iPhone 3GS from AT&T. Free ShippingCanon PowerShot SD1000 Digital ELPH (Silver)
Manufacturer: Canon USA Part number: PowerShot SD1000
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Small size, excellent image quality, and a solid, though not extensive, feature set make the SD1000 a great choice for a compact camera.
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CNET editors' review
Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital ELPH (Silver) price range: $549.95
- Reviewed by: Philip Ryan
- Reviewed on: 03/14/2007
The good: Excellent image quality; solid build quality; speedy performance; optical viewfinder; face detection.
The bad: No manual exposure controls.
The bottom line: Small size, excellent image quality, and a solid, though not extensive, feature set make the SD1000 a great choice for a compact camera.
Last year marked the 10th anniversary of Canon's Elph cameras. The line started with a film camera, though the company's SD line of digital compacts still carries the Digital Elph moniker. Despite its four-digit number, Canon positions the PowerShot SD1000 as a replacement for last year's SD600, which also puts it below the new SD750 in the company's line. Resolution has been bumped up to 7.1 megapixels from the SD600's 6MP, but despite an almost identical controls layout (though different cosmetic design), Canon made a few changes on the inside.
The most noticeable internal change is the switch to the new Digic III processor. Canon says it enables longer battery life, faster startup, autofocus, and shutter response (we call this shutter lag). Plus, the processor adds enough number-crunching power to add face detection, red-eye reduction (in playback mode), and lets the SD1000 reach further heights of sensitivity--in this case ISO 1600. To Canon's credit, we did see some performance improvements over the SD600 (see our performance paragraph below for more).
While cosmetic differences abound, the SD600 and SD1000 actually have very similar control layouts. Canon places all buttons on the right half of the body. A slider lets you switch between still image capture, video recording, and playback. Other than three dedicated buttons, for Menu, Display, and Direct Printing, the only other control is the circular four-way rocker with a Function/Set button in the middle. We found the four-way rocker somewhat difficult to use. Since it's recessed and the rocker's ring isn't all that wide, on a number of occasions we hit the Function/Set button when we meant to hit the rocker.
The SD1000's new cosmetic look harkens back to the original Elph with the big black circle around its lens, but drew mixed reactions from the people to whom we showed our sample. Some were turned off by the overall boxy shape, though just as many admired the tiny, simple shape. Likewise, about half felt the look was too retro, while the other half admired the throwback design. If you don't like the black-on-silver design, Canon also offers a silver-on-silver version.
To date, Canon hasn't seen fit to include manual exposure controls in any of the cameras in the Digital Elph line, and the SD1000 continues this trend. On one level, it makes sense, since the target audience for these compacts is snapshooters who often don't know an f-stop from a shutter speed. While we can't hold this against Canon (its competitors do the same thing), with more and more pros and advanced shooters looking for pocketable back-up cameras, it might be time to broaden the scope of these models. Fourteen scene modes help you tackle specific situations, such as portraits, fireworks, and snowy scenes. Some of these appear in the main function menu, but Canon makes you press the menu button again to see them all. In addition to scene modes, there's also a full auto mode, as well as a mode marked manual, which lets you choose certain options, such as exposure compensation, white balance, and metering mode (evaluative, center weighted, or spot).
Covering an equivalent range of 35mm to 105mm, with a maximum aperture range of f/2.8 to f/4.9, this camera's 3X optical zoom lens is on par with the competition. However, we saw very little colored fringing in our test images, which leads us to believe it probably has higher quality glass than some compacts. The 2.5-inch LCD screen has a special coating intended to prevent glare, scratches, and fingerprints. We saw very little glare, but plenty of fingerprints. Thankfully, these were easily wiped away, though you'll probably want to carry a small microfiber cloth with you if smudges bother you. We were pleased to see that Canon still includes an optical viewfinder. Even if it is tiny and tunnel-like, it'll still come in handy in those situations when you've got your back to the wall, or you don't want the light from the LCD to bother others.
