Canon Powershot SD10 4MP Digital Camera (Black)
By: Canon Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 17
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 On: 2005-03-17
I will buy another Canon Elph when this one finally dies. With the option of going up to a 1 GB SD card, the future is wide open. It is possible to buy a lesser brand 4MP camera for a lot less, but the extra Canon quality is worth paying for if you plan to have your camera for a long time.
 On: 2004-12-11
let me note that if i were rating this camera among all other small cameras, i would be giving it a 5. however, among all cameras in general, including giant ones as big as your arm that cost twice as much, it understandably gets a 4.
this is a great little camera. If you are in the market for a camera that you want to carry around in your pocket, this is it, stop looking. you wont find one that takes better pictures that is even close to this size. It still has a nice screen on it too, which i like. Its easy to use, very few buttons on this one, but it has as many features as any other camera. It comes with a good Li-ion battery that has great life. Cameras that use AA batteries are a complete pain in the neck, so I was happy about the battery. It also comes with a 32 MB memory card, which will store anywhere from 16-72 pictures depending on which size and quality settings you choose. I upgraded to a 128 MB card and i have never had to worry about even coming close to running out of memory. The only thing lacking is zoom quality. It doesnt have optical zoom, only digital, so if you zoom in at all, it makes your pictures grainy. Anyone that says that this doesnt happen is either lying or just stupid, because its something that anyone who has ever used a digital camera would know. However, i am willing to sacrifice zoom for all of the other great things about this camera. And think about it anyway...if you are just taking a picture of some people, just take a few steps forward if you need to "zoom in." If you are taking pictures of a landscape, you probably wont need to zoom. However if you are someone that needs zoom for whatever you use your camera for, then you probably shouldnt be looking at a camera this small anyway, you will need one with one of those giant lenses. The SD-10 has an awesome macro (close-up) setting, you can get within a half inch of anything and take the most detailed picture you will ever see. I took a picture of a flower and you could see the veins in the petals when i pulled it up on my computer.
Also, not that this really matters, but every time i take this camera out in front of anyone (i got the black one), they all want to see it and compliment how cool it looks. Now, this isnt why you should buy it, but it is a testament to the physical beauty of this camera.
All in all, this is a wonderful camera and it even comes with a small, nice fitting carrying case. Again, if you need a small camera, get this one, you will not be disappointed.
On: 2004-10-06
i was completely and absolutely dazzled by how powerful and small this camera is.
ive seen smaller cameras in the market, like the infamous casio exilim, but as far as im concerned, canon has truly achieved the smallest size a camera could have WITHOUT prejudicing its quality.
ive previously owned a canon powershot s110, which has only about 2MP, and i truly loved it. i was almost completely satisfied with my s110, as its image quality was stupendous: the only problems i had were regarding the shooting speed and the cameras size (which, i know, is considered small. but even so, i wanted an even smaller one).
so my main goal was a camera which could take great-quality pictures, which had a very short shooting-speed and yet was small enough to fit in a pocket.
well, ive come to learn that s10 is well-packed with all the requirements above.
previously to buying this camera, my major concern was its shooting speed, as i didnt see any reviews on that. well, here goes the first one:
this camera has two shooting modes: one is short, and the other one is shorter. amazing!
the "short" one is with the auto-focus function enable. it takes about 1 second to take a picture with perfect focus on the angles selected by the user (it draws little green squares on the screen, showing which areas it is going to focus). and to do that, all you have to do is press the shutter button half-way down, wait for its artificial inteligence to focus on the desired subject, and then press whats left of it.
the "even shorter one" is an "emergency" kind of shot. you just simply press the shutter button all the way down, and BAM: you have an almost instantly picture taken. its truly unbelievable.
of course the picture quality in the shortest mode isnt as great as it is in the AIAF (artificial intelinge auto focus - youll hear that a lot) mode, but its for sure a big helper for situations on which you dont actually have time to wait up for the camera to focus (not even one little second).
other one of the impressive camera features is the possibility of choosing the startup image (the image that is shown on the LCD when the camera is powered on), the startup sound, etc., and, fabulously, the auto-shutter sound - which is great! i, for instance, recorded cartmans voice (from south-park) and set it to play as the auto-shutter goes of. you can have really funny pictures with tricks like that, because the people on subject have no idea of what that sound is and start giggling as the picture is taken. and then, there goes a smiley, happy picture. you can upload to the camera any sound or image on your computer, or use one that is already in the camera.
