Canon PowerShot SD1000 Overview

Basic Specifications

Resolution: 7.10 Megapixels
Lens: 3.00x zoom(35-105mm eff)
Viewfinder: Optical/LCD
LCD Size: 2.5 inch
ISO: 80-1600
Shutter: 15-1/1500
Max Aperture: 2.6
Mem Type: SDHC/SD/MMC
Battery: Custom LiIon
Dimensions: 3.4x2.1x0.8in(86x54x19mm)
Weight: 4.4 oz(125 g)
MSRP: $300
Availability: 03/2007


When the first Canon ELPH hit the shelves in 1996 as an APS film camera, its compact size and innovative "box and circle" design certainly held more appeal than the film format the little camera supported. While APS is a distant memory, Canon continued the ELPH legacy in its digital camera line. In the digital world, the ELPH still looks as sleek and sexy as it did 11 years ago. Although minor tweaks to the design have come over the years, Canon returned the ELPH to its roots shortly after the ELPH's tenth anniversary with the introduction of the SD1000, a camera whose retro look is almost identical to that of the original model.

In addition to its compact size and eye-catching design, the 7-megapixel SD1000 features a standard 3x optical zoom with a 35mm equivalent focal range of 35-105mm, a 2.5-inch LCD that delivers 230,000 pixels of resolution and, a rarity in cameras this size, an optical viewfinder. As is typical for the digital ELPH series, this point-and-shoot camera lacks manual aperture and shutter speed controls, but offers a series of scene modes, exposure compensation, and manual and auto ISO. A new on-demand Auto ISO Shift feature bumps the light sensitivity up to a maximum of 800 with a simple push of a button. White balance options include auto, several presets, and custom (manual). The SD1000 utilizes Canon's DIGIC III processor and offers new face detection technology and in-camera red-eye correction.

Although its auto shutter speed maxes out at only 1/1500 second, long exposures are possible up to 15 seconds. Fine-tuning adjustments, custom settings for the self-timer, stitch-assist for up to 26 shots, and versatile movie options round off some of the camera's most noteworthy features.

To put the SD1000 in perspective: Despite its numerical identification, the SD1000, at $299.99, is about $50 less expensive than its sibling, the $349.99 SD750. The latter is slightly larger and heavier, has gently sloping edges as opposed to square corners, is equipped with a 3-inch LCD, no optical viewfinder, and replaces the SD1000's Function/Set button with a new Touch Control Dial -- one of those love-it or hate-it type of features. Otherwise, the two cameras are essentially the same.