Could you give me a comparison on the Canon SD800, SD850, and SD87, please?

The 850/870 have a slightly larger MP for one thing. But the difference will only assert itself in enlargements above 8x10. The 850 has a slighly longer zoom/focal length. It also has a viewfinder which I think is alot better than a larger LCD screen, which only translates into eating battery power alot faster. A viewfinder is still the best way to take pictures, particularly in bright, ambient sunlight.

Don't forget the biggest difference... the SD800IS and SD870IS both have the 28mm wideangle equivalent. But yeah, otherwise, besides the larger LCD of the SD870IS, all three of these cameras are very similar (with the SD800IS being replaced by the SD870IS as Canon's wideangle ultracompact).

I would take the 28mm lens (SD870IS) over the slightly longer zoom of the SD850IS. Unfortunately, the larger 3" LCD and 28mm lens comes at a price (about $70 more than the SD850IS). However, if you don't mind a slightly lower megapixel resolution and a 2.5" instead of a 3" LCD, you can get the SD800IS at www.amazon.com for $240 with free tax and shipping. I own the SD800IS and love it.

James and Matt:

Thank you both for answering. Matt, I am buying this camera for my collegebound daughter. I was considering the Canon SD800 and found one for $239. After reading the reviews, I shopped around and found a 870 for $309. You had mentioned the price difference in comparing an SD850 to the SD879; in you view, is the difference in the 800 and the 870 worth this same $70?

Best regards,

Mary

I wouldn't pay $70 for them to take away my optical viewfinder, reduce my battery life (because of the larger LCD like James said) and only give me .9MP more resolution, which is worthless anyway.

To be honest, I don't know if I'd even trade my SD800IS for the SD870IS if it were a free upgrade. I love my SD800IS. I bought mine 8 months ago for about $249 and, as you can see, it was a great deal, even today. For <$240, I'd take that over the SD870IS anyday, when looking at the price. Is the .9MP, .5" larger LCD and no optical viewfinder worth paying for? Not to me :)

Right on, Matt. PReach it! We need more cameras with optical viewfinders! And that .9MP isn't even going to be noticeable unless you're making 11x14 or above prints and that's, what .01% of the time?

James and Matt,

Thank you both for helping a technophobe (and proud of it) with these questions. I don't know a thing about digital cameras; I still love my Canon Sureshot!

You have both given good advice and I will, with confidence, order the SD800.

Best regards,

Mary