Review posted 10/25/2010

Quick Take

Pros

Great image quality; 10x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilization is easy for handheld shooting; Full 1080p HD video captures excellent videos with stereo sound; Smart auto allows anyone to operate it; High Speed CMOS sensor allows for new and powerful shooting options; Dedicated video recording button; Excellent burst shooting

Cons

Chromatic aberrations in most images; Sound quality does not compare to Video quality; Lacks an audio input; Poor battery life

Bottom Line

The Canon PowerShot SD4500 IS takes a great step for Canon, adding some great high-speed options to their popular digital ELPH line. Featuring a 10-Megapixel HS CMOS sensor, 10x optical zoom lens and full 1080p video capture, its has the best feature set for an ultra-compact Canon to date. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

One of three new PowerShot models released by Canon for the second half of 2010, the PowerShot SD4500 IS builds off the foundation laid by the SD4000 IS we reviewed earlier this summer, with some appealing improvements. While they share the same 10-megapixel CMOS imager sensor and Canon's HS (High Sensitivity) System, they've added a more versatile 10x optical zoom to the mix. The SD4500 IS still offers a nice wide 3.0-inch LCD screen, along with high-speed photo capture options at 3.7 or 8+fps. Canon has also broadened the shutter speed range (up to 1/4000 of a second), and added Full 1080p HD video recording.

All of these powerful functions are packed into a compact body that is only slightly larger and heavier that the SD4000.

Canon PowerShot SD4500 IS key features:

• Canon's HS System
• 10-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch HS CMOS image sensor
• DIGIC 4 image processor
• 10x optical zoom with UA lens elements: 35mm equivalent of 36-360mm
  
• Canon's Optical Image Stabilization
• 3.0-inch LCD screen
• 3.7fps burst capture @ full resolution; 8.8fps at lower setting
• HandHeld Night Scene Mode
• Slow Motion Movie
• Blink Detection
• Motion Detection Technology
• Intelligent Contrast Correction
• Exif Print
• Smart Shutter technology
• Smart Auto
• Full 1080p HD video recording
• Li-ion power source
• SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot
• HDMI output

The PowerShot SD4500 IS is available now with a MSRP of $349.99 US. At this time, the camera is only being offered in a stylish Brown color.

What's in the box?:

• PowerShot SD4500 IS Digital ELPH Body
• Lithium-ion Battery Pack NB-9L
• Battery Charger CB-2LB
• Wrist Strap WS-DC7
• AV Cable AVC-DC400ST
• USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
• Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM