Canon PowerShot SD790 IS

Latest - Review and Sample Photos by ImagingResource (added 06 August’08)

Canon PowerShot SD790 IS features:

• 10.0 megapixels
• 3x optical zoom
• ISO 80 - 1600
• 3 inch LCD
• Image stabilization

Overall Rating:  Loading ...

Read More Reviews - (updated 06 September’08)

ImagingResource
“The Canon SD790 IS has only one strike against it and that’s its 3x optical zoom. You might think the lack of a Manual mode would be another, but the Canon SD790 IS is designed for taking great snapshots. With its DIGIC III processor, it does just that.”
   Overall, Review was Favorable:

DigitalCameraReview
“The images produced by the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS are generally quite good. Still, I ended up with fewer keepers than normal due to focus issues and noise concerns with the SD790’s familiar 10 megapixel sensor.”
   Overall, Review was Favorable:

DCResource has reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS | IXUS 90 IS and they write -
“The SD790 turned in a good performance in terms of photo quality, as well. It took well-exposed photos with accurate, vivid colors. Images are nice and sharp, save for the corners, where there is often blurring (especially at wide-angle).”
   Overall, Review was Favorable:

CNET has reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS | IXUS 90 IS and they write -
“The Canon PowerShot SD790 IS’ great photos more than make up for its mixed performance. If you don’t need a tinier profile, zoom during movie capture, an optical viewfinder or semimanual exposure controls, and the odd design doesn’t put you off, you should definitely check it out.”

Rating:

InfoSyncWorld has reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS | IXUS 90 IS and they write -
“Pros: Inlaid buttons. Well-integrated wheel control.
Cons: Not the best 10-megapixel images we’ve seen. Lacks features, particularly manual control. “

Rating:

Cameras.co.uk has reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS | IXUS 90 IS and they write -
“This camera will cost you a bit more than a more standard pocket camera. It looks good, takes a good photo and has an excellent quality LCD screen. Despite its price tag it still offers good value for money.”

Rating:

ePhotozine has reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS | IXUS 90 IS and they write -
“The Canon IXUS 90 IS is a beautiful camera to look at and use. You can tell the quality just by touching it and it also shines through in the performance.

If you’re looking for a camera that’s strong on looks and quality and you want to look trendy on your nights out, take a look at this.”

Rating:

GoodGearGuide has reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS | IXUS 90 IS and they write -
“Another solid compact camera from Canon, the IXUS 90IS packs in image stabilization and good image quality. It is only let down by sometimes sluggish performance and some slightly annoying controls.”

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ComputerActive has reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS | IXUS 90 IS and they write -
“An impressive exterior that looks as though it was designed with the precision of a German car manufacturer masks a relatively run-of-the-mill snapshot camera beneath. Still, for those who just want to point and shoot, all the essentials are here – plus a few nice extras, such as in-camera color effects and automatic red-eye correction.”

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DigicamReview has reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS | IXUS 90 IS and they write -
“The Canon Digital IXUS 90 IS / SD790 is an ultra stylish compact camera that provides an impressive 3″ screen, 10 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens and image stabilisation. Noise is controlled quite well considering the camera has 10 megapixels, and image quality is generally very good. The camera’s screen works well even in bright sunlight and battery life is quite good. Overall this is a fairly appealling camera however it’s price could put a number of people off buying it, especially when other cameras from Canon and other manufacturers often offer better value for money. Another area where this camera could be seen as lacking, is in the lens department, especially as most new cameras now offer a more wide angle lens. However, if you want a genuinely good camera with a large 3″ screen that works in the sun, then this is recommended!”

Rating:

PhotographyBlog has reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS | IXUS 90 IS and they write -
“Does the world really need another point-and-shoot Digital IXUS? Probably not, but that’s not to suggest the Canon Digital IXUS 90 IS constitutes a less than worthy addition to the series. Its squarish, tank-like design is something of a throwback to the solid feel, boxy original models in the series at the turn of the millennium, which, although priced a little higher than competitors, felt worth the extra outlay; happily that same impression is the one delivered by the modern day Canon Digital IXUS 90 IS. For me, image noise could be better tackled and the OIS made yet more effective, meaning there are snapshot cameras out there delivering better images under a wider variety of conditions – the latest 10 megapixel Lumix models from Panasonic spring to mind. That said, the Canon Digital IXUS 90 IS exudes slightly more class when it comes to overall build and design, and at the end of the day it feels that you really are getting what you’re paying for – even if another £100 or so could snag you an entry-level DSLR with the same headline features yet bags more control.”

