This is one of the best point-and-shoot 3 megapixel cameras currently being produced. As with all Canon PowerShot SD series cameras, the SD200 is very easy to use. Since the specs are easily accessible (click on
View Details), this review will highlight five key features which should help you determine whether this camera is for your or not. Canon also makes a 4 megapixel version of this camera (
PowerShot SD300) which costs about $100 more.
What makes this camera DESIRABLE:
(1) Takes Great Pictures. This is the most important part of a digital camera, no? The SD200 is quick to focus, is quick to take pictures (very low lag time), takes crisp pictures, and is very easy to use. The SD200 even focuses in the dark thanks to its focus-assist lamp (you can turn this feature on/off). The picture quality is excellent compared to other cameras similar in size. The ease of use is much better than other 3 megapixel point-and-shoot cameras. Many have complained about the flash, but that's almost a non-issue for most snapshots. Most people take snapshots of their friends & family when they are about 5-7 feet away from them. The flash is PLENTY strong for that. If you have a huge group and they're like 10-15 feet away, then the flash will be a problem. But seriously, when's the last time you tried to take a picture of a big group of people forcing you to stand 15 feet away to get everybody in the picture?
(2) 3 megapixels with 3x zoom. This is the new minimum when it comes to digital cameras. The general rule of thumb for megapixels is: the more the better. Not only will more megapixels allow you to print bigger & better pictures, having more megapixels gives you the flexibility to crop: you can take a small portion of the picture and blow it up to full screen and still get good detail. The SD200 also features 3x zoom. While this is generally not something to get all excited about, its predecessor (the SD110) only featured 2x zoom.
(3) Size. The SD200 is noticeably smaller than the S410 or the S500, and even smaller than the SD110. The SD200 will fit nicely in your pocket or your purse. Plus the shiny silver finish is so handsome/pretty that you will want to take this with you everywhere. After all, if you don't carry your camera with you, then what's the use of owning a camera?
(4) Movie with Sound. With its built-in microphone and speaker, the SD200 can capture and replay movies with sound. The 640x480 resolution is awesome. You can replay on your 19" monitor at full screen and the video will look great. Under the 640x480 mode, you can capture video at 30 frames per second (fps) or 15 fps, and there is no limit per clip as your only limitation is the amount of space you have left on your memory card. Under the 320x480 mode, you have the Fast Frame Rate option giving you 60 fps, up to 60 seconds per clip, which is great for capturing action shots such as your golf swing. While the main function of the camera is to take still pictures, the high quality video feature is so much fun that you will be using this a lot.
(5) Battery & External Charger. The battery life is average. You can take about 140 pictures on a full charge with the LCD screen on and about 400 pictures with the LCD screen off. Since Canon includes an external charger with all their SD series cameras, I recommend getting a second battery. This way, one battery can be charging while you are using one battery, so that you will never run out of batteries.
Downside. The only downside is the access to manual mode. On the SD110, S410, and the S500, you can switch to the manual mode by turning a knob. On this camera, you need to press function and switch to manual mode using a soft menu. There are few features only available in the manual mode such as turning off AiAF, long shutter, panorama mode, etc. Unless you use those features a lot, this will not be an issue for you.
Recommended Accessories. A must-have accessories are the already mentioned extra battery and a bigger SD memory card. Get at least a 256MB card (a 512MB card would be nicer) since the included 16MB card will not be sufficient for most people.
If you need more megapixels, then check out the 4 megapixel version of this camera:
Canon PowerShot SD300.
