a rugged, 7- megapixel "ultra-compact" digicam. It is easy to use, has great speed, and except for a little noise on higher ISOs, takes excellent photos and surprisingly, allows for some very creative movies.