Even though my SD110 seemed indestructible, it couldn't match the size and nimbleness of the new generation of Elves, so it was time for a replacement.
With under a hundred bucks separating the first five models, a consumer might well be in a minor dither about which to get. Currently most Amazon consumers are bucking the adage "newer is better" and going with the SD600 (which the tech people at Cnet support, giving it a rating identical to or higher than the slightly larger and heavier SD700 and recent SD800 and SD900, both with Digic III processors). Perhaps their thinking is like mine: first, its dimensions (width, depth, and height) are smaller and its weight (under 5 oz) lighter than the other six models (the 500's are the largest, and the 630, in fact, is a bit of an oxymoron: a bigger screen to accommodate failing eyes but tighter and tinier controls for those same eyes to locate and navigate); second, the 600 is the only one of the seven that maintains the original Canon Elph aesthetic of perfectly square angles at all corners of the camera (the contoured look that Canon is beginning to introduce is, I confess, a slight offense to my eye). Finally, in the category of set-up time for the first and each subsequent shot, the 600 is comparable in speed with the other models, rated a nano-second behind the 800 but better than the 900. Moreover, the price at this time is right (though don't expect this model to be around much longer). If you can live with a "mere" 6 megapixels and shoot with a sufficiently steady hand to ignore the absence of the 700's image stabilizer feature this may very well be "the one" for you. (Not for an eternity, but in our world of rapidly changing technology even an "extended honeymoon" of several years has to be considered equivalent to a lasting marriage.)
If it needs a further recommendation, my botanist son-in-law, who owns an SD500, is about to order a supply of the smaller and lighter 600's to put in the hands of his students in the field.
Postscript: Contrary to a later reviewer's claim, this camera does not have an "anti-shake" feature like the SD700. I've never had a problem with shaky pictures, but should you observe jittery images, try shooting through the viewfinder for a firmer grip (which is lacking, by the way on the SD630). As for a 6 megapixel lens vs. a higher number, only the sharpest eye would detect any difference in quality of resolution--and even then it would have to be an image blown up to wallpaper size. Finally, the cost of SD memory cards has come down by 50% in just the past several months, so it makes sense to go for the larger (1 GB) card. Also, I would spend the extra fifteen bucks for the faster speed of the Sandisk Ultra II card. (If you like to check the results of a shot the instant after exposure or if you transfer large numbers of shots to your computer at the same time, you'll notice a difference). If you're content with a conventional SD card and want to save a few additional bucks, go with Kingston (as good as Sandisk, in my experience, though I'd stay clear of Lexar, which has given me trouble).
This is my third and possibly final digital camera. It does everything superbly and in a size I can just throw in my pocket so it's always there. Before the SD600 I had a Canon S100 2.1 mp [a great camera] and a Sony DSC-W1 5.1 mp [a piece of $%#@ every other image blurry].
With the Sony less than a year old, I couldn't put up with it anymore it was time to go back to Canon so I wouldn't miss any future shots. I got the SD600 at Best Buy 1 day before leaving on a week-long trip to Boston. My 10-yr old daughter was studying the Revolutionary War in school so I was told to take a lot of photos and "Dad, make sure they aren't blurry like all those others." [She's got the old S100, so she's not worried].
Since I'd already had the old S100, the controls were familiar. Best Buy had a 1GB PNY SD chip on sale for $39, so I had room for over 500 photos, plus I picked up an extra battery.
In the week in Boston I shot day, night, flash, long exposure, high light, low light, drizzle, rain, sun, and even a short video of Morris dancers in Boston Common. Every shot was great and not one blurry, even when the 'shaking hand' was on. I'm not sue that the image stabilization with the SD700 would be all that necessary.
I found that indoors [my greatest fear since the Sony made you worry about every shot] with reasonably good lighting I was able to turn the flash off and shoot with natural light. I've not yet had the time to play with the various modes just straight turn it on and shoot [both of which were very quick with minimal delay].
Everyone we were with were greatly impressed by the 600's size, style, and images on the LCD and surprised to see me turn it on end to show full screen portrait format shots [very cool]. Even friends with the SD450 [my Christmas recommendation] wanted to trade theirs in.
I was able to get over 150 shots maybe a quarter with flash without recharging [I just stuck the little spare in the coin pocket in my jeans and didn't worry about it].
The software's great, too. I used the old ZoomBrowser EX with the Sony, so it was nice to see this updated and much more functional. I might not have to use Irfan Skiljan's IrfanView package anymore.
I'm sure that over the summer I'll find all those bells and whistles to be entertaining, but for just taking pictures, I don't think there's anything more I'd ever want. Now if I can just find someone to take the Sony... and I'll throw in my old Omega D2 enlarger for free!
