Latest – Review by DPExpert (added 23 November’08)
The Canon Powershot SD870 IS is a 8.0 megapixels optically image stabilized point-and-shoot digital camera that features a 3.8x optical zoom 4.6-17.3mm f/2.8-5.8 (35mm film equivalent: 28-105mm)lens lens, face detection, 3 inch LCD and an ISO range from 80 to 1600. Cameras dimensions are (W x H x D) 3.65 x 2.32 x 1.02 in./92.6 x 58.8 x 25.9mm and it weighs 5.50 oz./155g.
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Reviewers Conclusions & Verdicts – (updated 23 November’08)
DPExpert
“We like this camera because of its superb design and construction, and we found that by sticking with an ISO setting of 80–100 we could get excellent results.”
Cameras.co.uk
“It performed well in my tests and I found very few points where the camera struggled. This is a reliable camera that should take good quality snapshots in most situations.”
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Lets go Digital
“If you are looking for a stylish developed camera, user friendly and equipped with innovative and effective image solutions you might find the Canon 870 IS camera the right one.”
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CNET.co.uk
“We recommend using Intelligent Contrast setting (i-Contrast) only in playback as more often than not it lightened the entire image, not just dark areas. In playback you can apply the effect in gradual levels as well and create a copy, whereas the camera decides on the level if you shoot with it on. “
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CNET Australia
“Though the 870 IS isn’t perfect, with its noise issues and minor design faults, it still remains an excellent compact camera. A sharp lens, fast image processing times and fantastic picture quality makes it an ideal combination of style and substance.”
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GoodGearGuide
“One of the key features of this unit is its 28mm wide-angle lens which adds a little more versatility to the unit. It is backed up by Canon’s optical image stabilization, which helps keep hand-shake under control.”
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PhotoReview
“Improvements to Motion Detection Technology enable the camera to register camera and subject movement, then automatically adjust ISO to prevent image blur – provided the ISO is set to Auto. A new Servo AF function continuously re-focuses on subjects moving towards or away from the camera.”
Pocket-lint – 14 December’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and admits the metering system is pretty much flawless. Here’s an excerpt from their review verdict -
“The IXUS 860IS is typically well made and very nice to use as well as being very easy to use, noise issues are not helped at higher ISOs by the increase in resolution but over it is an accomplished if pricey snapper.”
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TrustedReviews – 27 November’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and points out that the cameras expense is justified by its top notch performance. Here’s an excerpt from their review -
“The Canon IXUS 860 IS is an expensive camera for an 8MP pocket compact, but it justifies it with stylish design, exceptional build quality, class-leading performance and outstanding picture quality. Its wide zoom range provides greater versatility than most other compacts, and it turns in excellent results in virtually any situation. It is certainly one of the best compact cameras on the market, and will no doubt make a welcome gift for many this Xmas.”
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PCWorld – 23 November’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and felt it was well constructed. Here’s an excerpt from their review -
“Pros: Extra wide zoom lens – Large LCD Cons: Animated on screen button was distracting – Very expensive – Beautiful photos”
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DCResource – 12 November’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and thought the camera had a few annoyances but nothing too important. Here’s an excerpt from their review -
“Image quality was very good, though not without some compromises that come from that compact wide-angle lens. On the positive side, the SD870 took well-exposed images, with pleasing colors, good sharpness, and minimal purple fringing. Noise really isn’t a problem until the highest ISO settings, though you’ll start seeing the effects of noise reduction at ISO 400 (in good light). The bad news is that some photos will have noticeable corner blurriness and minor vignetting (dark corners), with the former being fairly common on ultra-compact cameras. Redeye was a big problem, but at least Canon provides an effective removal tool in playback mode to get rid of this annoyance.”
Rating:
CameraLabs – 11 November’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and indicates one of the biggest issues with the camera is its higher price. Here’s an excerpt from their review verdict -
“Photographic enthusiasts will miss full manual control, but then the 860IS / SD870 IS does a great job in automatic. The slow continuous shooting, lack of a live histogram and relatively coarse zoom steps will also annoy some, but won’t bother the majority. And as for that touch wheel? We may not have got on with it, but it could work just fine for you.”
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Imaging-Resource – 07 November’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and writes there is high chromatic aberration at wide angle. Here’s an excerpt from their review -
“The SD870’s 8-megapixel sensor delivers resolution capable of delivering good quality 11×14-inch prints up to ISO 400, an impressive feat indeed. Canon has increased the size of the LCD but removed the optical viewfinder; optical viewfinders being something of a joke on most digital cameras with extraordinary optics, most users won’t miss it. The 3-inch LCD more than makes up for the lack of a viewfinder, and works well in bright sunlight.”
