Canon PowerShot SD880IS 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)
by Canon
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon PowerShot SD880IS 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)
Customer Review: Another Home Run
Summary: 5 Stars
For those who have followed my past reviews, I reviewed the SD600 a couple of years back. Fast forward into 2009, and I have upgraded to the SD880. There are many things that I loved, the more I played with this camera, the less I could find that I didn't love.
A lot of things have changed on this camera over the years. The interface is still very similar, but because I don't believe this camera is a direct replacement to my previous camera I had to get used to what was new. One thing that I liked was the scroll wheel by the screen. It let me easily change from Portrait, to Night Snapshot, to Kids&Pets, and many more. The big 3.2" Screen made it easy to get the shot I was aiming for, and the big buttons make even people with larger fingers pretty easy.
Let me break it down the pros and cons:
PROS:
EASE OF USE - The selling feature for me. Canon's have always been straight forward. Either you put it one of the many preset lighting situations, or you use the Program mode to adjust everything from White Balance, to Exposure, to Color Palate, to ISO. Like most point-and-shoot cameras, if it is not easy to use, it will not sell well. There are no gimmicks with this camera, no touch screen, to screen that you can draw on, make dialogue boxes, or anything of that nature. Lots of features, wide camera, and great pictures.
BATTERY LIFE - Another Canon with great battery life. I have always been impressed with their strong battery life, and quick charge time. You can go through a whole day of taking pictures with or without flash on, with no problems.
FEATURES - I'm a pretty simple guy when it comes to cameras. I don't know 32X zoom, I don't need in camera accenting, I don't need over complicated features that I won't use. I know Photoshop, so I just need a camera that does basic things, that takes fantastic pictures. This camera does exactly that. You do have some cool features, Color Accent, Sepia, B/W, Macro Focus, Stitching (not like a full panorama picture, but aids in editing for later), and ISO up to 3200 (although I don't recommend it). The image stabilizer works very well, had great face detection, and a pretty good red-eye eliminator. The zoom toggle is easy for those used to Canons, and the camera focuses very quickly after you reach the approximate zoom you were trying to achieve.
SCREEN - Amazing screen. Very large, vivid, easy to see during the day, and at night. Lots of colors, clarity, and great video playback.
EFFICIENT - Lightning fast start up, probably one of the fastest I've seen in a point-and-shoot. The whole point to a point-and-shoot is to be able to POINT and SHOOT. And you can do that with easy without missing your shot. The continuous shooting is fast, but not the fastest, but the lag between shots is very short.
LOOKS - Just a great looking camera. The front of the camera is classic Canon, and the black is a gorgeous black with glossy buttons that looks sleek and modern. Everything about this camera was very familiar to me, from how to get the battery and SD card out, to turning it on, putting the wrist strap on, turning Macro on. Everything was just the way you would want it.
CONS:
NO VIEWFINDER - I am personally indifferent about a viewfinder. My SD600 had a view finder, and all it did was collect dirt. I never used it, but for those that are old school and like the viewfinder are missing out on that.
NO INTERNAL MEMORY - Most cameras today are starting to come with internal memory. I am once again indifferent. I prefer taking the SD card out and loading it directly into my SD Card slot. Because I can change out cards, if I fill one of them up, I can quickly put a new one in there without having to worry about filling up all my usable space.
NO HD VIDEO - This does not give you the option for High Definition video recording. The video recording in this camera is pretty decent, but a lot of the cameras have 'True HD'. Their True HD however, is not True HD. It is on a higher resolution, yet on a point-and-shoot camera, this usually isn't the dealbreaker.
SIZE - A little thicker than my SD600, and definitely not as small as the SD1200, yet it is the right size for what I use it for. It is a little bigger than my palm (my actual palm, not a Treo), but the buttons are the perfect size for people with thick fingers. It will fit decent in loose jeans, but some of the tighter jeans and shorts, you might have to just hold it.
BOTTOM LINE: Overall, this is definitely worth every penny. The price has gone down from $349, so there is a lot to offer. Every time I get a new device, I get a happy feeling, and this one did not disappoint. I am very happy with the camera, and can confidently say this is the best point-and-shoot camera for the money.
