Canon PowerShot SD790IS 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom | 
| Brand: Canon
List Price: $249.99
Buy New: $176.99
You Save: $73.00 (29%)
New (95) Used (3) Refurbished (1) from $172.75
Rating:  69 reviews
Sales Rank: 2
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Includes Software: Yes
Optical Zoom: 3
Digital Zoom: 4
Connectivity: AV
Display Size: 3
Maximum Focal Length: 18.6
Minimum Focal Length: 6.2
Maximum Resolution: 10
Has Red Eye Reduction: Yes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 3.6 x 2.2 x 0.8
nv:Sensor: 10 Megapixel
Size: 1/2.3-inch
Image Resolution: 3648 x 2736
Movie Resolution: 640 x 480
Memory Included: 32MB Memory Card
Storage Media: SD/SDHC Memory Card
Compressed Format: JPEG/EXIF v 2.22
Movie File Format: AVI motion JPEG
Optical Zoom: 3x
Digital Zoom: 4X
Combined Zoom: 12x
Focal Length: f= 6.2-18.6mm
Focus Mode: TTL autofocus
Focusing Range: Normal: 12 in./30cm-infinity
Focusing Range: Digital Macro: 1.2-3.9 in./3-10cm (W)
MPN: SD790IS
Model: SD790IS
UPC: 013803090703
EAN: 0012345332609
ASIN: B0011ZK6OS
Release Date: March 25, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | 10-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints | | • | 3x optical image-stabilized zoom | | • | Face Detection; Motion Detection Technology automatically reduces blur | | • | 3.0-inch PureColor LCD II screen for bright, accurate color and wide viewing angle | | • | Captures images to SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus memory cards (not included) |
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| Accessories:
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Chiseled edges with a subtle gleam give this PowerShot SD790-IS Digital ELPH distinctive sculptural appeal. Its high-end specifications include 10-Megapixels of resolution plus Face Detection and Motion Detection Technology, to deliver the ultimate in crisp, clear, amazingly detailed images. View your crisp clear images on a large 3.0" PureColor LCD II screen for bright, accurate color with great viewing from a wide range of angles. Improved Face Detection Technology sets the focus, exposure, flash and white balance automatically, allowing greater freedom of shooting throughout the image capture process. Motion Detection Technology automatically detects subject movement and optimizes exposure control and ISO settings to reduce image blur. DIGIC III Image Processor for superior image quality and improved functionality. Print/Share Button for easy direct printing and downloading, plus ID Photo Print and Movie Print with select PIXMA Photo Printers and SELPHY Compact Photo Printers. Focusing Range - Normal 12/30cm-infinity, Macro 1.2 to 1.6-feet/3-50cm (W), 12 to 1.6-feet/30-50cm (T), Digital Macro 1.2 to 3.9/3-10cm (W) Shutter Speed - 1/60-1/1500 seconds, 15-1/1500 seconds White Balance - Auto, Preset (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H), and Custom Shooting Modes - Auto, Camera M, Special Scene (Portrait, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Aquarium, ISO 3200, Underwater, Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot, Color Accent, Color Swap, Digital Macro, Stitch Assist, and Movie Dimensions - Width 3.61 x Height 2.24 x Depth 0.82 (91.6x56.8x20.9mm) Weight - 5.47 ounces (155 grams) with body only
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| Customer Reviews: Read 64 more reviews...
 The Canon SD790 IS - A Great All-Around Point & Shoot Camera May 31, 2008
Mark (East Coast)
435 out of 450 found this review helpful
Canon's 790 IS is a great all-around point and shoot Camera. Canon has been playing with various mixes of features and prices with their newer models. The model numbers are confusing, but I've gone through a few new models recently and hope this extra info may help you.
Even though I do own a few older Canon DSLRs, for point and shoot I've been leaning more towards Nikon's Coolpix S series for the better pricing and some features. I did a lot of research into the various models in this price range. The 790IS stands up well against the competition. And for my needs it's more appealing than Canon's SD890IS , SD950IS, SD770IS or SD1100IS models.
** The Nikon Coolpix S52c with Wi-Fi has all the good stuff that's included with the Nikon Coolpix S52 plus a wireless antenna for uploading pictures without syncing to your PC. Either of these is a better value than the Canon 790 or 770 at about 30% less. To be fair though, they cost less for a reason, since Canon has owned this market segment for a while.
