Front
The Canon PowerShot SD800 IS is labeled with the brand and model name on the left side of the camera, where the side shows its “Perpetual Curve.” To the right is the Canon 3.8x zoom lens, which is labeled just that across the lens. Its other specs also line the rim: “4.6 - 17.3mm, 1:2.8 - 5.8.” Surrounding the base of the lens is a wide chrome ring, interrupted above the left lens portion by the square-shaped optical viewfinder. The window is square-shaped, but the black outline around it makes it look like a circle. To the right of this is a smaller circle that lights up orange as an auto focus assist and self-timer lamp. In the top right corner is the rectangular flash, which is unfortunate because the left fingers wander in that area when gripping the camera.
Back
The back of the camera has a 2.5-inch LCD screen on the left side with a frame that protrudes ever so slightly. Above the left side of the LCD is a Canon logo. Above the middle is the circular-looking optical viewfinder with two LED indicator lamps next to it. To the right of the LCD is a bit of space that measures just over an inch. A circular mode dial sits on top facing the photographer; it is set in the camera body and has only one tiny nub to rotate it on the right. The multi-selector is the largest feature below this, and it is surrounded by three buttons – one above and two below the multi-selector. The button to the top left transfers images to computers and printers and has an LED in its center. The display can be changed with the button to the bottom left, and the one on the right calls up the menu system.
Left Side
The left side is featureless. There are two panels held together with a few screws.
Right Side
The wrist strap eyelet sits in the center and looks skinny and rectangular. At the top is a small door that opens to the multi-port.
Top
On the left side of the SD800 is a tagline “Image Stabilizer.” Behind this are five holes for the microphone. On the right side is the shiny shutter release button, surrounded by a zoom ring. In the center of the top is a half-moon-shaped power button that is a large softly glowing LED.
Bottom
The underside of the PowerShot SD800 IS has a battery compartment below where the right hand grips the camera. On this plastic door is a smaller rubber door that opens so a power adaptor can fit into it. Directly beneath the lens is the quarter-inch tripod socket.
