Canon Powershot SD780 IS Review
Posted on 04/28/2009
Apart from the HD video mode, the Canon SD780 isn't breaking any new ground. Nevertheless, it's a strong performer, doing what a camera should: take excellent pictures, easily. By Brenda Paro
Canon SD780 IS Pros
- Very good HD video mode
- Incredibly small
Canon SD780 IS Cons
- Too small for big fingers
- Minuscule optical viewfinder
It's getting more difficult to review digital cameras these days—in particular the Canon Powershot line. For the most part, gone are the days when you picked up a new camera and were disappointed by its response time or image quality. The majority of cameras released recently are, in the large majority, just plain good. So writing a review of a new model largely comes down to the fine details.
With that said, the Canon Powershot SD780 IS keeps the baton in the air, with speedy response time, quick and accurate focusing, and excellent image quality. This little camera features 12 megapixels of recording power, along with a DIGIC IV processor and a 3x optical zoom. It's also loaded with HD movie recording with HDTV-ready output. All of this is packaged inside a tiny—and I do mean tiny—camera body, measuring in at just 0.7 inches thick.
Design: For Nimble Fingers Only
It's pretty amazing to get such great images from a camera this small. On the other hand, for some at least, the camera body may be a little too small. Fans of technology will appreciate the cool factor of something that functions this well being this tiny, but people who just want something usable may find the SD780 a little difficult to maneuver. This is not a camera that you give to your grandmother; it's not even a camera you give to someone with larger-than-average hands, or greater-than-average clumsiness. The buttons are very close together, and because the body is so tiny there is nowhere to hold onto it where you don't feel like you are either fingerprinting the screen or putting your fingers over the lens. In short, the grip is somewhat tricky, but it's also a slick, modern design, and is one of the only cameras I've handled that is definitely a "shirt pocket" model. I will say, too, that it feels impressively durable (right down to the battery cover, which is notorious for weakness on most tiny cameras like this)… and it even features an optical viewfinder, although you may giggle when you see how small it is. You'll be squinting through it, but it is there.
Standard Feature Set
In terms of features offered, the SD780 doesn't differ too much from other recently-released Canons. It has face and motion detection, image stabilization, a variety of scene modes, multiple metering and focus modes, and intelligent contrast correction. I will say that its operation is impressively fast, perhaps more so than similar cameras, although the auto focus is a little bit hit or miss—it works fast, but isn't always as accurate as it could be. Macro focus was impressive, but general auto focus may take one or two half-shutter pushes before it locks in on the subject you want. The 2.5-inch LCD refreshes quickly and smoothly. Only in low light does the screen slow down somewhat; at all other times it's practically as fast as your eye when it comes to keeping up with changing subjects.
Excellent Low-Light Performance
Speaking of low light, the SD780 handles it in a truly impressive manner. When I first shot an interior picture in a fairly dark room, I thought I had the flash set wrong since it didn't fire. Turns out that the camera is just extremely well equipped to handle low light situations… not only didn't it need the flash, but the photo was practically grain-free. Only in very dark situations (an interior room, without the lights on, at night, to be specific), did the flash begin firing, and when it did, it wasn't the glary, harsh flash you'd expect. It's a clean, natural light. Impressive considering the room was dark enough that I could barely see the image I was shooting on the LCD.
Smooth HD Video
The Canon SD780 records high-definition video at a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, that is, 720p. With a 4GB Secure Digital memory card, you can record up to 30 minutes of high-definition video. Though you might not expect much from such a small camera, particularly one that isn't intended to be a camcorder, HD the video mode is quite good.
Combining still images with video is always tricky—it seems the video always suffers—and this video mode certainly isn't ideal, but it does have nice image quality and smooth, easy-to-use recording. Audio quality isn't much of a step up from similar point-and-shoot recording devices, but this is what you should expect from anything that isn't specifically designed for video recording.
Conclusion: Bland, Yet Impressive
The SD780 is impressive in its sheer size (or lack thereof), and it delivers impressive speed and durability, along with sharp, crisp images (particularly in low light), with a decent amount of flexibility over controls. The primary selling point of this camera is without a doubt its size. If you're less concerned about small size and want something totally comfortable to use, there are multiple other Powershot models on the market that deliver image quality and performance just as well as this one does, in slightly larger packages. But if pocket-sized is your thing, then the SD780 may be just the model for which you've been waiting.