** 10 megapixels is a good capacity on the higher end for point and shoot cameras. I wouldn't expect it to produce better pictures than 8 or 9 MP models. You may have good reason to set your image size smaller within the camera. However having the *option* of more megapixel's gives you certain large image format options you wouldn't otherwise have. Hence the meaning behind the much maligned statement, "more never hurts." That doesn't mean you always want to use more, but it's nice to be able to versus other cameras. The 770 and 890 each also offer 10 MP and the 950 offers 12 MP, though at a much higher price. The Nikon S600 also has 10 MP. The 9 MP of the Nikon S52c was enough for me, so the 790's 10 MP is a slight upgrade.
** 3x optical zoom is also a perfect amount that tends to not result in blurred photos. The 950IS and the 870IS each has 5x optical zoom, but both have smaller screens and thicker bodies. Digital zoom is irrelevant to me.
** Canon's image processing is faster and more reliable than on my Nikon. The built-in image stabilization, face detection and motion detection reduce blur. I simply wouldn't consider a Canon without IS at this point.
**Just like the Nikon, and unlike many other Canon models I was looking into, the 3 inch LCD screen is too beautiful to ignore. No view-finder here, but with this beautiful screen you don't really need one. The Nikon's screen is best of all, and made from a nicer glass that seems more durable. But this Canon is just as big and very nice as well.
** In terms of memory compatibility, Canon's lead this group. Just like the Nikon they support SD and larger SDHC cards. And they also support the wide range of MMC, MMC Plus, and HC MMC Plus. No usable card is included, but you can get a nice 8 GB SDHC for only 30 or 40 bucks.
** All those common extras for in-camera editing are included here. The Canon has a lot of extra shooting modes too. These may aid casual users a lot, but you have to spend some time studying the manual and playing with them. I haven't used them all a great deal, but I'm generally happy with using minimal adjustments instead of the shooting modes.
** The control wheel and buttons are intuitive but not as tactile as on the Nikon. I'm not crazy about the flattened buttons. But if you really want a Canon with a 3 inch screen, you give up the buttons. As for the wheel, those not used to it should have no trouble adjusting.
** The other advantage of the Nikon S52 is the internal zoom. That means no waiting for the lens to zoom in and out, and no worries about the mechanical issues with those external lens extension cameras. It is possible to view pictures on the 790 IS without activating the lens by pressing the view button. But for taking pictures, the lens articulates out.
** The slim chiseled body of this Canon is very comparable to the S52 and more attractive than the rounder and fatter 870, 890 and 950. I still prefer the Nikon body design, but the Canon definitely feels more solid in your hand.
** Picture taking is better feeling on the Canon, with a more effective button design, less lag and faster shutter. It's true that some manual controls aren't available here, but it's a point and shoot. Step up to a bridge model like the Canon G9 or the Nikon P80 if you want more manual controls.
** Low light performance is better with the Canon in auto but better with the Nikon when the ISO is set manually. On balance I think the S52 is better in this area.
** The wireless upload feature is a nice extra on the S52c. Connecting to a wireless access point takes some time. This is not a feature I plan on using often, but considering even the S52c is significantly less pricey than the 790 it's almost like a freebee. Upload speeds are too slow for video, but for pictures it will do in a pinch.
** The video recording features are pretty similar but slightly better on the Canon. The video quality is great on both and sound quality could be improved on both.
** The Canon PowerShot SD870IS and the Nikon Coolpix S600 each offer widescreen lenses. The 790IS is on the cusp of wide-lens aperture. The SD870IS is clearly the most popular camera in that group. Like the S600 it also has an externally articulating lens, so it's less compact than the S52. The S600 is a serious competitor but the 790IS is still nicer looking and the 870IS is much more popular. The 870IS has a ton of in depth reviews out there, so look them up.
** All of the ELPHs have proprietary rechargeable batteries. Plan on recharging them often and buying a spare battery. You'll also need to buy a little case for this camera. Some bridge models like the Nikon Coolpix P60, Canon PowerShot A590IS and Canon PowerShot A720IS offer the convenience of AA batteries. If you plan on travelling a lot internationally, being able to use AAs comes in handy.
This is a great camera, and probably the best Elph out there right now.
1) If you plan on shooting a lot in auto mode and want a thin camera with the 3 inch screen, the 790IS is the way to go.
2) If you think you might use the Wifi upload feature, prefer the internal lens or are looking for the best value, the S52c or S52 is the way to go.
3) If you don't need the 3 inch screen and just prefer Canon to Nikon, go with the 770 IS or the 1100 IS to save some cash.
4) If you need something that doesn't force you to use those proprietary batteries and chargers, check out the P60, A590 or A720.