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Reghardware – 06 November’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and notes the face detection system is rarely fooled. Here’s an excerpt from their review verdict -
“No camera is perfect, and Canon’s Ixus 860 IS is no exception. We felt that the menu selection system was a little too sensitive at times: it was very easy to inadvertently make an adjustment we didn’t want – but a swine to revert back to the original setting. We also weren’t that keen on the zoom control, which is basically a small metal stub. The red-eye reduction system wasn’t great and still made many of our subjects look like extras in a horror movie.”
Rating:
PhotoReview – 01 November’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and comments the overall performance was above average. Here’s an excerpt from their review -
“Pictures taken with the test camera were sharp and clean with natural-looking colors and the slightly elevated saturation that typifies compact digicams. Plenty of detail was recorded and dynamic range in bright lighting was wider than average for this type of camera. Imatest showed resolution to be slightly below expectations but indicated a low level of post-capture processing, which resulted in very clean image files. Resolution declined sharply at ISO 1600.”
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DPReview – 20 October’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and notes that overall this camera’s ease of use is impressive. Here’s an excerpt from their review conclusion -
“This, combined with good image quality (at low ISO, anyway), and a control method that has been carefully refined over previous generations of camera makes the SD870 IS well worth short listing if you’re after a wide angle ultra compact camera that you can rely on to produce the goods without asking too much of the operator.”
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Cameras.co.uk – 17 October’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and was particularly impressed with the sharpness of the photographs. Here’s their review verdict -
“The Canon IXUS 860 IS is a high class, point and shoot camera. It has a stylish, metal body. Picture quality is up there with the best compact cameras. With a large LCD screen and image stabilization too, I am happy to recommend this camera.”
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CNET.co.uk – 17 October’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and thinks the cameras is blazingly fast. Here’s an excerpt from their review conclusion -
“While we’re generally unimpressed by a lack of aperture and shutter priority, the Canon Digital IXUS 860 IS just about gets away with it, thanks to competent automatic functions and a wealth of features. Some, like image stabilization and flash intensity adjustment, are endlessly useful, while others are inconsequential but fun.”
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DigitalCameraInfo – 11 October’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and thinks the cameras shutter was on the slow side. Here’s an excerpt from their review conclusion -
“The SD870 keeps the optical image stabilization from the SD850 along with the automated exposure modes and few manual controls. The specs and features are great, but there is a lot of competition from other manufacturers in this point-and-shoot segment of digital cameras. The Canon PowerShot SD870 IS is a nice digital camera, but its price tag is still on the higher end of what it should be.”
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DigitalCameraReview – 09 October’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and did not appreciate the inconvenient location of the on/off switch next to the shutter button. Here is an excerpt from their review conclusion -
“If you are looking for a cutting edge P&S with the latest features—this camera has a lot to offer. While I don’t find it as stylish as other models, the Canon SD870 IS is extremely user friendly, has numerous auto settings for almost any condition, has convenient buttons for easy camera navigation and performs well for its class. I would feel confident taking this camera on out with friends or to my Dad’s 50th birthday party—because of what it can do for its size and because the SD870 will do most of the thinking for me in situations when I can’t, don’t want to, or don’t have time to. The IS adds to its versatility and convenience—you can take close ups of small insects, use it indoors at a nightclub and capture shots that would otherwise be completely blurry without a tripod.”
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Steve’s Digicams – 28 September’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and writes;
“Bottom line – it seems like Canon continues to impress us with their diminutive Digital ELPH line of compact consumer models. I loved every minute that I used the SD870 IS, and definitely recommend this model to anyone who is in the market for a high-quality, pocketable digicam that takes outstanding photos, and offers blazing fast performance. With 8-megapixels, a huge 3.0-inch LCD, Face Detect AF, Optical Image Stabilization, and a durable body design, the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH will be a tuff model to beat for this holiday season, and all at a reasonable price of US$399 or less, I feel it offers a great value for such a capable digicam.”
