Canon Digital Elphs

Being a travel writer, there are many perks that come with the job. When you end up being in one place often, like Walt Disney World. One unrealized “perk” is taking a lot of photos for people to commemorate their family experiences.

Something I noticed is that there are so many different Canon PowerShot Digital Elphs out there. More that one may realize. Most who ask me to take a photo actually do have a Canon PowerShot Digital Elph, one model or another.

Something interesting about these cameras is that they are about the size of a rectangular coaster and true to their advertising, actually fit right into a pocket with room for change.

Because they are a rectangular shape it makes them a bit easier to grip and operation of them is extremely easy. Since I have had so much experience using these cameras I have decided to compile a list of the ten best selling models:

1ST PLACE: SD1100 IS
This 2008 model 8 Mega Pixel (MP) phenomenon has many features, two of the best are the image stabilization and a decent zoom (38-114mm). The image stabilization is excellent when taking shots inside a moving vehicle. To help with keeping hold of the camera, there is a small indentation and it comes in a variety of colors. Also, my daughter uses this camera every day and although it has a bit of wear, the casing is pretty resistant to non violent daily use.

2ND PLACE: SD870 IS
Need a wide-angle lens? Then this is the ELPH for you. Another 8MP model that is a smidge deeper than the SD1100 IS. Although it has great features, it does not have an optical viewfinder so it is difficult to use in bright light. However this is not the biggest issue in the world. My husband actually uses one of these for shots contributed to “The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World.”

3RD PLACE: SD770 IS
Review: It costs about $50.00 more than the SD1100 IS and is considered a sort of updated model of the SD100 IS (see above). It does have a longer battery life and an improved LCD screen than the SD1100 but rated a bit lower due to the cost. Image quality is about the same and it does not come in snazzy colors.

4TH PLACE: SD950 IS
Gorgeous titanium body (which makes it a bit thicker than the others) and considered an upgrade to the SD850 IS (see below), it features a whopping 12.1 MP and 3.7x zoom lens. They have added manual controls for panoramic photos but the price seems not quite worth the extras.

5TH PLACE: SD890 IS
Long zoom it baby! Another 2008 model featuring a respectable 10 MP, 5x zoom, new bright LCD screen and every other 2008 Canon candy. This is the model that not only will blow your socks off, watch your wallet as it is the most expensive Canon PowerShot ELPH.

6TH PLACE: SD790 IS
This 2008 ELPH sports a large 3-inch LCD display but sacrifices the optical viewfinder. It features the same 10 MP image sensor and 3z zoom as the SD770 IS although the rear controls have a less complicated design (fewer buttons). Also due to the redesign of the back buttons this model has gotten a bit slimmer.

7TH PLACE: SD1000
This 2007 model has been replaced by the SD1100 IS (see above). Featuring 7.1 mp’s and no image stabilization, your better value is in its replacement for the cost.

8TH PLACE: SD850 IS
This model is a bit larger than the others on my list and gets stuck going into and out of your pocket. However it is a bit handier if you have larger hands. It sports a 4x zoom and 8 MP with an image stabilizer. However, this dinosaur may not give the quality we have come accustomed to with other Canon PowerShot ELPH models.

9TH PLACE: SD800 IS
Not worth the price unless it is extremely inexpensive. It goes blurry around the edges when using the widest angle and has a piddly 7.1 MP’s. You are better off to go with the 870 instead, the successor of the SD800 IS.

10TH PLACE: SD750
Featured flagship product of the PowerShot 2007 line, this model features a built in light meter for brightness control, 17 modes, movie features and red-eye correction. However it lacks image stabilization and an optical viewfinder. You will be much happier going with a 2008 model instead.