5) If you want a little wider lens capabilities and don't mind spending a little more cash, look at Nikon S600 and the very popular Canon 870IS.
I know this is a lot to digest. I hope you can benefit from this info and the recent spree of camera purchases I've made.
Enjoy your new camera.
 Absolutely Fantastic Camera May 5, 2008
Greg Iles Fan (Minnesota)
147 out of 156 found this review helpful
Canon PowerShot SD790IS 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
I did a lot of research before purchasing this camera. I have been disappointed and frustrated by the last three or four digital cameras I purchased, and got a little wiser this time. I mostly use my cameras for vacations and snapshots, nothing earthshattering, but I have, in the past, had a lot of trouble with blurry, vague, dark pictures, except with my very large digital Kodak, which is too big to take on an upcoming trip.
I purchased a 4G highspeed sd card and an extra battery and leather case along with this camera. When I received it, I charged it, actually read the manual, then started taking lots of photos, and I am having a great time with it. Maybe this will turn me into a half way decent photographer.
My initial battery charge is lasting a very long time, (two weeks +, and it is still fully charged) and the pictures are the best I have ever taken.
I am blown away by all the things this camera will do, and how easy it is to figure out, all in a small but sturdy package.
Most of all, I am super happy with the quality of the photos, and cannot recommend this camera highly enough. I was a little concerned initially at the lack of an optical view finder, but the screen is excellent, and its brightness level is adjustable. The camera turns on and is ready to use almost instantly, and focusses quickly. Pictures turn out sharp and clear, even with the flash, the zoom works easily with a very accessible button, and there is absolutely no red eye.
I cannot give you a very technical review, I am just a regular casual user.
I am very impressed, having fun, and cannot recommend this camera highly enough, it exceeds all my expectations.
Comparing Canon PowerShot Digital ELPH cameras June 9, 2008
Julie Neal (Sanibel Island, Fla.)
78 out of 94 found this review helpful
As a travel writer I spend a lot of time at Walt Disney World, and Canon PowerShot Digital Elphs are the most common cameras I see. Families seem to love them, because they're so easy to carry and operate. About the size of a deck of playing cards, each of these "pocket cameras" really do slip right into a pants pocket, and their rectangular designs make them easy to grip. Best of all, they all take good photos. (How do I know? Because I've actually gotten to use every one of these models. Nearly every day guests ask me to take photos of them with their own cameras, which most often are Canon PowerShot Digital Elphs.)
Here's my breakdown of the ten bestselling Digital Elph models. Any of the first six are superb choices:
1ST PLACE: SD1100 IS
An update to the SD1000 (see below), this 2008 8MP beauty adds image stabilization, a slightly longer zoom (38-114 mm), another MP of photo size and a small indent on the right side for a better grip. Plus it comes in colors! My daughter has a blue one and uses it every single day. During school days the image stabilization made a real difference in her on-the-bus shots. With that heavy of use hers has gotten scratched up a bit, but the marks are small and hardly noticeable.
2ND PLACE: SD870 IS
The ELPH to buy if you want a wide-angle lens. Slightly thicker than the SD1100 IS, this 8MP model doesn't have an optical viewfinder which makes it tough to use in bright sunlight, otherwise there's little not to love. My husband uses one as a comp camera, to compose shots for the travel guide "The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World."
3RD PLACE: SD770 IS
Just released in May, this 10 MP model is, in a way, an update of the SD1100 IS (see above). I rate it lower because it costs about $50 more and doesn't come in colors. On the other hand, it has a longer battery life than the 1100 and features an improved LCD screen that is very easy to view. As for photo quality, I can't tell the difference.
4TH PLACE: SD950 IS
There's a lot to like in this 12.1 MP camera. First off, it's gorgeous. The body, though a little thick, is titanium. An upgrade to the SD850 IS (see below), it has a 3.7x zoom lens and adds manual controls as well as the ability to stitch together panoramic images. The only reason I don't rate it higher is the price.
5TH PLACE: SD890 IS
Want a long zoom lens? Here's your baby, a 2008 10 MP model with a 5x zoom. Also has the new bright LCD screen and all the other 2008 Canon goodies. The most expensive Canon PowerShot ELPH.
6TH PLACE: SD790 IS (The camera on this page)
With the same 10 MP image sensor and 3x zoom lens as the SD770 IS, this 2008 model stands out only for its larger 3-inch LCD display and, as a result, lack of optical viewfinder. The rear controls are different, too, with a flatter design that uses fewer buttons.