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LetsGoDigital has reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS | IXUS 90 IS and they write -
“Despite the limited zoom range the Canon Digital IXUS 90 IS is an excellent camera with a remarkable neat and trendy design. The way the buttons are completely flush with the casing is absolutely beautiful and deserves a beauty award. Add the large 3 inch screen to it and you can say that Canon have a new winner in their hands. The Canon IXUS 90 IS will undoubtedly continue the IXUS success story. The quality is superb and the camera looks astonishing! All that is left to wish for is that tiny piece of wide angle…”

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PCMag has reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS and they write -
“Most point-and-shoot cameras have a noticeable boot-up time. The SD790 IS is one of the fastest point-and-shooters I’ve seen, taking a mere 1.8 seconds to power up and snap a shot—an outstanding result. My only gripes—flash shots that are a bit dark, and a wide-angle lens that could be wider—are minor.”

Rating:

StevesDigicams has reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS and they write -
“The Canon PowerShot SD790 IS is a powerful and easy to use camera wrapped up in an “ultra- compact” body. The combination of quality and performance is nicely complimented by the 10-megapixel imaging sensor and optical image stabilization. As with all Digital ELPH cameras, this camera is easy enough for anyone to use. With a MSRP of US$350, its a good deal for what comes in the box.”

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Actual Owner Feedback

“I got this camera to replace one i dropped in the pool. i am very happy the camera. it takes great shots and battery lasts for ever.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com

“This little camera is great. The large screen is worth the money. The controls are small and a little slippery(the rotating wheel) but once you are used to it you can quickly change settings.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com

“Works as advertised, takes great pictures and decent video. As with any camera nowadays, there are more features than I know what to do with.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com

“I upgraded to this camera from the SD450 after it was dropped and refused to operate correctly. This camera is exceptionally stylish, all buttons are inlaid and cut from the body. It fits very nicely in a pocket.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com

Sample Photos

[Sample Photos at ImagingResource]
[Sample Photos at DCResource]
[Sample Photos at CNET]
[Sample Photos at Cameras.co.uk]
[Sample Photos at DigicamReview]
[Sample Photos at PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Photos at LetsGoDigital]
[Sample Photos at StevesDigicams]

Specifications

[Official Canon Specifications]

Owners Manual

[Owners Manual]

Press Excerpt

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 13 March, 2008: Canon today strengthens its Digital IXUS range with the launch of two new 10 Megapixel models: the Digital IXUS 90 IS and Digital IXUS 85 IS. Both models feature Canon’s lens-shift type optical Image Stabilizer (IS)for exceptional image quality, while expressing very distinct design styles. The solid, chiselled Digital IXUS 90 IS is enhanced by a powerful shape and seamless build; while the soft minimalism of the Digital IXUS 85 IS reflects a glimmering, understated elegance.

The two models share the core imaging prowess at the heart of Digital IXUS photography. In addition to their 3x optical zoom lenses with IS, the cameras feature enhanced auto focus performance for low-light shooting. Both cameras include Motion Detection Technology¹, which works in tandem with IS to reduce all kinds of blur, and Face Detection Technology¹ with Face Select & Track and Face Detection White Balance for accurate, natural-looking people shots in all situations. Bright, clear PureColor LCD II screens (3” Digital IXUS 90 IS, 2.5” Digital IXUS 85 IS) enhance user experience thanks to their wide viewing angle, high contrast easy-view displays, and glare-resistant coatings.

“The design versatility of Digital IXUS is clearly demonstrated by these two new models,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “These are cameras that enable users to express their individuality, both in the model they choose, and the images they make.”

The Digital IXUS 90 IS and Digital IXUS 85 IS feature:

• Solid, chiselled design with flat control panel (Digital IXUS 90 IS)
• Rounded square design with bold details in piano key black or silver (Digital IXUS 85 IS)
• 10.0 Megapixel image sensor
• 3x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer (IS)
• Face Detection Technology with White Balance and Face Select & Track
• DIGIC III¹ with Noise Reduction Technology
• Automatic Red-Eye Correction in shooting and playback
• 2.5” PureColor LCD II (85 IS), 3.0” PureColor LCD II (90 IS)
• Optical Viewfinder (85 IS)
• Enhanced auto focus performs at up to 1-stop darker
• 19 shooting modes including new Sunset mode and My Colors photo effects
• Extensive movie options including VGA 30fps, Long Play and Time Lapse movie modes
• Optional accessories include Waterproof Case, Soft Case and High Powered Flash
• Easy printing with PictBridge and quick print order settings in playback mode³