Performance was relatively speedy in our tests. The PowerShot SD1000 took 0.98 second to start up and capture its first JPEG. Subsequent JPEGs took 1.48 seconds between shots with the flash turned off and 2.44 seconds with the flash enabled. Shutter lag measured 0.45 second in our high-contrast test, which mimics bright shooting conditions, and 0.9 second in our low-contrast test, which mimics dim shooting conditions. Continuous shooting wasn't quite as fast as its 6MP predecessor. We measured approximately 1.7 frames per second regardless of image size. Canon's face detection system quickly and accurately detected most of the faces we tried. It seems to rely largely on eyes, as it got slightly confused when one of our lovely models closed hers.
Image quality from the PowerShot SD1000 was excellent in our tests, with accurate colors and plenty of sharpness. The camera's automatic white balance yielded slightly yellowish images with our test lab's Tungsten lights, though the Tungsten white balance preset compensated, producing very neutral colors. Canon keeps noise well under control from ISO 80 through ISO 200, though the company's noise reduction algorithms seem to pull out a minute amount of sharpness at ISO 200. At ISO 400 noise becomes more apparent, manifesting as a light covering of mostly bluish, off-color speckles. ISO 800 brings significantly more noise, though images may be usable for smaller prints (4x6 inch). However, a large amount of sharpness, along with a hefty amount of shadow detail is lost at this setting. ISO 1600 looks like shooting in a snow storm. At this top setting, sharpness becomes a distant fantasy and shadow detail rescinds into another inaccessible dimension. We suggest staying below ISO 800 whenever possible and don't suggest using ISO 1600 at all. Of course, that still puts this camera on par, or better, compared with its competition in terms of ISO noise.
Despite our minor gripes, the PowerShot SD1000 is a top-notch compact camera for its price range. Most users will be pleased with its excellent image quality and the useful, if not extensive, feature set. The most significant feature you won't find here is optical image stabilization, though at this price, you'd be hard pressed to find it elsewhere while maintaining a decent level of image quality at the same time.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance.)
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Typical shot-to-shot time | |
Time to first shot | |
Shutter lag (typical) |
(Longer bars indicate better performance.)
User reviews
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Very compact, yet filled with features and technology. Best camera for the price. Great pics.
by swordsmax on March 20, 2007
Pros: Simple and sturdy design, hides all the technology it packs a punch. Digic III with face recognition works great.
Cons: ISO 1600 is good, but not any different than using ISO 800. Stick to 800
Summary: This highly anticipated camera is well worth the money. It takes the best pictures in its class. The design is simple and easy to navigate. The buttons may be small ...
Summary: This highly anticipated camera is well worth the money. It takes the best pictures in its class. The design is simple and easy to navigate. The buttons may be small for some fingers, but I found it quite useable.
Options such as accenting a certain color makes it standout while toning out other colors in the picture is great. The color swap features is nice too, although not perfect.
Video quality is excellent. Hardly notice it was taken with an instant camera. You can set frames per second to reduce size of recording as well.
The full range of settings to mix & match is nice inside such a small box. It's shorter and thinner than a marlboro cigarette box.
Other cool features:
- vertical/horizontal orientation sensor adjust pictures on the fly.
- Audio recorder.
- Audio recording tag to photos.
- Red-eye correction on playback
- Gridlines assist
- Slideshow playback
Awesome price.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!24 out of 25 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Cheapest Canon camera w/latest technology
by wtmathew on April 2, 2007
Pros: Easy to hold while taking pictures; amazing focus
Cons: Doesn't have image stabilization
Summary: I've used both Canon & Sony cameras/camcorders, & feel Canon has a higher quality product. The face detecting technology is amazing! The pictures I've taken are very ...
Summary: I've used both Canon & Sony cameras/camcorders, & feel Canon has a higher quality product. The face detecting technology is amazing! The pictures I've taken are very sharp. The camera, although boxy, is well-designed, so it could be easily held with one hand to take pictures. The only downside is that this model doesn't have the image stabilization as the SD800 IS. Unless you are willing to spend an additional $100 for the SD800 IS, the SD1000 is the way to go!
15 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Also Disappointed
by alexislexalex on May 17, 2007
Pros: ultracompact, multiple face detection
Cons: fuzzy, digitized pictures indoors
Summary: I have the same problem as DanM2. I had looked extensively across cameras and manufacturers for a small camera with excellent image quality so I could enlarge my prints. I ...
