Canon PowerShot SD950IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 3.7x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Titanium)
By: Canon Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 116
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 On: 2008-07-08
I previously had a Canon SD700 IS, and was looking for an upgrade. The SD950 IS is an upgrade, but not as much as I had hoped. The Digic III software does have several nice features over Digic II. The higher resolution doesnt really matter, and I havent noticed pictures being any sharper (despite the sensor being twice as large). The camera is slightly larger than the SD700, and thats the major downside for me -- it doesnt fit into my pocket as easily. As a result, I dont always have it, and that negates the main advantage of a pocket camera -- that you have it whenever the need arises.
 On: 2008-07-07
My wife and I recently took a trip to Rome and Florence. I was originally thinking of bringing a DSLR with a zoom lens (17-55) because of the amazing photo opportunities but decided not to because it can get cumbersome to have to carry. So I settled for the Canon PowerShot SD950, mainly because I wanted more pixels than the 7.1 MP PowerShot model I currently had (and still love) and I needed the IS (image stabilization) and higher ISO features since I knew I would be taking a lot of Church interiors. Im a big art buff and of course, Rome is home to the best Baroque art and architecture around -- and a lot of them are showcased inside dimly lit churches.
I expected good results, but WOW was I blown away when I started using the camera indoors. I never use flash or the auto settings since they both kill the "reality" of the scene. Instead, I set the ISO to 400 and relied on hand-held photos so I could capture what I saw indoors, and the results I got were consistently remarkable. Sure, I would shoot 3 or 4 of the same scene and select the sharpest, but consistently, the array of images were sharp, colors excellent and exposure very good. My expectations were far exceeded.
Of course, the results outdoors were equally impressive. Again, I used the manual setting and because we had beautiful sunny weather, I stopped the camera down 2/3 to compensate for the brightness. The 12.1 MP images are astounding. With images this large, you can crop later too and not worry about image degradation.
Again, a very versatile, compact device that captures images amazingly well in many conditions, including indoors using ambient light. I highly recommend this camera from Canon!
On: 2008-07-03
This is probably the best pocket camera on the market today. I have previously owned other many ELPHs, F50fd, F100fd (both terrible) and several DSLRs.
PROS
Well designed -- No weird power button issues SD850 has, flash is in the right place, great Canon interface, titanium feels very durable and light.
IQ -- Excellent image quality at lower ISOs, good indoor IQ, try to keep the ISO low indoors and disable Auto ISO shift as it jacks it up to 800+ everytime.
Battery life is good.
Uses the same sensor as G9, which is the best you can get on a non DSLR Canon.
CONS
12MP -- noise at higher ISOs, large files, slower writes, 8MP would have been great. This is really the one issue with this camera.
AF speed and flash recycle times could be better, but they are in line with most compact P&S.
Canon seems to be moving to 10MP and 1/2.3" sensor on all new ELPHS, which makes no sense as older SDs have better pixel density with the same Digic III processor. I would grab this one while it lasts.
I would grab this one while it
On: 2008-06-30
I got this camera for my birthday since I was in desperate need for one. All I can say is wow. Im totally speechless when it comes to the quality and vibrance of the pictures. To see how the pictures come out when they arent photoshopped or anything, check out my flickr account : Retro_Rush55x on flickr.com and see for yourself. This camera is well worth the money. Its easy to use, easy to hold, and takes the best pictures Ive ever taken. Please put this camera at the top of your list when considering buying a camera!
On: 2008-06-27
This is a great camera. I really dont use the zoom when I use it for business. As a matter of fact, I wish the camera angle could go a little wider. But it works. Great viewscreen, and excellent color. What sold me on this one as opposed to the other models is the very short shutter lag. I learned from my old AS520 that I couldnt even take a photo at a slow moving parade because the shutter lag was so bad. With this one, I dont have to worry. The color of the photos is phenomenal even without the built-in enhancement modes. And the image stabilization doesnt slow down the camera.
The only complaint I have is when taking a photo at the widest angle, I see some vignetting in the viewfinder. But it does not come out on the prints or the viewscreen. So its just an annoyance and not a hindrance.
Im very satisfied with the camera. Heck, for the price, I better be.
On: 2008-06-27
I just received this camera the other day and I already love it!!! It takes an excellent picture, great for creating large prints. Its small and compact. The flash works great too. You will not be disappointed.
On: 2008-06-26
This camera is great! I love the small size and it takes really crisp, clear pictures with amazing color! I love it! Its really easy to use and the battery lasts a long time. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a small camera that takes great pictures!
