Canon has included some nice features in its PowerShot SD1000, especially considering that it is an ultra-compact digital camera. However, some image-quality problems in low-light conditions make it tough to recommend this model at nearly $300; it's a much better value -- and compares very favorably to its similarly priced models -- if you can find it for around $100 less than the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).

The PowerShot SD1000's 3X optical zoom lens retracts completely inside the camera body when it's not in use, meaning this model truly fits in the ultra-compact category. The PowerShot SD1000's 7.1 megapixels of resolution yields prints in sizes up to 11X14 inches; unless lighting conditions are almost perfect, however, you probably won't want to make prints that large. The PowerShot SD1000 creates a lot of noise in its low-light images, making it difficult to print them at large sizes. Additionally, Canon didn't include any image stabilization (IS) features with this model, which further compromises the quality of its low-light images.

Canon has included "Face Detection Technology" with the PowerShot SD1000, which allows the camera to find multiple faces in the frame and focus on them (rather than simply focusing on the closest object); it also ensures proper exposure for the people in the frame. This mode works very well, especially when shooting with the flash over several feet. (The camera's flash could be a little stronger overall, though.)

The PowerShot SD1000 has a 2.5-inch liquid crystal display (LCD) that's sharp and bright in all lighting conditions. You also can use the PowerShot SD1000's optical viewfinder to frame your photos.

Our testing revealed excellent response times with the PowerShot SD1000. You can shoot your first photo 1-1.5 seconds after pressing the power button. Shutter lag, at a fraction of a second, is not noticeable. Shot-to-shot delays range from about 1.5-4 seconds, depending on whether or not you're using the flash.

Canon designed the PowerShot SD1000 primarily for novice photographers, and it works very well in fully automatic mode. It also offers a few manual-control features -- allowing you to set the shutter speed or the white balance, for example -- but nothing that will appeal to more advanced photographers.

Canon includes a 32-megabyte memory card with the PowerShot SD1000, which is a nice starter size. You'll eventually want to purchase a larger memory card, however, especially if you want to shoot at high resolutions. You also might need to purchase a second battery, as the PowerShot SD1000 only can run from a proprietary battery.

The PowerShot SD1000 sports a stylish design, and Canon offers it in with either a black or white lens on a silver body. And, of course, it has an ultra-thin body (0.76 inches in thickness), which means it will fit easily in a pocket.

The PowerShot SD1000 carries an MSRP of $299, but you may be able to find it for around $200 with some savvy shopping. If you can find the PowerShot SD1000 at that bargain price, it is a very good value among ultra-compact digital cameras.


Pros: Thin camera body, good response times, face-detection technology, sharp and bright LCD
Cons: Image quality suffers in low light, no IS feature, MSRP is a little high, flash could be stronger

Warranty
1 year, limited