Summary: I have the same problem as DanM2. I had looked extensively across cameras and manufacturers for a small camera with excellent image quality so I could enlarge my prints. I was very disappointed to find that some of my 4x6 prints had very soft, almost blurred edges and pixelated color. This was especially true indoors when using the flash, but even a couple of my outdoor photos taken in late afternoon (without direct sunlight but not at all dark) were noticeably less sharp than I expected. I am wondering if this is a problem that only a few of us are having, but I've noticed the complaint in a minority of comments on other websites.
11 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Camera
by birrrd on March 16, 2007
Pros: Simple good looking Design,great quality pictures,nice micro mode pictures. great movie option. simple light compact.
Cons: No battery indicator. hair slow AF in continue shots.
Summary: very simple good looking design ,very light easy to carry everywhere.takes real good pictures. especially micro mode great pictiures. good movie quality. overall great camera with great quality. nice ...
Summary: very simple good looking design ,very light easy to carry everywhere.takes real good pictures. especially micro mode great pictiures. good movie quality. overall great camera with great quality. nice catch!
11 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Low light is only a problem until you learn
by Milez5858 on July 26, 2007
Pros: light, fast power up, easy for beginners, extra settings for intermediates
Cons: no battery life indication until battery is almost drained.
Summary: I had the same problems in low light as mentioned in a few of the other reviews however, a little tinkering with the ISO and the night picture settings and ...
Summary: I had the same problems in low light as mentioned in a few of the other reviews however, a little tinkering with the ISO and the night picture settings and I was getting pictures that were just as clear as in normal light. It's an exremely easy camera to use if you just want to point and click, but if you take the time select the right focus and light levels, you can get some incredible detail.
Keep in mind how little you are spending and how compact this camera is.
Note: Spare batteries are about 10% the cost on popular auction sites. Don't buy them in the store when you get your camera.7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Point&Shoot camera - nothing more
by shtik on August 17, 2007
Pros: Very light and small, great pictures in ideal lighting conditions
Cons: Noisy images at higher ISO settings
Summary: I bought this camera mainly for capturing great moments with friends and fellow musicians that share stages with me and other musical events we participate in together.
I needed a ...Summary: I bought this camera mainly for capturing great moments with friends and fellow musicians that share stages with me and other musical events we participate in together.
I needed a camera that is as small as possible, and relatively inexpensive, and I found this one to be the best I can have for the money and for my needs, according to the reviews I read here before.
First of all, this camera is tiny! whenever I want to capture a moment, I just take it out of my bag, slip it out of the little case (I had to buy for it...) and shoot. Very comfortable to grab and shoot with one hand.
Shooting in sufficient lighting conditions yields very good, sometimes spectacular results, great contrast, lively colors, fine resolution and quite sharp images. The manual white balance presets work very well, as well as the custom balance option. The auto white balance works good most of the time, although sometimes makes for boring colors in the image.
No manual exposure controls, manual shutter speed is 1sec. or more (useless for creative use in daylight shooting). The manual exposure compensation does help a little in balancing the light in the picture.
Shooting in less than ideal lighting conditions yields less than perfect, sometimes less then satisfactory results. Using higher ISO settings (400 or 800) in darker scenes makes for very noisy images, so the compromise is using a flash, which is not always pleasing, or staying with a lower ISO setting, which is almost impossible shooting focused images of people and such things. In these situation I shoot only for capturing the moment purpose, not for really enjoying quality images.
I recommend using the camera in manual mode, even though there are some mistakes at the beginning, I am still not an expert but I am getting better, and I never use the AUTO mode...
Overall, a great camera for the money. If you need more artistic flexibility or better low light results, look for a good SLR camera. But if you need a lightweight, fast Point&Shoot capture the moment solution, look no further. You'll sometimes be surprised by the results.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not What I Expected
by Booxena on October 16, 2007
Pros: Size & Friendly Menu
Cons: Sub-par image quality & Shutter lag
Summary: I am a "Bang for the Buck" shopper. I researched this camera to death & recently decided to pull the trigger and get it. I have been disappointed since day ...