7TH PLACE: SD1000
In my opinion there's no reason to buy this 7.1 MP model. Released in 2007, it's been replaced by the SD1100 IS (see above). The SD1000 is a fine camera, but it doesn't have image stabilization, a key feature of the 2008 lineup. We have one ourselves, although we don't use it anymore since we got the 1100.
8TH PLACE: SD850 IS
The ancestor to the SD890 IS, this 8 MP Elph combines a 4x zoom and 8 MP photo size with an image stabilizer. Every button, dial and switch has a quality feel. Slighter larger than the other models here, it is a little tougher to pop in and out of your pocket, but if you have larger hands it may be just what you are looking for.
9TH PLACE: SD800 IS
This 7.1 MP predecessor to the 870 doesn't focus well at its edges when set at its widest angle. Unless it's priced really cheap, get the 870 instead.
10TH PLACE: SD750
The 2007 PowerShot flagship offers a light meter that adjusts for facial brightness, 17 shooting modes, some first-rate movie features and red-eye correction -- features that were innovative a year ago but are common in Canon's latest models. No image stabilization; no optical viewfinder. Choose a 2008 model instead.
good pocket cam May 22, 2008
paul ramone (ca)
46 out of 55 found this review helpful
I had a panasonic pocket cam, but I scratched up the screen!!!! So... I was able to return it and get another pocket cam. The model of panasonic that I had was unavailable at the store where I returned it. Therefore I decided to get this canon since I have had good luck with canons previously. (I own a rebel xti and a canon a75. Both of them are too large to carry in my pocket.)
Ultimately, all pocket cams suffer from the size of their minuscule sensors. Anything but the lowest ISO setting will show some noise and the dynamic range is fairly low. But that's what DSLR's are for. Of course DSLR's have one huge drawback. I can't fit any of them in my pocket!
On to the review.
First off, I would like to get my biggest complaint out of the way. That little spinning wheel SUCKS!!! It is far too sensitive. Also, the designers of this camera made the little function/set button in the middle of the wheel too small in order to accommodate said wheel. Hence, four stars instead of five.
Now for the best thing about this camera: THE SCREEN! Bright, fairly accurate, legible from all angles, and contrasty. (Is that a word?) There will never be a need for a peephole viewfinder (which this camera lacks). Even in bright sun, I can be fairly confident about the results of each shot. Hallelujah! Most surprisingly, there seems to be some kind of anti-reflective coating. And the coating actually works! Blacks look black and bright external lights don't obscure the view.
There are even a few hidden features that I am extremely happy with. (I say "hidden" because I never would have figured them out without the instruction manual.) Hidden bonus #1) Exposure lock and FLASH EXPOSURE LOCK. This means that I can actually attempt to get some control over the output level of the flash. I have never seen this feature on any other pocket cam. I would recommend reading the instruction manual to learn how to do these things. I don't want to give step by step instructions in a review.
Hidden item 2) the "my colors" mode. Once this mode is accessed, the color saturation, contrast and sharpness can be adjusted to taste. Once I figured this out, I immediately turned the contrast all the way down. Now I am able to avoid blown highlights in high contrast situations more easily. And portraits are also better with lower contrast. Sure, dynamic range is still limited, but it helps to have this kind of control. One other thing: a little saturation boost looks good to me. Your results may vary.
Hidden item 3) grid lines. This puts lines across the lcd which break the composition into thirds. (Those of you who know about the rule of thirds will appreciate this.) I can keep straight lines fairly straight (assuming lens distortion hasn't curved the straight lines) and I can use the intersection of lines to apply the rule of thirds. (I would recommend a google search of "rule of thirds.")
Hidden item 4) aspect ratio masking. This means that I can choose to have gray shaded bars at the top and bottom of the screen which will show what I will get from a 4x6 print. I like to print my pics at a popular warehouse store (rhymes with bosco) and in the past it has been frustrating to receive prints which crop away the edges of my careful in- camera framing of a shot. Now I can pre-visualize the results of a 4x6 print while I shoot. Amen brother.
One last complaint: these cameras should be made available in black. Not silver with a little "black eye" in the middle. My panasonic was black. Damn.
One more complaint: Hey Canon people!!! Figure out a more creative name than "powershot sd 790 is." My recommendation: paint it black with a skull and crossbones. Call it the "poison cam." Okay, maybe not. But, seriously, how many times can a new model with yet another number designation suffice? 790,870,950,911, 666 the camera of the beast!!! Enough with the stinkin' numbers!