Customer Review: Great performance in a small package
Summary: 5 Stars
I wanted a versatile compact camera in a small package. I also own the Canon XSi, but let's face it, there are times when I don't want to lug around a DSLR and all of the lenses, so I first tried the Powershot G10. It was a nice camera, however I experienced a little too much blur, unacceptable noise (especially at higher ISO's), and it was a bit bulky. So I returned it and decided to get a smaller, less versatile camera with great image quality. After exhaustive research, I decided on the Elph SD880. I feel I made a wise decision. Image quality is great in just about every shooting condition. I shot low light, bright light, indoors, bright sun, macro, full auto and program mode. All performed wonderfully. My images are sharp with little or no blur (except under certain obvious conditions), and the noise levels are acceptable. Brightly lit shots are usually noise-free, however, things do tend to get a little "noisier" as the light fades. Although there is more noticable noise at higher ISO's, general setting shots look great, and even most of my low-light shots were better than expected. I would say the noise is on par with my expectations, unlike the G10. Honestly, my test SD880 images have significantly less noise than the images I took with the G10. I tried every trick in the book to try to improve the image quality of the G10 (because I really liked the features and wanted to justify keeping it) but 14.7 megapixels is going to definitely reveal any shortcomings. I know a lot of people think the new Digic IV processor is "noisier" in general than its predecessors. Both the SD880 and G10 have this new processor. This is my first Canon P&S since 2001 (Powershot A20), so I can't comment on the validity of that. However, I do believe you reach a megapixel limit before quality is affected with the small sensors in point and shoot digicams and the SD880 seems to be right at that limit. If the Digic IV actually is "noisier" than preceding digics, then this "flaw" is much more pronounced on the higher resolution G10 than the SD880. I took identical shots with both cameras and the SD880 images were clearer with less noise. My shots look good enough that I feel comfortable saying as a fresh buyer that I don't think the Digic IV is flawed. It may not be as good as it's predecessors, but it's not flawed in my opinion. I haven't noticed any significant chromatic aberration and I've experimented several times with challenging shots attempting to trick the camera. I've noticed it a few times under extreme shooting conditions, but that's to be expected at this end of the camera spectrum.
I opted for the silver color because the gold seems a bit garish for my tastes. The camera is super small, powers up and is ready for the first shot very fast. I haven't noticed any significant lag time betweeen shots. For the tiny form factor, this camera performs just as well as the larger and sometimes more expensive competition. If you're looking for a tiny, pocket camera without sacrificing quality, this is the perfect choice. I will admit that movie mode was a crap shoot. I shot three videos. Two were crystal clear and hard to distinguish from footage taken with a traditional SD videocam, however one was pretty grainy, even in bright light. The problem seems to be focus. There doesn't appear to be autofocus in movie mode. If you begin filming out of focus, it will stay that way for the duration. It does allow zooming while filming in movie mode, however, it remained out of focus. Movie mode delivers good results, just make sure you properly focus before pressing the shutter button.
Although I sacrificed a few desired features such as RAW mode and additional programmable options, I still think this is the perfect camera when you just want something to slip into your pocket and move about freely. The large anti-glare LCD is nice and clear, although you might want a soft lined case to protect it from scratches. The settings menu is easy and intuitive.
Customer Review: SD880, SD890, SD780--tough choices
Summary: 5 Stars
The superior performance of the SD880 is largely confirmed by its popularity in Amazon sales, its close-to-retail pricing, and by reviews such as those by the NY Times' David Pogue and, more recently, the most popular and respected consumer magazine. If I were a practical sort, I would immediately select it ahead of other Canon models in the SD series for 2008 as well as 2009. Not only does it employ Canon's newest processor but it has a lens with sufficient range and aspect ratios to be considered "wide angle." This means that you can get those tight group photos (which frankly present themselves more frequently than telephoto close-ups). Moreover, if you're using, say, video mode, you don't want to physically move backwards, taking the camera with its pinhole microphone with you, because that reduces the chances of picking up some interesting conversation or dialogue that could turn out to be as valuable as the visual evidence. And some of the principles of the old photography still apply: a wide angle lens will give you greater depth of field, thus assuring sharper focus on all of the objects in the picture. The SD890 has an even wider angle lens than the SD880 and, given the sizable price discounts, is difficult to resist. Nevertheless, it uses the previous processor (Digital 3 rather than Digital 4), has not been reviewed as favorably by the professionals, and is one of the few Canons to go with a plastic body (no doubt a major consideration in professional reviewers' lack of enthusiasm for the camera).