Summary: I am a "Bang for the Buck" shopper. I researched this camera to death & recently decided to pull the trigger and get it. I have been disappointed since day one. I bought my wife a Nikon Coolpix 7900 Christmas 2005 (Almost 2 years ago) and her Nikon's image quality stomps my Canon's. Also, I believe mine has longer shutter lag. 2 years in the electronics world is forever. Why has there been such a small improvement in digital camera quality? We have compared several pictures taken at the same event with her camera and mine, and there is a remarkable difference in image sharpness....especially indoor pictures. The Canon SD1000 seems to blur edges & very small detail. My wife was envious until she saw my first printed photos. Maybe I got a "Lemon", I don't know, but I have been very disappointed in my new Canon SD1000. By the way, I have no pre-disposition toward Nikon. My mom has an entry level Olympus 7 Megapixel camera that also produces better printed photos than my Canon.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Probably the BEST of 'em all......
by scripscan on April 15, 2007
Pros: Price, design, ease of use, caseing
Cons: Can't find a fault......
Summary: I have a top of the line Leica and HP digital camera. Neither of them comes close to this Canon when I campare price with features.
Summary: I have a top of the line Leica and HP digital camera. Neither of them comes close to this Canon when I campare price with features.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great camera! So glad I got it. Easy to use and takes great pics!
by Desert Woman on April 10, 2007
Pros: Take great, clear pictures. No fuzziness.
Cons: Can't think of any cons
Summary: I originally bought the Casio Exilim V7 and was so disappointed at the focus of the camera. Simple pictures came out poorly.
After doing some more research and returning the ...Summary: I originally bought the Casio Exilim V7 and was so disappointed at the focus of the camera. Simple pictures came out poorly.
After doing some more research and returning the Casio, I bought the Canon Powershot SD1000 and just love it.
It is small enough for me to carry in my purse and therefore take more pictures. I like the look and feel of the camera and the fact that it takes great, clear pictures.
DWUpdated
That taking portraits with this camera is very easy since it has an automatic frame/focus that zero's into your subject.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A Disappointment
by DanM2 on April 29, 2007
Pros: Great pictures with sunlight, beautiful video, light, small
Cons: Mottled, noisy pictures when not in sunlight (when at 100% resolution)
Summary: I got this camera because I was so impressed with another Canon, the SD550; a friend owned one and had uploaded his photos to my computer and I'd really ...
Summary: I got this camera because I was so impressed with another Canon, the SD550; a friend owned one and had uploaded his photos to my computer and I'd really been amazed at their detail and clarity.
So then I bought this SD1000, expecting even greater things since it was newer. I uploaded some pics to my computer, and I was shocked to discover that, despite its next-generation technology, the SD1000's photos were of much lower quality than the SD550. The sample video I took was great, it was like a camcorder, but the photos looked blotched, noisy and mottled when viewing them at 100%. The SD550's photos, in contrast, looked sharp and detailed.
I tried taking some outdoor pictures in bright sunlight and this mottling and haze mostly went away. But I'm not interested in a camera I can only use when it's sunny. So I'm returning it.
This may not be a problem for you if you only view your photos as small prints; I didn't print any samples to check. As for me, I primarily view my photos on my computer, and I like being able to zoom in to 100% and see crisp detail.
I recommend going to a site like Steve's Digicams and opening up the sample pictures from different cameras in different tabs in your browser. Compare them, going back and forth. When i did this at 100% resolution (browsers resize images to fit in the browser window, so be sure you click on them to resize them to 100%) with the SD550, the SD700IS, the SD1000, the SD800IS, and the SD900, I found that the SD1000's pictures looked the worst of all of them. I showed them to a few friends and they all agreed. The SD1000 had the most noise, the most artifacts. In comparison the SD550 looked the nicest at 100%, with the SD700IS very close behind.
