Comparisons
Canon PowerShot SD1000 – Released as a budget companion, the SD1000 has a flashier name but costs less at $299. It has slightly smaller dimensions and a very different design. There isn’t any “perpetual curve” with this camera: the lines are crisp and straight. Perhaps the biggest difference between the two cameras is the addition of the optical viewfinder on the SD1000, along with a smaller LCD screen. At 2.5 inches, it still looks great, especially because it has the same 230,000-pixel resolution. Like the SD750, the SD1000 has 7.1 megapixels and all the same Exposure modes and menu options. The SD1000 doesn’t have room for a mode switch, but adds the modes to the menu. Both cameras have the same standard 3x optical zoom lens and weak flash unit, but also have an effective Face Detection auto focus systems. The SD1000 costs $50 less and offers many of the same great features: it makes a practical option for consumers who want to save money and don’t mind a 2.5-inch LCD screen.
Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd – Announced in July in the U.K., the Z100fd has a lot of flair inside and out. It comes in four colors, including brown and hot pink. The metal camera measures a slim 3.6 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches and has a relatively large, although not as massive, LCD screen that measures 2.7 inches. It has the same 230,000-pixel resolution but provides only 97 percent coverage of the live view rather than the Canon SD750’s 100 percent accurate view. The Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd has 8 megapixels and a 5x optical zoom lens, although the lens’ aperture opens only as wide as f/3.8. The camera has automated modes and 16 scene modes, including underwater, an interesting one also included on the SD750. The Fuji comes with 54MB of internal memory, but also has slots that accept SD, SDHC, and xD-Picture media. It has a similar ISO range that extends up to 1600 and a pedestrian Burst mode that snaps slower than the Canon at 1.4 fps for only three shots in a row.
Nikon Coolpix S500 – This slim digital camera has a similar stainless steel body and a 3x optical zoom lens that extends outward. The body measures a mere 3.5 x 2.0 x 0.9 inches and it weighs 4.4 ounces without the battery and memory card. The camera accepts SD media but also comes with 26MB of internal memory. The Nikon S500 has 7.1 megapixels and a lineup of Automatic and Scene modes similar to those on the SD750. Its ISO extends a bit farther, up to 2000, and the lens is complemented by an Optical Vibration Reduction system, something that isn’t included on the SD750. There is a Movie mode that shoots at the same 640 x 480-pixel resolution, a red-eye fix feature, and even Face Priority auto focus – although Canon’s works much better than the one included on this Nikon. The S500 has a battery that is even weaker than the Canon SD750’s, with only 180 shots per charge. The S500 retails for $299 but comes with a smaller 2.5-inch LCD screen. It has the same 230,000-pixel resolution, but it isn’t as gloriously enormous as the LCD on the SD750.
Samsung S1050 – If you’re looking for a 3-inch LCD screen, this digital camera has one. The LCD is the same size and has the same resolution – and it looks like it collects just as much grease as the Canon SD750’s. The Samsung S1050 has a whopping 10.1 megapixels and a 5x optical zoom lens that doesn’t flatten with the rest of the camera body, even when turned off. There is plenty of flexibility with this model as it has Exposure modes ranging from the fully Automatic to Scene to fully Manual. The S1050 has a Face Detection system that works almost as quickly as the Canon’s and even detects up to nine faces like Canon’s system. The Samsung S1050’s Movie mode records a larger 800 x 592-pixel video size but does so only for 20 fps. It also has the same standard VGA resolution. Like the Canon, there are lots of picture effects on this model, and the Samsung even adds 45MB of internal memory. It costs the same at $349.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T100 – This digital camera has 8.1 megapixels and a 5x optical zoom that remains in the flat metal body at all times. Sony pulled out all the stops on this camera. The T100 has Face Detection, Optical Image Stabilization, and a 3-inch LCD screen that has the same great 230,000-pixel resolution. It provides mainly Automatic Exposure modes and a few interesting picture effects like cross and fish-eye filters. The Scene mode selection isn’t as vast, with only nine on the list, but there are plenty of other features that draw consumers to this camera. It has HD output capabilities and can record decent video at 640 x 480 pixels, although it requires a Memory Stick Duo Pro card to get the full 30 fps videos. The Sony T100 is a bit more expensive at $399, but it packs a lot of features and a great big LCD screen.
Value (5.5)
The Canon PowerShot SD750 distinguishes itself mainly with its LCD screen size. At 3 inches, there still aren’t too many digital cameras that can rival that. However, its other specs are all has-beens: 7 megapixels, 3x optical zoom, Automatic modes, and compact form. The SD750 costs a whopping $349, which seems steep compared to similar models. Does it really cost an extra $50-100 for that extra half-inch of LCD? Is it worth it? Maybe to you, but not to me. Canon created a companion camera to satisfy penny pinchers like me: the PowerShot SD1000. It has all the same exposure modes, resolution, lens, and body, but with a 2.5-inch LCD screen and is less expensive at $299.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The big screen, Automatic Exposure modes, compact form, and ease of use are a dream for these consumers.
Budget Consumers – At $349, this is one of the most expensive digital cameras with these fairly basic specs. There are plenty of competitors that offer similar models for much cheaper prices.
Gadget Freaks – The 3-inch LCD is drool-inducing, but there isn’t much else to go gaga over.
Manual Control Freaks – There is a so-called Manual mode, but it doesn’t provide the kind of manual control that these consumers so desperately need.
Pros/Serious Hobbyists – This camera won’t even get a glance.
