Canon PowerShot SD700 IS

Value (6.5)
The Canon PowerShot SD700 IS has an expensive retail price tag of $499. This camera does have a nice feature set, complete with 6 megapixels, 4x optical zoom lens, 2.5-inch LCD screen, and image stabilization. However, this probably isn’t enough to warrant dropping five Ben Franklins on the SD700. Canon probably anticipates that the sexy body and strong feature set will lure consumers to pay the price, but perhaps they forgot that other manufacturers have similar offerings for much less.

Comparisons
Canon PowerShot SD600 – The image stabilization system must have really cost Canon a pretty penny, because the unstable SD600 has a very similar feature set for a much lower price. Both Digital Elph cameras were announced in February 2006 and have 6-megapixel image sensors. They have the same mode offerings, down to the last scene mode, the same ISO selections, and the same image sizes. There are some minor tweaks, like the slower top shutter speed of 1/1500th of a second in the SD600 rather than the SD700’s 1/1600th of a second. Bigger differences, however, are in the lenses: the Canon PowerShot SD600 has a shorter 3x optical zoom lens that lacks an image stabilization system. The camera bodies look similar, but the SD600 is a little smaller at 3.4 x 2.1 x 0.85 inches. This is noticeably thinner than the SD700’s 1.04-inch thickness. At $349, the Canon PowerShot SD600 is much more affordable.

Kodak EasyShare V603 – For a whopping two hundred dollars less, consumers can grab a trendy 6.1-megapixel Kodak digital camera. This model has a Schneider-Kreuznach C-Variogon 3x optical zoom lens that functions while recording video, unlike the Canon SD700. The Canon does one-up the Kodak with its image stabilization system: the Canon system is optical, while the Kodak V603 has a less effective digital image stabilization system that corrects pictures with algorithms instead of physical movement. While the EasyShare’s 22 scene modes include an in-camera Panorama Stitch mode, which the Canon lacks, its color modes aren’t nearly as extensive as those on the SD700. The Kodak has high color, natural color, low color, black and white, and sepia offerings. It has limited white balance options and an 80-800 ISO range, although the highest sensitivityis only available at a ridiculously small image size. Other bright spots are a 2.5-inch LCD screen with great 230,000-pixel resolution, a Favorites mode and 32 MB of internal memory, and movie print options without having to buy a certain printer. There are also some inferior features: in addition to the inferior stabilization system Kodak’s burst mode shoots 3 fps but only for a maximum of 4 shots. Still, consumers may be able to look past its faults because of its $299 price tag.

Nikon Coolpix S5 – This model has similar components and automatic modes as those in the Canon SD700. The Nikon S5 has 6 megapixels on a 1/2.5-inch CCD, a 3x optical zoom lens, and a 2.5-inch LCD screen with much nicer 230,000-pixel resolution. Its lens is not optically stabilized, but the camera does use an electronic vibration reduction system in the movie mode, which has lots of size options, but doesn’t have the 60 fps frame rate. The Nikon S5 has 15 scene modes and a simple one-touch Portrait mode; this activates a that includes face priority, auto focus, and red-eye fix. Nikon also included some other ease of use features: a rotary multi-selector dial and a new graphic user interface. Finally, the Nikon S5 has a cool Pictmotion mode that merges soundtracks and slide shows together within the camera.

This Coolpix may not have the perpetual curve, but it does have a "wave design" that makes it a little easier to hold than the usual boxy, compact camera; its all-metal body measures 3.7 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches. Its battery has even less power, with only 210 shots per charge. The S5 retails for $349. Its sibling, the Nikon Coolpix S6, has very similar features but a larger 3-inch LCD screen and built-in WiFi; it sells for $399.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 – Also at a much cheaper $349 price, the 6-megapixel FX01 has a slightly shorter 3.6x optical zoom lens, but it does have an optical image stabilization system. Its Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens also has a wider 28 mm angle than the SD700. The FX01’s body is boxy at 3.7 x 2.01 x 0.95 inches, but still trendy with its multiple colored available housings and flat surfaces. It omits the optical viewfinder and instead includes just the 2.5-inch LCD screen. While it is the same size as the Canon SD700’s screen, the Panasonic version has more resolution, with 207,000 pixels. Panasonic also markets a High Angle mode on its LCD to increase the viewing angle, but it isn’t any better than the normal viewing angle on the Canon SD700. The FX01 has 12 scene modes, including the unique Baby mode and the hip High Sensitivity mode, which is being included on many of this year’s new cameras. It uses 800-1600 ISO settings for this scene mode, but only allows users to access 80-400 options in the manual range. This 6-megapixel model offers image sizes in three different formats: the standard 4:3, the 4 x 6-inch print optimized size, and the 16:9 widescreen format. The Panasonic FX01 can also record 848 x 640-pixel video. The camera’s color effects are limited to the basics, but its battery lasts a little longer at 320 shots per charge.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – This model is mostly easy to use, especially for the basics. The Color Swap mode may be a stretch for point-and-shooters, but the SD700 is otherwise intuitive.

Budget Consumers – With a $499 price tag, the Canon PowerShot SD700 is a bit pricy, even with its sweet My Colors mode and image stabilization system.

Gadget Freaks – These consumers will appreciate the image stabilization system and the interesting My Colors mode availability in both recording and playback, but there are no stellar features that will really catch their fancy.

Manual Control Freaks – Control enthusiasts will rotate the mode dial straight to the "manual" icon, only to spend several minutes frantically searching for the shutter speed and aperture controls. Once they consult the user manual, manual control freaks will panic at the concept of a manual mode without manual controls. It’s just not right.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists – The SD700 could be a more pocketable camera for this audience. It certainly won’t satisfy their creative needs, but its pretty images could be enough to draw a few hobbyists.