On: 2008-06-20
I got this camera few days ago. I have an above reasonable experience in photography and I selected the 950 based on spec and only spec. within this price range. The Sony 10.1 and 13.2 Mpexil were in the second place .. but due to some concerns about the lens used by Sony i decided to stay with Canon
I will write what might interest an average person and try not to get into conflict with the pro.
The cannon SD950IS takes amazing photos... the lens is so powerful under all light conditions. The pics are sharpe and clear and very very colorefull on the computer screen and the TV.
It is a bit more than the average price for this type of camera but almost all the money goes to the lens. So good job Canon in this side..
In summary
The Good things: about the camera
1) Small
2) Menu easy to understand and deal with
3) powerful zoom
4) good battery life.
5) Robust
6) Quality of workman-ship.
7) fast response .. alamost full manual control
And of course the amazing pic that can be extracted from this small gizmo.
The Not Good things:
1) Heavy
2) Can not be charged directly from power source(u better get a spare battery for 10$)
3) Location of the bottons is not well design/selected. and you may have some trouble when selecting some functions
The Major Not good things:
1)Audio/video and USB compartment door.. is a very bad design.. It will definitely break soon and i dont know what will be canon position for repairs under warranty.
2) Need gloves to avoid the fingerprints all over the camera.
In general for those who are looking for quality pic .. and can fork an extra 50$ above the average price, well ..Stay with the SD950IS
this camera will do that perfectly.. I am glade I got it in sale and will enjoy it for sure.
On: 2008-06-18
I own a lot of high-end, therefore large, equipment. I needed something that was small but still produced a good picture. I found it. I had considered things like the Canon G9, but it was to large. I wanted a truly pocket camera. The video shoots very large resolution and when you have good light, produces an excellent image. Recently Ive moved to shooting 640x480 because Im putting everything online (no need for high res) and want to save the space on the card for longer/more videos. No grain with good light. The weight is light, it has a sturdy construction. Ive had no problems viewing the LCD screen in the sun. The manual customization is great. You can do almost anything you want. Nearly everything in the menu system is intuitive (very important).
In the end, likely the best image, both video and still, you can buy for the money and size. The quality Ive come to expect from Canon delivers once again.
(I own a 30D DSLR, Mark II DSLR, Sony PD170 DVCAM and many Canon lenses)
On: 2008-06-17
I am delighted with the performance. Shots are quick, even with flash, and the high resolution gives me flexibility when I want to crop the shot.
I have owned 2 other digital cameras and this is the best one by far.
It has my unqualified endorsement.
On: 2008-06-13
I previously had a Sony Cybershot and was very disappointed with it but kept it for 3 years before purchasing this camera. This camera is so much faster and the picture quality is awesome. It really takes great pictures of anything, kids, plants, pets, etc. I would recommend this to EVERYONE!
On: 2008-06-09
great camera in every way the only reason I didnt give it five stars is because you do need to buy better memory card for it to hold your photos. cant go wrong with this camera.
On: 2008-06-05
I took my new Canon Power Shot on vacation. I took photos of people, scenery and my favorite a video of a concert piano which lasted about 5 minutes. Pictures perfect in every way.
Easy to adjust and use. User friendly.
On: 2008-06-02
This Canon is one of the best so far.. This camera is simple and elegant but it is little too big not like slim. The picture of this camera is turning out OUTSTANDING. Anyone want to own a camera and well spend your money with an OUSTANDING AND VALUABLE GET THIS ONE. Trust Me you will love it when the picture come out sharp and clear all the red eyes!
On: 2008-05-30
I find the camera to be a good quality package. Of course we can not expect miracles from a compact camera, but it does do a great job. Image quality is excellent, colors are amazing and images are sharp. Thanks to the 12 MP, you can get nice crops out of your pictures. Of course we also need to remember than even for a point and shot we need to have some minimum picture taking skills or we can end up with blurry or bad quality pictures, but this happens with all kind of cameras even with the best SLR. The only down side of this camera for me, is that the lens could be wider and have a bigger zoom, also it has a tendency to blow the highlights. But again, we can not ask for perfection from a Point and Shot little camera. I find it to be a great compact camera that you can take with you everywhere. I uploaded some pictures to the gallery so you can check out, keeping in mind that posting the images there does degrade the quality a lot.
On: 2008-05-30
Great Camera. Did not notice slow performance starting up and in between pictures. Used an Ultra II memory card.
