General Specs:

Compact digital still camera with built-in flash, 3x Optical/4x Digital/12x Combined Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer System

12.4 megapixels - effective pixels - 12.4

Focal length: 5.9-17.9mm f/3.2-5.8 (35mm film equivalent: 33-100mm)

Video shoots at 1280x720 - high definition - at 30 fps (frames per second)
Canon is not kidding about this camera being the most slim Elph to date. The battery charger is slightly bigger than camera itself! This camera replaces my Nikon Coolpix P2, and now I am fully kitted out in Canon gear.

Over the course of yesterday and today, I've poked around the features and have to say I'm impressed. You have access to features typically reserved for dSLR models; ISO up to 3200, variable seconds on the timer function, Digic4 Image processor and image stabilization. A two inch view screen is just fabulous. I was surprised to see Canon held on to a view finder for this model.

The controls are flush against the back of the camera, and a bit on the small side preventing easy manipulation of these controls. This is a camera that will need a bit of fiddling when using more advanced photo techniques as the menus are are more like mazes. If you plan to keep the camera on the 'Auto' mode you won't have to access those functions very often. I've never seen a list of special conditions quite as long in a point and shoot camera. For non-Canon users, they are custom modes such as Portrait or Night Scenes. Canon takes them to a whole new level with foliage mode and Aquarium mode as two examples.

You have the option of several levels of video quality, I'd stick to the HD and ignore the rest. Once you've worked with high definition, you don't go back. If you chose this option, it would be prudent to purchase the largest SD card you can afford, as this function uses quite a bit of space on your SD card.

The gold color of this camera has just the right blingi-ness (not sure if that is a real word - but it works!). The camera comes with a HDMI AV cable -which was added to my growing collection of these unused cables. There is a spot to connect a tripod, If you dont' own one, I strongly urge you to get one. The tripod is your friend! I simply love the power packed in a pocket sized frame! It slips easily into your pocket or purse, so you'll never be without a camera.

This is a phenomenal camera at a great price. I'd recommend this camera to those starting out as citizen journalists, bloggers interested in improving their photography, parents who want a good, easy to use camera to catch every moment of their child's existence. Beginners to prosumers will appreciate the quality of photos produced without the hassle of lugging around multiple lenses and bodies.

Both images were posted directly from the camera on to Flickr. No post processing was applied to the following photos:




Here are two examples of the HD video produced by this camera:

Walking Buster at the Rhawn Street Dam:




Pennypack Creek:



I have no conflict of interest to disclose. I've not received financial or material compensation from Canon USA in exchange for this review.

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