Powershot SD750 vs. SD790 IS vs. SD870 IS

[shomat]

My girlfriend wants a compact digital camera for her birthday - something that she can put in her pocket or purse and carry around at parties, bars, and on trips.

She wants a large LCD, so I am looking at the Powershot SD750 and 790. My question is this: is the 790's IS worth paying almost double the price of the 750? This is pretty much the deciding factor, since I couldn't care less about 7.1 vs. 10 MP.

Now, let's throw the SD870 IS into the mix... seems like it might be a good compromise between the two price-wise, plus it has a wide angle lens. But still... that SD750 is damn affordable!

What do you think?

[NS2007]

I'd say that all depends on your girlfriend. If you think she is a "Bling Bling" girl you can make her happier if you buy her the latest camera model (and make sure you point that out to her ;) ) which in this case would be the SD790. On the other hand, if you feel that your girlfriend is knowledgeable about digital cameras and you don't want her to hammer your head for purchasing her a relatively inferior camera model, you'd almost definitely want to go for the SD870 (It's got it all style and horse power, not to mention the extremely high ratings and recommendations this camera holds in its share).

That's all, I hope I've been of some help.

[Jon]

Given that most people use their digital P&S out at arms length, IS is almost essential on any digital P&S. Since none of the three you're asking about have an optical viewfinder, your only option is to keep it at arms' length. Of the three, I think I'd favor the SD870 because it has a reasonably wide angle lens.

[shomat]

She doesn't care about what the latest thing is, but she's also not going to be nearly as critical as myself when it comes to IQ. She wants a small, easy camera that takes pretty good pictures with a big LCD.

[Jon]

SD870 then. Indoors she'll be able to get closer to people so the flash won't wimp out as fast.

[sixsixfour]

SD870 simply because of the wide angle+IS. you cant get any better than that for a decent P/S

[DVan8504]

I bought the 750 a year or so ago, and I haven't had any problems with it. It takes great pictures imo. I'd save the cash and buy that one.

[gadgwiz]

I've got first hand experience on the SD870IS and the SD790IS. Both are ok cameras as far as P&S goes. I also have a Rebel XT, so the picture quality on the two cameras can be disappointing sometimes... without proper lighting. Although, that's also true with the Rebel XT. Compared to other camera brands though, I think the image quality is much better... less blotchy when you look closer at 100% zoom.

Anyway, the SD790IS is one of the latest Canon models. About 6 months or so newer than the SD870IS. Both have 3" screens and both IS. But, the SD790IS, I think, has better or improved features.

As far as differences, SD790IS has more megapixels. It has "updated" features that the SD870IS doesn't have like in-motion face detection and an actual physical scroll wheel instead of something "touch" based. It also has this feature where it will zoom-in on the frame that you've focused on while you half-press the button. The SD790IS is supposed to set the white balance based on what the face detect has selected instead of the overall white balance of the frame.

I've had issues with dust halos on the SD870IS when using the flash at the widest angle (28mm). But, my biggest gripe though is images having a much warmer tone post-download than what I see on the camera's lcd screen. Although that could just be my laptop's screen, I think the Auto White Balance can be a little bit off. So, I've tried to go with Daylight WB as a base to go on or Custom WB settings (using white paper or a white card).

One thing it has going for it is, of course, the 28mm wide angle. But, you can always just take a step back or two to zoom out with the SD790IS. Of course, that would also affect the effective range of the flash.

I can tweak the SD870IS in manual mode to get the WB that I want. But, I think the SD790 has improved on the "Auto" WB features enough that your GF would appreciate that more. Anyway, for casual shots either camera will work fine. They're cameras you wouldn't mind taking with you everyday or anywhere. Just don't expect perfection. :)

As far as price, the SD870 is cheaper since its older, but I've seen the price of the SD790IS dip down to $279 on Amazon, although now it's hovering around $299-$307.

EDIT:

Seems the updated face detection with white balance of the SD790IS is available on other cameras that debuted at the same time (including SD890IS, SD770 IS, SD1100 IS, A590IS, A580, and A470). Differences between models are megapixels, tele/zoom range, and screen size. Only the SD790IS and the SD890IS have 3" screens. The rest only have 2.5".. but some have viewfinders. So, pick a price point and maybe pick from one of the newer models.

[ALT1MATE]

The SD790 is the highest rated P&S on pcmag.com. I'm thinking of upgrading my SD1000 to it.