On: 2008-05-29
I did alot of research on cameras and found this Canon PowerShot to be one of the best. It has so many features on it, that I didnt even know existed. It is virtually foolproof. It takes great pictures and they download easily onto my computer. I would recommend this camera to anyone who is very inexperienced or for those who like to play around with different settings.
On: 2008-05-27
I have been taking pictures with good equipment for years. This is my third digital camera and the quality of pictures and ease of use far exceed my expectations. I am able to create photos that equal with those which are produced by far more expensive and larger cameras.
The special features for videos and close-up are marvelous. Best of all is the compact size which allows me to have it with me all the time to catch those special shots that are unplanned. Canon has a real winner here, I could not be more pleased!
On: 2008-05-27
I have owned two Canon ELPH cameras in the past and this new one, the 12.1MP SD950IS ELPH is superb! The camera body is really easy to hold even though it is small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. The Canon folks really outdid themselves in design and operation. The camera software is easy to understand and simple to change defaults to suit conditions. I would highly recommend this camera and it will be ahead of the countless other cameras on the market for years to come!
On: 2008-05-22
Canons are great cameras - this one in particular has 12+ megapixels and an excellent optical zoom level. I was amazed to see how well the zoom worked and how clear the photos were, although I think the size of the camera may not make pictures as great as they could be, had the same options been on a larger model. The features and manual are easy to navigate. Although the camera is small, it is a bit larger and heavier than my last elph, but the quality far out-weighs the size difference.
On: 2008-05-15
This camera is a perfect machine. Everything works, its easy to use, eventhougt you have to spend a lot of time if really want to take advantange of all gadgets it has. Excellent buy and god price.
On: 2008-05-13
Used the SD550 because it is very fast to start and operate.
This one is even better because of the image stabilization.
12 Mega pixel are still sharp on daylight, even though I was told that 7M is the optical limit.
The compartment door is OK. would open if you use the Accessory Kit for Canon SD950 because it is too tight.
Battery never runs out!!!
Excellent product. Small, fast, and takes excellent pictures.
Very intuitive user interface.
Get it if you can.
Asaf
On: 2008-05-12
Ive had this camera for about a month now, and I LOVE it! It takes great pictures even in low light. I just returned from a cruise and I have some great pictures from the trip that I took with my powershot. The rechargeable battery last a long time, much longer than some of my other previous cameras. The display screen is large which makes it easier to view your pictures. It has a video feature which I love to use as well. Overall, I would definitely recommend this camera!
On: 2008-05-09
I love everything about this camera from its small sleek (and sexy) design, to its fast start up time, to great picture quality.
Settings for a very non-tech person, to more advanced users who want to have a little more control. I personally like the vivid color options to bring out the blue in the sky or water, etc...
The menu is very easy to get used to as well as all the other functions.
If this compact digital were any better It would probably be a digital SLR, thats how good I feel it is.
So if you want a camera that is compact but does not lack in performance, this is the best you can do, before moving into much larger models (which this compact still easily competes with)
And one last thing, Canons customer support is the best!
On: 2008-05-09
Take everyones word for it. This is a good camera for the price. Very good image quality, fast shutter speed, clear picture display. Just wishing it to be a 3" or 3.5" LCD, then it will be perfect. Also, the video can be in HD resolution.
All in all, this is the best P&S camera.
On: 2008-05-09
This is the third Cannon Ive bought over the years, and Im very pleased with it, as always.
On: 2008-05-07
a great camera with all the features and flexibility one would want in a portable point n shooter. this is my first digital camera and although the 12 megapixels are overkill, the vivid images captured by both video and shooting are worth the extra buck. Once you become accustomed to the way everything works, shooting and capturing video becomes second nature. a credit to canon for making such an intuitive item...i am extremely pleased with my purchase.
On: 2008-05-03
Well made. Real easy to use. My kids are even taking videos with it. Im an old style camera person so I love the viewfinder. Downloading to the computer is simple it almost does it by itself. Im emailing pictures to all my friends and relations. The macro feature is great for taking close ups of flowers etc. Fits in the pocket of my shorts. Numerous different settings for different lighting and flash modes ( I havent tried all of them yet ).Would recommend it highly.
On: 2008-04-16
This camera was expensive but worth every penny, maybe is because I moved form a 3MP to a 12MP.
This camera is user friendly, good to have on the go and the battery life is great... I took about 600 pictures then started to die.
The pictures are great and I love it.