One last recommendation: use caution when carrying a camera in a jacket pocket or (worse still) pants pocket. I ruined my panasonic by carrying it in the same pocket as a set of keys. Luckily, my brain has two distinct, separate lobes which don't slosh around in my skull damaging each other like my keys damaged my camera. (What a lousy metaphor!) I bought this case and it's a perfect fit.Tamrac 5204 T4 Digital Camera Bag (Black)
In conclusion, I expect that I will use this camera quite often owing largely to its diminutive proportions. (Hopefully, its diminutive proportions don't mean that it will be lost!) I just need to make sure not to accidentally spin that stupid little wheel. Oh well, perhaps I can cut a little piece of gaffer's tape to hold it still.
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update to review
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Order this battery: Lenmar DLC5L Lithium-ion Digital Camera/Camcorder Battery Equivalent to the Canon NB-5L Battery Works great for a great price.
Another good thing about this camera: it is possible to view images on the camera's screen without extending the lens. With the camera turned off, just hold down the play button to turn on image playback. The lens won't pop out.
The extending lens design of this and many other point and shoot cameras seems to me the most likely element to be damaged. Some cameras avoid this issue by utilizing a lens design whereby the zoom lens is entirely contained inside the camera housing. I'm not entirely certain whether internal zoom lenses are equal in quality to extending zoom lenses.
Another thing I have noticed is that I can't really see any difference between "fine" and "super fine" jpegs. One thing is certain. The fine jpegs take up less file space.
Also, 10 megapixel files ("large" jpeg setting) seem like overkill for such a tiny sensor. I haven't done any valid comparisons, but I suspect that setting this camera to record 6 megapixel images may look just fine and would also save on file size. I have a Canon A75 which makes great 8x10 prints even though it only has 3.2 megapixel resolution. If this camera is used to make poster-size prints, that little bit of extra resolution may help. But, then again, maybe not. I know of at least one article on the internet which suggests that 6 mp may be the "sweet spot" for sensors of the size contained in this camera. I will need to compare prints made from files of different resolutions to know for sure. If I remember, I will eventually post my opinion here. I would appreciate if anyone more knowledgeable in this area could post a comment.
Truly Point & Shoot - A Fantastic Camera July 1, 2008
R. Kinslow (Los Angeles, CA USA)
32 out of 32 found this review helpful
I'm getting married in two months, so I began looking for a camera for use on the honeymoon, to replace my Casio EX-Z57.
I'm hardly a professional photographer; mostly I take pictures of family and friends in party situations, or scenery.
Ideally my new camera would fit easily in my pocket, would have a large LCD screen suitable for reviewing pictures at parties, and would produce great pictures on the "automatic" settings. Manual settings are lost on me; I don't want to mess with the F-stop setting, white balance, or focus.
I started doing quite a bit of research, and was a little intimidated by the number of models on the market. I created a spreadsheet to sort through the 25 most popular models on amazon.
My primary criteria was:
LCD Screen Size
Thickness
Resolution
Secondary Were:
Optical Zoom
Price
This camera ended up on top. I summoned my courage, added it to my cart, and hit "checkout".
I received the camera 3 days later, and fell in love on the first day of using it.
Observations:
The 3.0" LCD screen is bright, and is clearly visible even in bright sun. I don't miss the viewfinder.
The camera is very small (3.6 x 2.2 x 0.8) and fits easily into my pocket. Surprisingly light, much more so than my old Casio, which was the same approximate dimensions (3.5 x 2.3 x 0.8).
Pictures taken on the "auto" mode look beautiful, both on the computer screen and my 42" plasma. Colors seem accurate, and everything is very crisp. People's faces don't look washed out, or orange. For additionaly testing, I took pictures in bright sun, of faraway objects, and things up close (about 4 inches), and everything came out great.
Video is surprisingly good, but VERY file sizes are large. My first video was about a minute and a half, and was about 150 Megabytes. Played on Playstation 3 (the Casio wouldn't).
The 3x optical zoom works fine. I expected a little more for a camera in this pricerange, but I realize you have to sacrifice something for a camera to be this thin.
Concerns:
I was worried that I wouldn't like the "new" buttons, which aren't actually buttons at all, but similar to a Motorola Razr. They work well so far though.
The scroll wheel. It actually rotates, unlike one you'd see on an iPod. As a mechanical engineer, I know moving parts will wear out. Durability may be an issue, but on the plus side, it has really improved navigation through the menus.
Overall, it's a fantastic camera, and has exceeded all my expectations. I would reccommend it without reservations to any of my friends, and am looking forward to the pictures it will take of my honeymoon.
5-Stars
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