Canon Powershot SD780 IS Comments & Questions (write your own!)
The picture quality in both of these products are stunning.
Honest reviews with sample pics can be found here digitalcamerareview.com/def... and here imaging-resource.com/PRODS/... note its low light performance and loss of detail and contrast also note the shots above ISO 200.
I think the glowing reviews are based off what it does do for its size...
The big difference here is size. If you want a pocket cam, get the 780. If you're not so concerened about size, get the A2100.
Next, check out this resource ( imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP... ). It takes pictures with each and you can compare them side by side. Finally, when trying to make a final call, it may just come down to what camera feels good in your hand. Go to a local camera store and check both out side by side, holding them, feeling their center of gravity, the balance. How it sits in your hand. That usually sells me one way or the other.
Next, check out this resource ( imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP... ). It takes pictures with each and you can compare them side by side.
The bottom line though, is that with the exception of subtle differences, they are essentially the same camera because they're from the same SD line. But one thing. Don't get caught up in the "larger LCD screen is better" myth. Sure, you get a 1/2" larger screen, but you sacrifice battery power to run it. Power that's better used to take pictures.
They do listen to thei rcustomers.
You can hace none/ date only/date + hour.
I also got a second battery... just in case :)
supercat007@live.com
For example, you connect your camera to your PC and using the Microsoft media manager that detects the camera (or inserted memory card), copy the pictures and video files to your hard drive, say to "My Pictures." Then using Roxio Video Wave, Adobe Elements, or the Magix video suite, you import the video files into a presentation you are creating. Once the files are in the presentation, you can edit them (trim them, rotate them, enhance them, etc.,) using the application.
The only issue that I know of regarding MOV files is that Quicktime thumbnails do not show up in Microsoft XP or Vista. (AVI file thumbnails look just like photo thumbnails.) So, you have to remember what you captured by datestamp or play the files (doubleclick them in Explorer to launch the Quicktime player). But this does not affect your ability to edit the files in a video editing program at all.
THANKS
And SONY? Well, they're not all that great in low light. Check out Panasonic Lumix and Canon's SD900 line.
Next, check out this resource ( imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP... ). It takes pictures with each and you can compare them side by side.
In the end, only you can pull the trigger on which one to buy, but I have a hunch that for average snapshots, it's six of one, half dozen of the other.
for point ^ shoot excellent pics on the road 'thx mr JAMES
I usually google the site with the word complaints just to be sure. Then again, I usually go with Amazon. It's a tad more, but the peace of mind makes it definitely worth it.
my brd nw sd 1200 is too small ; 3 x . photos come out faded when i use the zoom 'prefers the size and weight of the SD 1100
this camera fell down and the auto focus is stuck ; why do Canon always tries to downsize their excellent items by making new sleek trendy styles understand but please CAnon cie please do not discontinue them .no SD1200 12 mega
does not replace the performance of the Sd 1100.thanks , nightingale 09.
Yes, the Olympus 8000 is a tough camera, but its reputation is that the images it makes aren't as good as many others; and it is not low cost.
Try out the Canon PowerShot D10 (which is also not cheap) for tough, waterproof and dustproof.
It has good fast action, and also gives you a focusing mode called AF Servo, which lets you track moving objects and keep them in focus. Lots of models offer this nowadays and it's kind of hit or miss, but this one (and ones on similar-level Canon cameras) seem to be performing pretty well these days.
As James said, the pre-focus will do wonders for you. What that means is to press the shutter button halfway and let the camera lock focus before you take the photo. Then push it the rest of the way to get the shot. Your camera will fire super-fast when you do this and it'll cut down on your blurry photos by an amazing amount.
Keep in mind that there is ALWAYS a trade off. When you improve one aspect of these small cameras, you have to give up some other aspect. In this case, all the "ruggedized" digital cameras take images which are not as sharp as the "regular" digital cameras. So it is a trade off, but if you need a rugged camera, try the Canon D10.
Lastly, check the physical size and be certain that it will fit in the pocket you mentioned.
And frankly, 30 seconds of video is a lot longer than you think when you're watching it or editing it. It's always more interesting to the audience if you shoot short, active clips, rather than long sequences that drag on.
This tells my that something is wrong with the camera. Try resetting the entire camera by removing the battery for several minutes then replacing it and starting all over.
the message say that i need to reset the camera. How do I do that?...I already took out the battery, but it is the same.