The SD600 is as close to perfect as you can get and all I'll ever need.
Buy Canon PowerShot SD600 6MP Digital Elph Camera with 3x Optical Zoom Now
Funny how this camera seems to be tested in Boston. I bought this camera specifically for a trip to Boston. I thought my brother's SD450 was the best digital camera I've ever used, until I got the SD600.
I took TONS of pictures in different lighting and all turned out great. I shot everything from plates of food inches away to soccer games with players clear across the field.
Certain settings worked better than others for different lighting situations. It really just depends on what color tones you prefer. I prefer warmer tones and the camera worked really well. For the basic point-and-shoot shots with the setting on automatic and flash, I thought the colors were very true to life.
The video feature is really great as well. Playback is amazing on the large LCD screen. The newer version of this camera (SD630) has a larger display of 3inches but I actually prefer my 2.5inch screen. THis is because when I tried out the SD630, I'd get finger prints on the screen just trying to manuever the buttons. I don't have this problem w/ the SD600. I am able to avoid touching the screen while changing the settings on my camera.
The best thing about this camera is that it is ready almost instantly after you turn it on. No waiting for an annoying flash to warm up. It also takes a picture right away when you press the button. Hardly a delay compared to other digital cameras.
I don't have much else to add to this review that hasn't been already addressed. This camera with its numerous settings is far better than any old point-and-shoot camera. I think it's a great compromise between a professional camera and a point-and-shoot. It's quite versatile for those who like to play around with settings and effects. For the price, this camera rocks. 3 people have already been convinced into buying this camera after seeing me use it.
Read Best Reviews of Canon PowerShot SD600 6MP Digital Elph Camera with 3x Optical Zoom Here
After doing a lot of research online I decided on a Canon Powershot SD600. So far this camera has met every expectation I had for a ultra-compact segment camera. The pictures are crisp and colors vivid. Also, the shutter speed is pretty quick so you wont miss a shot becuase of lag time.
The next model up from this is the Powershot SD630. The SD630 has a larger LCD but I don't really see the advantage over the SD600. The picture quality is the same and you lose the view finder due to the larger LCD.
Want Canon PowerShot SD600 6MP Digital Elph Camera with 3x Optical Zoom Discount?
First, I was amazed at how small it is, and then by its beautiful screen. After only being able to shoot 6 pictures with the supplied SD card I ordered and installed a Transcend 2GB SD 150x card, giving me an estimated 1.9+ gigs of storage it works flawlessly in the SD600. This card allows me to take over 680 "Large" images at 2816 x 2112 pixels in Superfine mode (least amount of file compression). Or over 17,000 images in the "Small" image (640 x 480 pixels) and high compression mode. You should EASILY find a place in bewteen to suit your needs.
I didn't realize this until today, but the SD600 DOES NOT take RAW image captures. On page 20 of the camera's User Guide it shows the icon for RAW and states that the RAW icon "may also be displayed with some images." NOWHERE in the User Guide does it mention how to capture images in RAW, nor does the menu give the ability to change it out of JPEG. In the back of the User Guide the Data Type for still images is "Exif 2.2 (JPEG)" NO mention of any other format or adjustment available.
Other than that, the camera takes amazing pictures. Macro works beautifully and can be used at 1.2 inches to 1.6 feet from the subject.
Note that all of the shiney 'chrome-like' pieces on the camera (shutter button, zoom wheel, lanyard loop, battery/memory door, USB door...) are PLASTIC! Not metal like the rest of the camera. If you are prone to dropping your camera you might want to take into account that practically one entire corner of this camera is plastic. I recommend the Canon leather pouch it fits perfectly with this camera and is of better quality than other name brand protective pouches.
No need for an extra battery; I have yet to see the need for one. If you are going on a long trip away from a power source... maybe, but it really does last a long time. (From the manual:) LCD on = 160 images, LCD off = 600 images, Playback time = approx 4 hours. Just turn off all of the extra sounds and unnecessary stuff and you should be able to squeeze some extra time out of this battery. NOTE: unlike other devices that are on the market these days, this camera DOES NOT charge the battery while plugged into a USB port. And you have to remove the battery in order to charge it the ONE thing I enjoyed not having to do with my last camera.
I also HIGHLY recommend an LCD screen protector for this camera. Be sure to get one that specifically states that it fits your LCD screen, or else you wil have to cut it to fit... what a pain. You won't be sorry that you spent the $3-10 for the little piece of plastic.
With this product I also HIGHLY recommend the Joby GP1-01P Gorillapod Flexible Tripod! You will be amazed by this little tripod, just search Amazon for it and check out the product pictures!
I had to make a choice between the F300 and the F200.
