SD800 IS Reviews

[SQLJohn]

This camera has been available for a few days now. Priced $400 online.
I've been watching for reviews. :D

Jeff Keller, DCRP Founder/Editor posted sample photos September 23 but still no review?
Am I too anxious? :cool:

For what it's worth (not a whole lot) CNET (http://reviews.cnet.com/Canon_PowerShot_SD800_IS/4505-6501_7-32069607.html) has posted the first review I've seen. ;)


Please post your experiences with the SD800 in this thread.

I'd be interested in hearing about photo quality!
The corner softness in Jeff's samples seems even more pronounced than the SD700IS or am I imagining it? :eek:

[downtrodden]

It says above the sample photo gallery his review will be done in October. It's barely a couple days into the month.

[MMB916]

I have been agonizing over the SD800IS vs. a Lumix. I have read a lot of SD800IS bashing on the dcpreview -- finally someone just posted saying that the SD800IS would be just fine for 95% of the users out there (I have seensome great pics taken with it). Some say they're being too hard on the camera and others have returned it in disappointed.

I also saw the CNET review and was excited but figured that is was CNET and not a REAL review - :) - some of theri reviews lately I find quite off.

I too - am anxiously awaiting professional and detailed reviews - I'm trying to settle this by a vacation on 10/15!!!:eek:
Doesn't it seem like we have been waiting forever?!:D
I know -- patience is a virtue!!

Whatever information anyone gets I would also be very appreciative! Thanks in advance.



This camera has been available for a few days now. Priced $400 online.
I've been watching for reviews. :D

Jeff Keller, DCRP Founder/Editor posted sample photos September 23 but still no review?
Am I too anxious? :cool:

For what it's worth (not a whole lot) CNET (http://reviews.cnet.com/Canon_PowerShot_SD800_IS/4505-6501_7-32069607.html) has posted the first review I've seen. ;)


Please post your experiences with the SD800 in this thread.

I'd be interested in hearing about photo quality!
The corner softness in Jeff's samples seems even more pronounced than the SD700IS or am I imagining it? :eek:

[cvicisso]

Thanks for the link! I too am anxiously awaiting the 'real' reviews to surface, but it is encouraging to read that CNET considers the ISO 800 from the camera to be pretty usable. :D The high ISO performance is the only thing I'm waiting on in order to decide between the Canon SD800IS and the Fuji F30/F31fd. Here's how I see the breakout between the two contenders:

Canon SD800 IS advantages:


Image Stabilization!
Wide angle lens
SD (and SD-HC) cards vs. xD cards in the Fuji (ugh! :mad: )
Pocketability (size - to 'take everywhere')


Fuji F30/F31fd advantages:


Incredible low light performance (nothing even comes close in a pocket digicam)
Battery life (580 shots!!)


If the SD800 can close the gap a little in low light performance between it and the Fuji, the other advantages (of the Canon) will seal the deal for me. :cool: So far, it looks promising (I only really need usable ISO 800). Waiting anxiously on your review, Jeff... :rolleyes:

[BowerR64]

What is the sensor size?

[cvicisso]

What is the sensor size?SD800 IS: 1/2.5"
Fuji F30 & F31fd: 1/1.7"

Fuji sensor is much bigger (hence - the outstanding light-gathering ability).

[BowerR64]

The SD550 has a sensor that is 1/1.8" :eek:

[cvicisso]

The SD550 has a sensor that is 1/1.8" :eek:Yeah - it's kind of confusing how Canon names their cameras. The larger numbers (within the same series - such as the 'A' or 'SD' series) don't necessarily have the bigger/better sensor and/or features. For example:

The A710 IS has a 1/2.5", but the A640 has a 1/1.8" Which one is 'better?' Arguments can (and have been!) made either way. ;) The A710 has image stabilization and a bigger zoom, but a smaller sensor and less megapixels (not necessarily a bad thing - as Jeff Keller often points out).

As you noted, the SD550 has a 1/1.8" sensor - which falls in between the size of the Fuji (1/1.7") and Canon SD800 (1/2.5") - but it is much closer to the Fuji in size. The SD550 has the same size sensor as the SD500, which JTL (on this forum) uses and has posted some really great low light pictures with. It's been a while, but I think they were longer exposure shots, but great pictures. I'm sure the size of the sensor has at least a little bit to do with it.

[BowerR64]

I have the A700 and the A610 and i like the images the A610 takes better. I dont know how or why canon names their cameras i mean look at the G7 IMO its not anything over the G6 yet its the G7 so its just marketing maybe?

I dont see how they are pulling higher ISOs out of a smaller sensor then the A6XX IMO, that is the sensor that needs to be running the higher ISOs.

wouldnt it be funny if its all just software? I know the higher models have better zooms and stuff but they are going backwards with the sensor size yet still moving up in ISO speed.

I wonder when they will start using new sensors. It seems there is only 2 the 1/2 and the 1/1 with various points after it. Whats the difference between the 1/1.7 fuji and the 1/1.8 canon?