the time the camera takes to turn on is also something to be noticed. its about one second (or even less). so if youre on a hurry to take a quick-shot, youre most likely to achieve your goal.
at last but not least, some people say that the only flaw this camera has is that it has no zoom. well, i say that this camera is flawless. my previously camera had 3x optical zoom / 5x digital zoom, and i dont remember using it not even once, because i mainly take short-distance pictures. so, if to reduce the cameras size they needed to cut-off the zooming feature, i can only applaude them. it didnt make any difference to me at all. in fact, this is probably why the camera is also so fast at shot-taking and at powering on and off: it doesnt have to pull-back an enourmous set of lenses.
this camera is what i needed indeed. if you are, in any way, in the needs of what i described above, search no more, because this is the camera for you. im 100% satisfied with it.
On: 2004-06-24
I purchased this camera last Christmas because I wanted a 4 mega pixel camera in a sleek lightweight body. I always use Amazon for the reviews which I read before making a buying decision and I was not disappointed. The unit is great. I just returned from Hawaii and took many pics in varying light situations and they all look super. Colors are vibrant and properly rendered. I agree that red eye is a problem though.
Being middle aged, I would have appreciated a bigger screen. That is the single largest drawback for me. I bought an extra battery and recommend that you do so if you are like me and hate to be caught short. However, I do have to say that the battery life has been good. I also popped for a 128SD memory card and found that to be more than enough to capture the 90 pics taken in large size superfine shooting format. My unit came with a very nice leather case that uses Velcro to secure the case to a belt loop. I found this to work very well and it did not interfere with getting to the camera quickly. I generally shoot pics with a 35MM NIKON 6006 SLR so you could say that I am an experienced photographer. Take it from me; youll like this camera and the results you achieve.
On: 2004-06-22
I have four digital cameras - but this one is my favorite. The photos are crisp, the camera is very responsive and fast. It is small enough to carry every day. The charge is good too. I would say this and the Casio XFilm are the bext low-end digital cameras around.
 On: 2004-06-16
Eclipsed ONLY by the lower-end Casio Exilim cameras in sheer compactness, the appeal of the SD10 in all its various colors is obvious: 4 megapixel snapshots in a package so compact that it wont even feel like a presence in your pocket. For those desiring a digital camera half as a camera and half as a fashion accessory, this is the way to go.For those more performance minded, however, consider the following. Pros:
-Smallest 4 megapixel digi-cam on the market.
-Slightly above average start-up time (especially important for snapshooters, whom this camera is geared toward).
-Sleek, sexy design.
-Canons 5 point autofocus system, while not especially powerful, is better than the average ultracompact 4 megapixel cameras system.
-Canons image sensor captures better quality images than most other cameras do, within the same style.
-Canon STILL uses Compact Flash technology, which is a significantly cheaper media than sD or xD, so you save money here as opposed to competing cameras. Cons:
-Picture quality is noticably worse than Canons other 4 megapixel cameras (S400/410, A75/80, S45). You pay for the compactness somehow: apparently this is how.
-No optical zoom. While a larger-than-you-might-think majority of people actually do not have much need for optical zoom in an everyday setting, those purchasing this camera for trips may be disappointed.
-NO OPTICAL VIEWFINDER. Again, most people who purchase an ultracompact digi-cam arent photo enthusiasts and are content to snap off pictures using the LCD as their only reference, but this is bound to be a factor for some customers. I wouldnt purchase this camera on this point alone, but only because I avoid using the LCD for anything at all times because of the drain it puts on the battery. Not to mention Canon compacts have a tiny (1.5") LCD that warrants use of the optical viewfinder. Having said all that, I have to recommend that anyone looking at getting this camera STRONGLY consider the Canon S410 as an alternative. It is only mildly larger than this camera and has the same resolution, settings, but much better photo quality. It also has a 3x optical zoom lens, which ends up being an asset at times you didnt expect (think: those 30th row floor seats at a concert, capturing that mountain view from a distance, that gorgeous woman you spied walking across the other side of the club). Misc. Note for a large number of digi-cam purchasers:
90% of people who purchase a camera with higher than 3 megapixel resolution do not need it. With a 3 megapixel camera, you can make prints of up to 5 x 7 without a noticable loss of quality, and barely any loss of quality for 8 x 10. If your computer is running at 1600x1200 resolution, the maximum size picture taken by a 3 megapixel camera will more than fill the screen. The moral of the story is this: do not be lured by larger megapixel sensors that you do not need. Look at how the camera performs in other ways, and what features youd find the most useful. The only reasons you might want a larger resolution camera are: because you intend to crop a large majority of your photos, because you want to make poster-size prints, or because youre a graphic artist that needs to be working with as many pixels as possible to ensure quality.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-06-08
I purchased this camera after much research because it was highly rated for image quality, it is made by a relyable company, and it is small enough to go anywhere. After a few months with this camera Ive discovered that this really is the camera that fits all of those criteria. I take this camera everywhere with me without having to carry a larger bag or purse. It is easy to operate and turns on and off quickly. It has pretty good battery life and amazing image quality. Ive never had a problem with this camera, but I know I can trust Cannon to provide good technical support when needed. If you will use a camera mostly for point and shoot or small video this is all you need. Some people dont like having only an lcd screen, but it has never bothered me. Also, some people might be annoyed that there is no zooming in movie mode, but I have never needed this feature. Also if you have big, clumsy hands the size of the buttons and camera in general might be too small for you. If you wont be bothered by these few small details youll love this camera. For the price, size and image quailty this camera is such a bargain.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-05-06
The SD10 is my 4th digital camera, and it is by far the most enjoyable.