Buy it!!
On: 2008-04-15
amazon service was fast, accurate and the best price. other vendors prices were $100.00 or more for the product. my purchase was a canon 950 is camera with 12.2 megapixels.
On: 2008-04-12
I love the product. I have not taken alot of picture yet but the ones that I have take were perfect.
On: 2008-04-09
I purchased the camera along with 8GB SDHC, Waterproof Case, and Case.
Camera is what I had expected! Great build, great quality easy to use, and unbelievable pictures!
I switched from a Sony P200 and ill never go back to SONY again!
On: 2008-04-06
As an owner of an earlier model, I didnt look at any other cameras before purchasing the Power Shot. I am very happy with my purchase. It is very user friendly: easy set up and used without spending hours reading the instruction book. I took it on a recent trip and was able to stick it in my pocket and go.
On: 2008-04-06
The SD950 is definately worth buying. Its easy to use, very good and sharp images for landscape, portraits or micro.
On: 2008-04-05
I am well pleased with my new camera. I love the look, the size and the camera bag included it makes it convenient to carry around. As for the pictures it takes excellent pictures with great quality. Canon is number 1 in technology for picture quality.
On: 2008-04-03
I guess the best part of this camera is that it does have a separate view finder, so you dont have to use the lcd screen and battery. The image in the viewfinder is very small and a little hard to see because it is so small, but most point and shoot cameras dont have any.
The movies are OK, motion jpg. Some new manufacturers are using DviX and they are really nice. (both use AVI file types)
The flash options, even on manual mode, are limited: on off and auto, no soft focus, red eye, etc;
same with shot modes, there is macro but no super macro.
The body is a little heavier and larger than many other manufacturers. and the LCD screen is really small. The tiny point and shoot with the large LCD is something I really enjoyed with my Pentax.
When you zoom, everything is out of focus until you depress the button to take the photo, so you dont have any idea what youre going to get. You can wait for the image to focus before depressing all the way, but it takes a long time sometimes.
It is very nice that the lens retracts while youre in the mode for viewing your photos, saving battery power. Battery only lasts a few days with minimal use, but I think its about standard for these higher resolution cameras.
It may be a little thing, but I like the wrist strap it comes with. Its wound like a rope instead of flat, so it holds up better, and it has a plastic slide to tighten it around your wrist, a feature I really like (chasing a one year old around with the camera).
It comes on really fast, the zoom is steady but everything goes out of focus the second you start to zoom (on the LCD screen, the viewfinder seems to be better focus, but hard to see because the image is so small).
It takes good pictures and the color is good. You need a really fast SD card because the standard 2mb read/write time is WAY too slow. The difference is waiting seconds for a photo to write vs having it write immediately.
Then there is the price, if you want it right away (like I did), you pay top dollar.
All in all, its a good camera, got very high ratings in the reviews and I have canon cameras that are nearly a decade old that still work, so Im guessing this will hold up well too.
On: 2008-04-02
Ive owned Digital Elphs ever since they were just 2.0MP. I really loved that camera at the time but this new one is simply amazing. Each camera in the line has been a step up, although basically its the same camera. You dont have a learning curve with each new one.
12.1 Mega Pixels! It takes a hefty SD card to get plenty of photos, but you can now get an 8MP SD size for under $50.00. Even with a 4GB SD card, you get around 750 images at top resolution. This is all the resolution you will probably ever need. Youll be able to enlarge to poster size or crop areas with excellent results. But remember that for your average photos, you really dont need this much resolution. I had a Digital Elph which was 7.1MP for years and it was more than enough. There are 8.0MP Elphs available that youll be extremely pleased with. This camera is for people who know who they are.
Plus, the camera has all the bells and whistles that youve come to expect (just check out the Canon ad on Amazons website): 1,600 ASA, face detection autofocus, 2.5" screen (plus a viewfinder), pretty high resolution movies with mono sound.
Whether this is your first Digital Elph or an upgrade, you wont be disappointed: Beautiful color, high resolution and accurate auto focus, automatic lens cover, image stabilizer, decent zoom and made from a single sheet of Titanium. Youll just enjoy holding it.
I also have the Canon Digital Rebel XTi SLR and thats a magnificent camera but who wants to carry that around on a trip? This thing fits in your purse or pocket or in an optional case that slips into your belt.
Certainly Canon will further upgrade this highly successful line, but I know that Ill be happy with this one for years to come. It is simply amazing that all this technology fits into such a beautiful and small package.