[cvicisso]

Whats the difference between the 1/1.7 fuji and the 1/1.8 canon?Approximately 33 thousandths of an inch in the length of the diagonal line drawn from one corner of the sensor to the opposite corner. I'm not sure why they give their sensor sizes this way (probably to make it as confusing as possible), but 1/1.8" literally means the fraction "one over one-point-eight inches." Weird - I know. Again, that's the length of the diagonal line from one corner of the CCD to the opposite corner.

1/1.8" = .555 (repeating 5) inches
1/1.7" = .588 inches

Therefore, the difference is .588 - .556 = .033 inches (approximately .83mm). In other words, not much difference! :D

Ok, I am pegging the geek meter!

[PaulG]

Approximately 33 thousandths of an inch in the length of the diagonal line drawn from one corner of the sensor to the opposite corner. I'm not sure why they give their sensor sizes this way (probably to make it as confusing as possible), but 1/1.8" literally means the fraction "one over one-point-eight inches." Weird - I know. Again, that's the length of the diagonal line from one corner of the CCD to the opposite corner.

1/1.8" = .555 (repeating 5) inches
1/1.7" = .588 inches

Therefore, the difference is .588 - .556 = .033 inches (approximately .83mm). In other words, not much difference! :D

Ok, I am pegging the geek meter!

Wow, thanks for that explanation. I never really understood how to read those CCD size numbers in real world terms, but you made it easy!

[BowerR64]

Well atleast fuji is doing it the right way using a larger sensor while boosting the higher ISO. Canon is using smaller sensors using higher ISOs. That to me seems like a dumb way to do it.

[cvicisso]

Wow, thanks for that explanation. I never really understood how to read those CCD size numbers in real world terms, but you made it easy!No problem - my pleasure. :D It really baffles me why the digicam manufacturers choose to give their CCD sizes this way (in fraction format). Strange.

[cvicisso]

Well atleast fuji is doing it the right way using a larger sensor while boosting the higher ISO. Canon is using smaller sensors using higher ISOs. That to me seems like a dumb way to do it.I completely agree! Fuji seems to have wisely backed away from the [futile] megapixel war and focused instead on something more useful: higher ISO with less noise. Now, if they (Fuji) could just come around to dropping those stupid xD cards and implementing some sort of image stabilization! :mad:

[PaulG]

Lack of IS and those xd cards are the only reasons I don't buy Fuji!

I use SD cards on everything, it's the most versatile format. Plus I want to be able to pull my card from my camera and use it in my PDA. Fuji needs to give up that xd format - I think they will be pleasantly surprised how many more people buy their cameras.

Or at least make their cameras support SD and xd. Does Fuju make xd cards? Is that why they stick with it?

[PaulG]

I completely agree! Fuji seems to have wisely backed away from the [futile] megapixel war and focused instead on something more useful: higher ISO with less noise. Now, if they (Fuji) could just come around to dropping those stupid xD cards and implementing some sort of image stabilization! :mad:

Exactly right.

All these new 8-10 MP compact cameras with 1600+ ISO is so stupid. Most of them can't even make good use of those specs. It's pure marketing garbage. Fuji is the only company with an intelligent approach to the internal design of their camera systems. Canon isn't too bad. But Panasonic really is bad - they make some beautiful cameras, with amazing feature sets - but they completely ruin things with their image processing.

Fuji could make a big splash with IS and SD card support. But they won't.

I think there's some unwritten rule in camera manufacturing - "thou shalt not make a perfectly balanced camera, it must have at least one very annoying flaw, or at least one noticeably missing feature." ;)

[teppodama]

Exactly right.

All these new 8-10 MP compact cameras with 1600+ ISO is so stupid. Most of them can't even make good use of those specs. It's pure marketing garbage. Fuji is the only company with an intelligent approach to the internal design of their camera systems. Canon isn't too bad. But Panasonic really is bad - they make some beautiful cameras, with amazing feature sets - but they completely ruin things with their image processing.

Fuji could make a big splash with IS and SD card support. But they won't.

I think there's some unwritten rule in camera manufacturing - "thou shalt not make a perfectly balanced camera, it must have at least one very annoying flaw, or at least one noticeably missing feature." ;)

QFT. It would be nice if somehow the best of Canon and Fuji could be merged..

[cvicisso]

I have been agonizing over the SD800IS vs. a Lumix. <snip> I also saw the CNET review and was excited but figured that is was CNET and not a REAL review - :) - some of theri reviews lately I find quite off. <snip> I too - am anxiously awaiting professional and detailed reviews - I'm trying to settle this by a vacation on 10/15!!!:eek:
Doesn't it seem like we have been waiting forever?!:D
I know -- patience is a virtue!!

Whatever information anyone gets I would also be very appreciative! Thanks in advance.Rejoice! Jeff has busted out the SD800IS review in time for your vacation! :D

Review is here (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_sd800-review/index.shtml).