Here are a few of my favorite things:
- size (cant be beat)
- 4MP!
- really nice predictive focus. like the Canon film SLRs I have used, it has that very handy focus frame that pops onto whatever you are focusing on. Very good at reading your mind.
- the flash exsposure system is right on the money.
- the lens is sharp and fast (no zoom! i find that a plus, actually)cons
- i get a lot of red-eye (dont use any red-eye reduction) - but that is really due to the small size and having the flash so close to the lens.
- hearing people complain that there isnt a zoom.
- i shoot everything at 50 ASA for the best results. at 200-400, there is a really big difference.
- people always wanting to hold it.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-04-24
Ive had tis camera for nine months now, I am rarely without it. It is just too easy to take with me everywhere, so I no longer say "oh-no, wish I had my camera!"The ONLY SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM: The exposure of the images are slightly darker at the extreme edges. This becomes blatently obvious when stitching images -- the slightly darker edges are revealed as dark bars running along the stitch seam. If you never stitch images, then this wont bother you. If you like to take panoramic photos, then find a different camera. I havent had one successful stitch in the two hundred or so images that I have tried. I compare this to my other canons (S200, A40) which do an awesome job of stitching. I have never missed the optical zoom. With 4MP of picture, I have always been able to crop the image to get what I wanted in the shot.
On: 2004-04-21
Although this is my first digital camera, I believe it may be my last. This TINY little camera has everything that an amature could wish for, but the best has to be the stitch assistant. On a trip to Vegas, I successfully took about 8 shots and panned the entire strip, and the included software (on my laptop) took care of the rest. The photos are top notch, the camera is about the size of a cell phone, and the battery lasts forever. No complaints here, you will not go wrong if you purchase this camera.
If you are looking to purchase a digital camera but dont want to spend too much, spend just a little more and get the SD10, you will be extremely happy with your purchase.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-04-19
I have had this camera for 4 months, and I absolutely love it! The picture quality is the best, the battery lasts long, and I dont think cameras of this quality get any smaller. My only gripe would be that there is no optical zoom. I just take a normal picture and crop/zoom on the computer. For all the features and the size, it is definitely worth the money.
On: 2004-04-08
First I bought this one Canon SD10, and then I tried the Sony T1, and the Casio Exilim3.2. This tiny little Canon blew both away. I have the Rebel Digital and this one for a pocket camera. I also bought the underwater casing which looks and works great. Trust me if you are looking for a compact camera you will not be disappointed. It works as nice as the Canon G2, & G3, which I also owned but where to bulky and I wanted something more compact.