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PhotographyBlog – 27 September’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and writes;
“The Canon Digital IXUS 860 IS is the best IXUS model that we’ve reviewed. Period. It’s an excellent point and shoot camera with a wealth of features that make it easy to take great photographs. Pick the IXUS 860 IS up for the first time and there is an undeniable sense of quality which exceeds most of the competition. Just as impressively, Canon have managed to include a massive 3 inch LCD screen despite the small credit-card-like dimensions of the IXUS 860 IS, although this does come at the expense of an optical viewfinder. Admittedly the 8 megapixel images are noisy and slightly blurred at ISO 400, with ISO 800 and particularly 1600 being best avoided altogether, but the inclusion of an excellent optical image stabilization system allows you to use slower ISO speeds than you normally would on a camera without anti-shake.”
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DigitalTrends – 24 September’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and writes;
“Since this is a fairly new camera, the SD870 IS is selling for just slightly less than $399 USD list, while the SD850 IS costs under $350 USD. For this reviewer, the 28mm lens makes it worth the difference; the larger LCD screen is just icing on a yummy cake. As I said with the SD850 IS, I will heartily recommend this camera to anyone looking for a solid aim-and-forget digicam. The photos are very accurate and the vast majority of shooters will be more than thrilled with the results.”
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ePhotozine – 17 September’07 – reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS/IXUS 860 IS and writes;
“This is a disappointing release from Canon. As one of the major manufacturers of cameras, they can overcome issues such as barrel distortion. It makes them look as though they are not bothered about the quality of their products which is unfortunate and untrue. However, £299 is a lot of money to get bad distortion and fringing on pictures.”
Rating:
CNET reviews the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS and writes;
“While the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS doesn’t have an optical viewfinder or manual exposure controls, it captures beautiful images with its wide, 3.8X optical zoom lens and ranks among the top compact cameras we’ve seen.”
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Actual Owner Feedback
“The SD870 IS is about everything you could want in a compact point and shoot digital camera. It offers excellent image quality, a large vivid LCD display, intelligent defaults, fine low-light sensitivity, a high quality movie mode (with sound), an outstanding wide-angle lens and (most importantly for me) a photo capture speed that leaves many other digital cameras in the dust.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“While all my outdoor shots were excellent looking, especially for a lower priced digital camera, the camera was really not up to par on indoor shots.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“The 3″ screen is beautiful to behold.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“If you are looking for the best 28 mm p&s of it’s class, you found it.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“I’ve had the 870 for a month and it’s performed well in both dark rooms and in bright outdoor light.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
Sample Photos
[Sample Photos at Cameras.co.uk]
[Sample Photos at Lets Go Digital]
[Image Quality Sample at CNET Australia]
[Sample Photos at Pocket-lint]
[Sample Photos at TrustedReviews]
[Sample Test Photos at DCResource]
[Sample Test Photos at CameraLabs]
[Sample Test Photos at Imaging-Resource]
[Sample Test Photos at Reghardware]
[Sample Test Photos at PhotoReview]
[Sample Test Photos at DPReview]
[Sample Test Photos at Cameras.co.uk]
[Sample Test Photos at DigitalCameraInfo]
[Sample Test Photos at Steve's Digicams]
[Sample Test Photos at PhotographyBlog]
Videos
Specifications
[Official Canon Specifications]
Drivers and Downloads
[Official Canon Drivers and Downloads Page]
Owners Manual
Press Excerpt
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Canon U.S.A., Inc. today introduced two new compact PowerShot Digital ELPH Cameras the top-of-the line 12.1-megapixel PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH and the status-setting 8.0-megapixel resolution PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH. Both cameras still have the alluring charm and color that keep them ahead of the aesthetic curve, but now they are also loaded with advanced features and functions, making them perfect for the trend-setting techie. For the consumer attending a sunny backyard soiree, a relaxing respite getaway or an electrifying night on the town, these two Digital ELPH cameras continue to hold court as the perfect combination of beauty and brains. Canon’s PowerShot Digital ELPH cameras verify the adage that you can never be too (feature) rich or too stylishly thin.
The PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH and SD870 IS Digital ELPH cameras build on Canon’s original, iconic box and circle design while maintaining their own identity. The PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH camera is sophisticated, sensual and strikingly elegant, while the PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH camera is sleek, sassy and serves as a fashion statement. Both Digital ELPHs are lightweight and compact, allowing them to fit unobtrusively into a small purse or shirt-pocket, and be whipped out easily to capture a memorable moment.
“Don’t be fooled by their stunning good looks,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “The PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH and SD870 IS Digital ELPH cameras are filled with top-performing features that deliver extraordinary results.”
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