Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS (Black)

Pros: + FAR superior low light performance
+ Image stabilization works well
+ Great compact size
+ Nice big LCD
+ Easy intuitive controls

Cons: - Tiny buttons
- A bit unstable
- A bit slow

Summary: I bought this for my wife to replace a 5 year old Sony DSC-T7 (5 megapixel point and shoot).

The Canon has FAR superior low light performance, image stabilization works well, great compact size, nice big LCD relative to the size of the camera, and easy intuitive controls (although tiny buttons, if you have big fingers, they're a touch too small in my opinion).

To compare, I took similar shots with both cameras, one outside in full sun, the other inside in low light with the flash on. I left both cameras in full auto mode. On both shots, the Canon outperforms the older camera (with 5 years of improved technology, I expected nothing less). The low light flash shot was dramatically better on the Canon (and taking a low light shot without the flash was even more extreme).

The outdoor shot, although the Canon was better, it wasn't a whole lot better. To be honest, for 14 megapixels I was expecting a little more fine detail/sharpness in the image. Shame on me for thinking a higher resolution sensor would really make that much difference -- when examining fine details, it's really all about optics, and no point and shoot lens is going to measure up to my expectations (I used to do a lot of SLR photography with pro level lenses).

So don't expect anything remotely resembling SLR quality results; remember you're buying a point and shoot. You won't be making any 11x17 prints to proudly hang on the wall. But the portability of this camera is fantastic; you can easily drop it in a pocket and have it ready when the moment strikes, and the results will look great in a scrapbook or family photo album. And when I started a family I stopped lugging around an SLR and camera bag... the diaper bag is plenty.

*** If you will buy this SD1400IS I suggest you have a compare price before you decide at: www.amazon.com/gp/*************?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Foffer-listing%2FB0035FZJJ4%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref_%3Ddp_olp_new%26condition%3Dnew&tag=***************&********=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

Updated on Oct 27, 2011

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I suggest best deal for this camera at: www.amazon .com/exec/******/****/B0035FZJJ4/cnet-offer-20

Enjoy!