Wonderful design, tiny, packed with features - but quirky?
somewhat tech savvy, married, living in the country, a biologist, environmentally minded
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FEB
29
2008
Canon - PowerShot SD600 Digital Camera —
I've been using my Canon SD600 for over a year now, and this camera has many positive attributes. That said, I will apologize in advance for perhaps posting the only somewhat negative review of an obviously popular digital point & shoot.First, the good:
This camera will go anywhere, and it won't take up precious cargo space during travel. The viewfinder is key in bright outdoor settings (and sometimes low-light settings too). Menus are clear and easy to navigate; if you are familiar wtih digital cameras, it is easy to have this one operating out of the box with little or no use of the manual (although that does come in handy!). The start-up time is super quick, as is the camera's ability to recover between photos. Movie quality is OK, great for short clips, but it won't replace your camcorder anytime soon. Sound is fine (again, for short clips). The LCD display (2.5") is crisp and clear, but does tend to wash out in bright sunlight. While some of the special scene modes are nice (fun? interesting? time consuming to play with?) I find that the sepia looks way too tawny as compared to a few of my previous digital cameras (Canon SD40, Pentax Optio 555 and 550). Ummm... did I mention that the camera is VERY fast?? This, given some of the other models out there, is a big plus in my opinion.
The so-so:
Big LCD display... fingerprint magnet. I'd suggest investing in one of those little protector screens that cover the LCD.
The not-so-good:
I know I should love this camera without reserve. I just don't. I have read the manual, re-read the manual, checked the website, and have read various professional reviews to figure out why this camera just doesn't take excellent pictures. I can take my 'big' digital camera (a Canon G3) which is much older, has a lower resolution and is well-traveled, and the G3 will reliably produce sharper, better quality images over the SD600 time after time. I do love the tiny size of the SD600, but lately I find myself reaching for the G3 even though it means carrying more camera around.
Despite using the automatic shooting mode, and fooling with the settings one can change (e.g., ISO speed), I often have grainy, washed out photos from this camera. This is disappointing when you rely on the point-and-shoot to capture your memories on the go.
That said, you don't need to remind me that there are trade-offs with sub-compact digital cameras. The Canon SD600 is a prime example: wonderful to carry around, not-so-wonderful results after the download. What you gain in portability and ease of use, you lose in image quality.
The bottom line: Shop around, read reviews, don't flock to the Canon name by default. I'm shopping for a Panasonic Lumix, hoping a Leica lens will improve photo quality!
Good luck!
Last edited on Apr 11, 2008
Canon - PowerShot SD600 Digital Camera is not recommended by chingue
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