On: 2004-03-04
Got this from Amazon, expecting I might need their return policy. But its a keeper. The number one feature of this camera is its size for such quality images. A friend with a larger digicam agreed, saying his next camera would be a small one like this that he could have with him always. It is also very easy to use. After reading the review at Photoxels.com, with their discussion about histograms, I keep it in auto mode, and check the histogram (I set the review details to show for 10 seconds). If the viewed picture or histogram tell me to reshoot, only then do I go into manual mode and adjust. Have only had one bad shot (indoors with flash, came out with shirt color off, but that was one of my first pictures when I was playing, so I may have done something wrong, plus it was set at the default fine compression, rather than the better quality superfine compression, which I now use). I thought I might want the Sony DSC-T1 for its optical zoom, but the early reviews of the Sony said indoor photos came out badly. And the Sony is bigger (114.66 cubic cm vs. 78.52 cubic cm). I keep this thing in my shirt pocket most of the time. Dont think that would be likely with the Sony. Also, the Sony needs its docking station to be able to connect to a TV, so it becomes even less portable. Although Amazon didnt advertise it, I was pleasantly surprised to receive the case. You cant use the case for shirt-pocket use, though (too bulky)--Im using a little cloth drawstring bag for that. But when its not in the pocket, the case seems to add some protection from bumps. Its made for belt attachment. Accessories load up the price: 256 MB SD card (Panasonic and SimpleTech seem to have the best ratings for not much more $$), extra Canon battery, waterproof case (but cheap compared to other cameras, and not too big), external firewire/USB2.0 hard drive (Seagate 160 MB is nice, and they seem to couple sales with Seagate rebates), and LCD screen protectors (makes for more worry-free camera handling). Other than the lack of optical zoom, which I will accept in trade for the small size with quality 4MP pics, I have no complaints. Its been perfect for me, with full auto mode working exceptionally well: point and shoo-shoot (i.e., shutter down halfway to focus, then down fully). Result has always been great pictures.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-02-29
Okay, here it is, let me break it down.I was in the market for a small digital camera for months. Price was not the central issue but I was waiting to get the best possible deal on the best possible product. When I saw this camera in a bar, I knew it was right. First, Its tiny, much smaller than the image indicated. Its also the nicest looking camera out there by far. Especially in black. Second: It is so easy to use that you dont even have to read the book if you dont want. Third: It takes great pictures. Sony has come out with a new miniature camera, its 5MP and its also $550. If you read the reviews on CNET its reputed to be a stinker. My decision was between that specific sony and this one. The sony has a zoom. Fourth: What do you really need a zoom for anyway? If youre like me, you want the camera to take snapshots, you dont need a zoom for that, if anything having the zoom there confuses things when you ask a stranger to take a photo. Lastly: Dont go somewhere else to buy this product. I did find it cheaper in other places on the net. However, Amazon has no hassels. Dont like it, send it back for free. Doesnt work, NO PROBLEM theyll send you another. All that for about $20 over the minimum youll find it on the web. $20 for piece of mind, a good deal I think. So what are you waiting for?
by: Anonymous On: 2004-01-11
Love this camera! It is even smaller than it appears in the pictures. I have no more excuses for not having my camera with me at all times. Also very chic...I got mine in black because it looks like a mini-Hasselblad! I didnt install the software included (not sure about that virus thing) but instead just used the software on my XP. Works fine. Pictures are clear, clean and crisp.
On: 2003-12-31
I absolutely have fell in love with this machine, and I have been through many digital cameras. It takes amazing pictures in the dark, fires up fast, and doesnt take long between pictures. I got tired of taking photos of my kids soccer games, and by the time my fuji finally took the picture, the kids were long gone. I have no regrets, well worth it.
On: 2003-12-31
This Camera is very impressive! I agree with all the positives from above and highly recommend it.
There are only two flaws Ive found so far (after four days of using it extensively.) First is that there is no way to check the battery life. This is only mildly annoying, since the battery lasts a very long time, but I found myself getting anxious that I was going to run out of juice in the middle of a shooting session. Once the battery is low it gives you a warning icon that battery is low - but thats like not having a fuel guage, only a fuel light. Not good.
Second is that there is no range finder. This means that in low light situations, it can be very hard to make sure that youre aligning the camera properly. Not a problem for shots of people who are close to you - since the camera has a dim focus light it uses, which does illuminate the people a bit - but for larger images it can be a problem. It frankly hadnt occurred to me when I was researching the camera - I just assumed it had a range finder.
Other than these minor issues, Im ecstatic about the camera, and everyone whos seen it is impressed.
Im particularly happy with the quality of the Flash. Shooting last night in a darkened bar resulted in beautiful images. The AIAF autofocus is amazing - every shot was in focus, even though the image was not clearly discernable on the screen.
-- Updated after one year --
Okay - this camera still rocks. Everyone who sees it wants one, and everyone weve sent pictures to has been impressed.
The autofocus isnt as good as the one on my old $100 point and shoot olympus 35MM. That is disappointing. It sometimes takes a few seconds to find itself, and occasionaly fails completely.
The Flash isnt as good as I thought before. It tends to overwhelm the image often. But its pretty good. Overall - love the camera. Im hoping theyve fixed many of these issues in the SD20, which came out this year.
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