[MMB916]

Thank you so very much!! I will run and take a look - I have still been agonizing. :D :D


Rejoice! Jeff has busted out the SD800IS review in time for your vacation! :D

Review is here (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_sd800-review/index.shtml).

[phoenixbebe]

Cnet and Steve's Digicams are two sites which I find interesting to read in order to find out about the specs of new cameras and all, but I don't find them reliable. I find that there are often *too* many positive vs. negative reviews from the testers (as well as the users). Also what ive noticed is that products are never re-tested/reviewed once there are negative user reviews -- i think that would increase the credibility of a review site, wouldn't you?

but i prefer the reviews from this site as well as digitalcamera-hq.com for thorough and not always positive reviews. I think its only fair that potential buyers get to see the camera from ALL angles.

Actually (and this might be real surprising don't laugh) -- I happened to go on the circuitcity.com website after I had bought both the SONY T30 and CANON SD700 and read the reviews from buyers of both products - whether they loved it, whether they returned it...Surprisingly enough, i found that the review and postiive/negative findings of the users equalled some of my experiences when testing out both cameras for myself. Also the needs expressed by regular consumers were similar to things that I was looking for in a camera, as opposed to what CNET might see as important.

That being said, I am going to bring the topic BACK to the SD800IS. Does anyone know if the LCD was made similarly to the SD700IS (is the LCD as fragile as the sd550/sd700)? Is a hard case going to be necessary in order to keep the camera intact? Also is there a battery life indicator that appears on the screen (absent from the sd700)?

Hmm that 4gb file limit on videos looks pretty SWEET indeed...

[MMB916]

than at dcpreview. I'm SO happy Jeff got out a review. I have the camera and have been playing with it and it really seems to be very nice (except for the flimsy battery door). I'm just not sure if I want a wide angle lens....I really like zoom lenses but definitely need a small camera of this size. The "soft edges" and other issues with this camera, don't bother me.

I might just play with this on vacation and check the latest return date and exchange if necessary.

I agree with you about CNET reviews and I am heading over to the Circuit City site. I didn't realize that they had customer reviews on it.

Thanks so very much again.:D

[truflip]

some say its not the stick, but its the magician..

in this case i would say its not all about camera but the shooter ;)
i hope you will learn and love this camera as it is great for everyday shooting and for the occasional pro-style shooting =) im sure you will produce some great pictures with it with some practice and proper use :D enjoy and hey, why not drop off some pics at the S3 thread? =D id like to see some special guests with non s3 cams from time to time :D

[MMB916]

Absolutely - I will post some pics when I return from vacation in two weeks. I agree that at this point I need to learn and stop obssessing :D since this seems like a very nice camera.

Will S3 users be annoyed that a SD800 user is posting on their thread? :D Gotta be careful on some of these forums;)


some say its not the stick, but its the magician..

in this case i would say its not all about camera but the shooter ;)
i hope you will learn and love this camera as it is great for everyday shooting and for the occasional pro-style shooting =) im sure you will produce some great pictures with it with some practice and proper use :D enjoy and hey, why not drop off some pics at the S3 thread? =D id like to see some special guests with non s3 cams from time to time :D

[truflip]

I got your back ;) no worries if they get ticked off its cuz theyre jealous a small SD800 IS is kicking butt :D
anyway, have fun on your vacations, dont dip ur camera in water ;) ciao!

[BowerR64]

I completely agree! Fuji seems to have wisely backed away from the [futile] megapixel war and focused instead on something more useful: higher ISO with less noise. Now, if they (Fuji) could just come around to dropping those stupid xD cards and implementing some sort of image stabilization! :mad:

Thats the crap sony has been doing since they have been around, sometimes it works but it usualy fails. They have always tried to redesign the wheel and then making it their own. They tried to do that with plugs and other things. The memory stick sony uses would be ok if your a diehard sony fan and you only use sony stuff but it fits in what? their cameras the playstation and what else? do they have an MP3 player that uses memory sticks?

All fuji makes is cameras that i know of and their XD card only works in their cameras. So what good is it? they should just put the memory in the camera and then make it an SD expansion if you need more memory.

Since fuji is putting their sensor power into higher ISO speeds is that helping their sales? i think canon does it to sell the cameras. They know people just think that the higher the MP the better the picture. ISO is somthing that advanced photographers know helps so the higher ISO speeds i dont think will sell cameras like the MP race.

[MMB916]

Thanks, Truflip -- And I will keep the camera away from the water :D and will be in touch upon return.


I got your back ;) no worries if they get ticked off its cuz theyre jealous a small SD800 IS is kicking butt :D
anyway, have fun on your vacations, dont dip ur camera in water ;) ciao!

[PH81]

I was just reading Jeff's review of the SD800. Somewhere in the review, he says, "Not surprisingly, the SD800's lens is not threaded."

What does that mean? What is a threaded lens, and is it important in the whole decision-making process regarding a camera?

[truflip]

maybe for add on or screw on lenses? thats the only logical explanation to me :o for a small point n shooter like SD800 its not important in decision making..

i know for me it wouldnt be :) hope this helps!