Two designs, Two cameras, One Digital IXUS Built to facilitate individual expression, these new cameras offer an evolution of two key Digital IXUS design strands. The Digital IXUS 90 IS takes the geometry of the Digital IXUS 75 and gives it a new sense of boldness and solidity. A flat key control panel enhances the camera’s seamless feel, giving it the appearance of being forged from a single piece of metal. The Digital IXUS 85 IS softens the sharp minimalism of the Digital IXUS 70, for a more fluid feel, accentuated by bold lens ring and edging details in piano black or silver.

Exceptional optics The Digital IXUS 90 IS and Digital IXUS 85 IS both feature a 3x optical zoom lens, allowing everything from landscape shots to close-ups and medium telephoto zooms. Exceptional image clarity and compactness of form are achieved thanks to the inclusion of Canon’s UA (Ultra-high refractive index Aspherical) lens elements. The lens has a straight optical path for uncompromising image quality. Canon’s lens-shift type optical Image Stabilizer (IS) is incorporated into both cameras, vastly reducing the effects of camera shake when shooting in low light conditions or at the end of the zoom. The IS system gives both cameras a 3 stop advantage, facilitating better images in dusky conditions. Improved low-light AF performance helps users take advantage of the benefits of IS. The AF is now able to achieve focus in 1 stop less light, so the camera obtains excellent results even further into the evening.

Bye-bye to blur – Motion Detection Technology Activated in High ISO Auto, Canon’s intelligent Motion Detection Technology works to eliminate the blur caused by subject motion and camera shake. When these are detected, the system provides an ISO boost between ISO 80-800 - counteracting motion blur to improve action shots and night snaps, without compromising shots where no ISO boost is needed. Combining inputs from Face Detection Technology, the optical Image Stabiliser, changes in scene brightness and changes from frame to frame, Canon’s Motion Detection Technology is a comprehensive solution to motion blur.

Enhanced Face Detection Technology Equally comprehensive is Canon’s approach to Face Detection Technology. The Digital IXUS 90 IS and Digital IXUS 85 IS include Face Select & Track, which allows you to select a single face from a crowd of up to 35 detected faces. The optimum focus, exposure, flash and – in a new addition - white balance will then be set for that face, tracking the subject as they move around the frame.

Canon’s Red-Eye Correction draws on Face Detection Technology in order to eliminate red-eye from photographs. Whenever a face is detected in a shot, red-eye is checked for. It can then be either removed automatically while shooting or in playback mode. New AF Point Zoom allows the photographer to magnify the AF frame when the shutter button is pressed half way, so that facial expressions can be checked before shooting.

As well as powering features including Face Detection Technology, Canon’s DIGIC III image processor enables quick response times and fast buffering speeds. The processor also features advanced Noise Reduction Technology for excellent image quality at high ISO settings.

Intuitive ergonomics, easy menus The Digital IXUS 90 IS and Digital IXUS 85 IS both feature high resolution PureColor LCD II screens. These screens offer a number of benefits over conventional LCD screens, including improved colour contrast for enhanced visibility, a wide viewing angle for easy shooting and instant image sharing, anti-glare coatings for viewing under bright light, and anti-scratch coatings.

The Digital IXUS 90 IS features a 3” screen, while the Digital IXUS 85 IS has a 2.5” screen. The Digital IXUS 85 IS provides additional photo framing options thanks to its Optical Viewfinder (OVF).

A host of features enable users to enhance their shooting options. Users can choose from a range of 19 shooting modes, including a number of Special Scene modes that automatically optimise camera settings for common shooting subjects. Both cameras feature Sunset scene mode for optimum capture of this tricky subject. Movie options include Long Play (LP) mode, which uses only half the memory of standard movies, and Time Lapse movie for the creation of fun and atmospheric accelerated film clips. Several menu features also let users manipulate their images in-camera, without the need for computer software. The Trimming function offers image trimming to predetermined sizes. This function is integrated with Face Detection Technology – if several faces are detected in frame users can jump between faces to create instant trimmed portraits. The Image Resize function enables users to create smaller image files by reducing the number recording pixels in larger images. The original image can then be deleted in order to save space on the memory card, leaving the new file an ideal size for e-mailing and uploading to the web.