Both of those cameras use the older DIGIC II processor. I think Canon has really taken a step backward with its DIGIC III in terms of image quality, though I guess it allows fancy things like face recognition. But tastes differ, so go check out some sample pics yourself before you buy.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Canon USA
- Part number: PowerShot SD1000
- Description: Canon looked to the very first ELPH for inspiration when designing the PowerShot SD1000 Digital ELPH, and came up with a quintessential iteration of the icon: slim, clean-lined and fully flat. Inside, the SD1000 Digital ELPH looks only to the future: 7.1 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom and advanced DIGIC III ensure top-quality images, while focus is fast and sharp and red-eye is automatically corrected. The large and more colorful LCD screen now has a tough, anti-reflective coating that makes it as durable as it is beautiful.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - Compact
- Width 3.4 in
- Depth 0.7 in
- Height 2.1 in
- Weight 4.4 oz
Main Features
- Resolution 7.1 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Total Pixels 7,400,000 pixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 7,100,000 pixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/2.5 in
- Light Sensitivity ISO 80, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO auto
- Digital Zoom 4 x
- Shooting Modes Frame movie mode
- Shooting Programs Snow, Beach, Scene, Indoor, Foliage, Aquarium, Fireworks, Color swap, Underwater, Kids & pets, Color accent, Digital macro, Portrait mode, Stitch assist, Night snapshot
- Max Shutter Speed 1/1500 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 15 sec
- Exposure Metering Spot, Evaluative, Center-weighted
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
- Exposure Compensation ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Cloudy, Daylight, Fluorescent, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light (daylight)
- Digital Video Format AVI
- Still Image Format JPEG
- Continuous Shooting Speed 1.7 frames per second
- Remote Control None
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture AVI - 640 x 480, AVI - 640 x 480, AVI - 320 x 240, AVI - 320 x 240, AVI - 320 x 240, AVI - 160 x 120
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory - SD Memory Card
- Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage JPEG 3072 x 2304, JPEG 2592 x 1944, JPEG 2048 x 1536, JPEG 1600 x 1200, JPEG 640 x 480, JPEG 3072 x 1728
Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Built-in flash
- Flash Modes Auto mode, Slow synchro, Flash ON mode, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective Flash Range 1.6 ft - 11.5 ft
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 5.8 mm - 17.4 mm - F/2.8-4.9
- Focal Length 5.8 mm - 17.4 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 35 - 105 mm
- Focus Adjustment Automatic
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) 9
- Min Focus Range 11.8 in
- Macro Focus Range 3-50cm
- Lens Aperture F/2.8-4.9
- Optical Zoom 3 x
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
- Lens Manufacturer Canon
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec, 10 sec
- Additional Features AE lock, FE lock, DPOF support, Direct print, Audio recording, Auto power save, Built-in speaker, PictBridge support, USB 2.0 compatibility
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Optical - Real-image zoom
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Built-in
- Display Format 230,000 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x USB
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Software
- Software Drivers & Utilities
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Microsoft Certifications Certified for Windows Vista
- Included Accessories Wrist strap
- Cables Included 1, 1 x A/V cable, USB cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter
Battery
- Supported Battery Canon NB-4L
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 10 - 90%
CNET Labs' Benchmarks
- Labs information All values are expressed in seconds. Please visit our labs information page for information on how digital cameras are tested.
- CNET Labs Flash shot to shot time 2.4
- CNET Labs Shot to shot time typical 1.5
- CNET Labs Shutter lag bright 0.5
- CNET Labs Shutter lag dim 0.9
- CNET Labs Typical burst speed 1.7
- CNET Labs Wake up time 1.0
Product series
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Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital ELPH (Silver)
Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: Ultracompact, 7.1 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display, - SD Memory Card
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Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital ELPH (Black)
Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: Ultracompact, 7.1 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display, 32 MB
Accessories
- 1 GB Ultra II Secure Digital Card
- Five Year Total Digital Camera Warranty 'Protect Your Investment'
- PIXMA IP6310D PHOTO PR-10PPM/12PPM
- SanDisk Ultra II - flash memory card - 2 GB - SD
- 1 GB Ultra II Secure Digital Card
- Five Year Total Digital Camera Warranty 'Protect Your Investment'
- PIXMA IP6310D PHOTO PR-10PPM/12PPM
- SanDisk Ultra II - flash memory card - 2 GB - SD
Manufacturer info
- Canon USA
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Canon USA products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://estore.usa.canon.com/
- Address:
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042 - Phone: 516-328-5000
- Email: mediacontact@cusa.canon.com
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