The SD780, lthough touted as the successor to the Lilliputian SD770 and listing practically the identical dimensions, is actually more diminutive than the specifications would suggest. Even the cardboard box it comes in is 30-40% smaller than the container that accommodated the SD770. The camera itself looks smaller than the SD770 and is conspicuously lighter in weight. It's definitely a sexy, sleek, ingeniously designed device that some of us (namely, moi) are apt to fall in love with despite some necessary trade-offs due to its size. Not a smidgeon of space is wasted on front or back, and it takes a bit more time and practice simply to locate and use the viewfinder. The flash unit, moreover, is smaller than that of the SD770, and hence slightly less powerful. The camera is so petite, in fact, that one can't overlook the danger of dropping, misplacing or simply losing it (check for holes in pants pockets before slipping it in). Perhaps the most common misjudgment of many users of these cameras is to equate smallness with convenience: at least initially, patience and care are the key. When I'm in a rush, a Canon A410 (3.2 mp) is the first camera I go for.
In sum, the form factor is the major consideration with the SD780 whereas the SD880 is as much about performance as style. If you need practical reasons to rationalize selecting the SD780, HD video capability has got to be first. Since I don't have room to carry a Flip or any other gear in addition to what I already have, I'm using the SD780 as a videocam more frequently than I thought I would. The results--at 720 pixels--are quite satisfying if not impressive, especially considering the minute size of this mini-overachiever. As for the 12.1 megapixels of the SD780 vs. the 10 of the SD880, that's probably best seen as a non-factor or mere sales hype. The SD880 registers less noise in dark conditions than the SD780, which is likely to translate into more consistently stellar results. All the same, the SD780 is capable of competing with its bigger brothers, especially if a thoughtful photographer holds up his or her end.
Customer Review: Fantastic Camera - the best !
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased a SD880IS in Gold for myself for Christmas.
Wow ! It is just a fantastic camera.
The camera is stylish, well built, compact, feature rich. The gold color metal front and brown plastic back look very nice.
Picture quality is excellent with bright, vivid, sharp photos.
The *NEW* DiGIC 4 processor does a fantastic job in processing your photos. This is Canon's newest and latest processor and it does a rip roaring job. The camera has a very snappy start-up and time between pictures response.
Great features:
10.0 Mega Pixels ( plenty of resolution )
4X optical zoom
28mm wide angle lens
Nice Big 3.0" PureColor II Display ( Looks bright and sharp, even outside )
Face Detection Technology
Intelligent Contrast Correction ( NEW feature, really helps you to take better photos, VERY USEFUL )
Motion detection technology and servo AF ( a must for kids & pets )
Takes good movies with sound at 30 fps
ISO 1600 ( good low light shots without flash )
Fantastic NEW DiGIC 4 Processor
The included documentation ( User Manuals ) are very good. The camera works well with a PC or Apple MAC. ( We have 3 Apple Mac's in our house, but I tried it at work with a PC. ) Canon's warranty and support is excellent. I have had other Canon cameras repaired by Canon and they were fantastic.
I have not tried or used the included software as I use the Apple iPhoto software for working with photos.
I highly recommend the Canon HF-DC1 High Power Flash accessory for this model or any other Canon pocket cameras if you intend to take many indoor shots. The built-in flash only goes about 10 feet. The external flash can go up to 30 feet and be used in creative ways.
I highly recommend the new Canon SD880IS. It is an outstanding compact camera. If your current compact digital camera is 2 years plus old you will find this a very worthwhile upgrade.
Customer Review: Good Bang for the Buck
Summary: 5 Stars
Ok, so I'm not a professional photog or anything like that. I will stay away from some of the traditional, confusing jargon that I ran across when agonizing over reviews when I purchased this camera. My family has owned one digital camera, this is our second. We wanted a good all-in-one solution that we could use for trips/special occasions. We had a Canon before, which lasted for 4, almost 5 years before the LCD went out. I was pretty pleased with our last one and Canon earned a seat at the table of consideration when it came to buying a new one. Here is the bottom line:
Things I like:
Color Swap & Color Accent Functions
28mm wide angle option
Pillow Top Button Controls (unlike other Canon models I considered)
Quiet Zoom when shooting video
Accompanying software
Things I would improve:
More optical zoom
Ability to film video in more formats
Wrist strap is tricky to attach
The one thing I can say is that I haven't really had the opportunity to run the battery down, so I can't speak to battery life....yet. I have also not mastered the iso settings for night time shots, so I can't speak with a great deal of knowledge about those.
One suggestion which I would offer you is to consider how much the accessories cost with different brands of cameras (memory cards, replacement batteries, etc....). Some companies require special memory cards that or more expensive or their battery costs are excessive. This model's low cost of ownership (that's what I call it) and Canon's reputation made it an obvious choice. It's the same principle I employ when considering a good printer....how much the cartridges cost, etc..... Overall, I think its a good bang for the buck.