The Canon PowerShot SD870 IS was released just a few short months after the SD850 IS. The new model comes with the same 8-megapixel resolution and optical image stabilization, but is updated with a bigger LCD, wider lens, and more advanced face detection system. The SD870 IS retails for $399.
In terms of image quality, the Canon SD870 IS continues the trend of other PowerShot SD-series cameras. It has great color and white balance accuracy at the expense of high noise levels and poor dynamic range. Unfortunately, the 8-megapixel camera scores poorly in resolution mainly because of too much in-camera sharpening.
In terms of its components, this camera is a mixed bag. The camera’s flash is weak and left corners of the frame dark. Its 3-inch LCD screen is impressive with its 230,000-pixel resolution, and clearly depicted colors and incredibly wide viewing angles. It is larger than the SD850’s 2.5-inch screen. The Canon SD870’s lens is wider but shorter with a 28-105mm range; the SD850’s lens measures 35-140mm. Both lenses include image stabilization, evidenced by the “IS” in the model names. The reach is farther on the older model, but wider landscapes and larger groups of people can fit into the frame on the new model.
Perhaps the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS was designed with large group portraits in mind. Its new face detection system can recognize up to 35 faces at a time, up from nine faces on the older SD850. The SD870’s system is above and beyond what most manufacturers are offering right now: Fujifilm cameras can detect 10, Panasonic 15, and Sony eight.
Canon point-and-shoots’ Movie modes continue to improve, and the SD870 IS is proof of this. It doesn’t have a widescreen shooting mode like the Panasonic TZ3, but does have standard 640 x 480 and 320 x 240-pixel sizes. Movies are smooth, with excellent resolution and great colors. In addition to the Movie mode, there are automated modes for taking still pictures. The SD870’s 10 Scene modes are enough to satisfy most users, but it’s still not like the 20-plus selection on the Olympus Stylus 790SW and Panasonic Lumix TZ3.
The Canon PowerShot SD870 IS is a great little camera with its neat and trim 3.65 x 2.32 x 1.02-inch body. It isn’t as skinny as the Casio S880, which is only 0.68 inches thick. The SD870 performs better than most cameras but costs more than most cameras, too. If you can afford it, the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS is a great pick. If not, its older sibling isn’t so bad, either.
For a more in-depth review, visit the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS Review at our partner DigitalCameraInfo.com
