Anyone have any info on the Canon SD700 IS?

[Ron_Ross]

Although I love the output from my pro DSLR cameras, it's now time to consider a "pocket" camera that I can take to outings, dinners with the family, etc. Since I'm a Canon guy (1DsM2, 1DM2 and 5D), I'd really like to stay Canon. That is not to say that I won't explore other alternatives, since I once was a Nikon shooter.

I have seen info on the SD700IS and although it is a new camera there is no good review to read, or at least I haven't found one.

RAW is not all that important since the S70-80 both shoot RAW and I find them somewhat bigger than I'd like. The key word is "pocket camera" and, of course image quality is important.


Suggestions, or comments?

[AndrewCassino]

I'm also watching for a review of this camera. Since the higher ISOs of pocket cameras are likely to remain far too noisy for serious use in the foreseeable future, the IS feature makes a lot of sense for when the light is fading. I hope to replace my Sony DSC-W5 with a SD700 IS or similar camera. I will definitely check out any Sony offerings with IS, as the W5 opened my eyes to the fact that Sony makes compact cameras that can compete toe-to-toe with Canon and Nikon!

I would expect this site to be among the first with a review of the SD700 IS:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/diginews.html

Andrew

[Ron_Ross]

I went and looked at the SD700IS at a local brick and mortar camera shop near my office. I was very impresssed with the feel and look of the camera. The buttons were all in the right places. My only beef is that it lacks manual aperture and shutter settings, but hey, isn't that what P&S is all about?

As for size, I found it to be a perfect fit; not too small but with a very large rear display screen. Believe me it is needed since the viewfinder is way too small. After negotiating a bit with the merchant I walked out with the camera for $ 475.00 including tax. Since there was no shipping charge, I was happy with what I paid.

Once I got the camera back opened and properly programmed, I must say that for a relatively simple P & S camera, I was very impressed, especially in the high ISO area although to be real usable, I did need to apply a pass using Neat Image.

All in all, at first blush the camera is a winner.

[AndrewCassino]

Thanks for the "real user" report, Ron. It sounds promising. I have also found Neat Image to be an indispensable adjunct to my relatively noisy compact camera. I'd like to hear more of your impressions as you gain some more experience with the camera, especially with image stabilization.

Andrew