On: 2008-04-02
The canon is a great pocket camera. The 12.1 MP allows for even passable digital zoom photos. Great companion to my DSLR
On: 2008-03-30
I owned the first digital camera Sony made (unfortunately it had limited internal storage and media cards had not yet been invented, transferred photos only through infrared port, and it cost twice as much as this Canon), then the Sony Mavica 400 (which cost $1000 and had to be sent back for repairs almost immediately), and a 4.0 megapixel Mustek (which has never taken good photos). This Canon PowerShot SD950IS blows the rest out of the water in ease of use, quality of photographs, size and offers several ways to download the photographs. I found out by accident that it works well with my Brother wireless printer, too. I was amazed to see the 15X total zoom, which was much easier to use than any of my previous digital cameras. The only drawback I have found is that one cannot take photos with the LCD screen turned off. I expected that a camera equipped with a viewfinder would allow me to take photos using the viewfinder only, but I was wrong. Canon should correct this as there are several instances where you would not want the LCD screen to light up when taking photographs--why else put a viewfinder on a camera? I have been very disappointed with Sony because they drop product support almost as soon as they stop making a particular model. For instance, the Mavica CD disks are no longer sold and they never upgraded the software for my first Sony beyond Windows 95. I will be curious to see what Canon does with product support when this camera model is no longer being manufactured. It was the main reason I decided not to buy another Sony. I will say that the Canon works well with WindowsME, Windows XP, and Vista. Having bought a now useless Sony photo printer with my first Sony camera, I will not purchase any photo printers again--the photos print very well with regular ink jet printers.
On: 2008-03-27
I am giving five stars to this camera. I particularly love its video recording function. It is the best among all the digital cameras (DVs exluded, of course) I have ever tried.
On: 2008-03-26
Have owned several over the last 10 years. And used many others. This is the best on the market, bar none!
Especially important is flash range.
On: 2008-03-24
As with all Canon pocket digital cameras. the SD950IS is a winner. As the owner of the progression of Canon digitals, this one is probably the best. And, the price is reasonable.
On: 2008-03-16
I really cant say it any better than the great reviews done already on this brilliant little camera. I carry it with me everywhere, everyday and it continues to amaze me. I do a good bit of photography and my only question would be why Canon left out the ability of this camera to have a RAW setting/data. Panasonic does on a few of its point and shoots. I use both a Canon 5D full size SLR (12 MP) and a Canon 1Ds Mark III (21 MP) and this little Powershot really impresses me for its size, picture quality and unbelievably long features list. Really hard to go wrong here.
On: 2008-03-10
I love this camera. I dont think Ive used it to its potential since I havent read the manual. I had the old canon powershot 3.2 for the past 5 years so it was easy to figure out how to use this one. The cnet review said the shutter speed is slow but I thought it was fast enough for basic photo taking. One of the best feature is when you are reviewing your photos you can pivet the camera and the image with change orientation automatically...amazing. My original canon is over 5 years old but takes great pics and still works but needed a higher resolution camera. This shows the quality of the canon product lasting 5 years without a hitch.
Bought the camera from this vendor. Was worried because I usually buy from amazon directly but was surprisely happy how quickly the package came in the mail. Good price for the camera and the nice coach camera case.
On: 2008-03-06
Ive been a Canon fan for a number of years and rely upon my Canon 40d as my primary camera. The dslr provides me the range of photographic creativity I often seek however it is not convenient to carry 24/7. That said I found myself simply missing a lot of opportunities to capture those spontaneous moments of joy that we all experience in life. The Canon SD950IS was the solution for me. Great Canon quality coupled with a 12.1MP processor and stablized zoom not only yields a top quality output but best of all I can tuck this tiny feature rich camera in my pocket and have it available where ever I go. Some of my best pictures have been taken with this camera because I had the right equipment at the right time and captured a special moment that would have otherwise been just a memory.
Ken Stempson
 On: 2008-03-06
The shutters lag on this camera is just undeliverable. It you want to shoot static objects it will work OK. But if you are trying to shoot your 2-year-old toddler, it is going to be very challenging.
I have had S100, S110, S230, SD550, and SD700 in the past. They all performed much better than SD950.
I would not recommend SD950!
On: 2008-03-04
Has everything the G9 has and more. Canon PowerShot SD950IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 3.7x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Titanium)
On: 2008-03-03
The case is a nice genuine Coach brand bag, although made in China--I assume like the rest of the Coach line. The bag is very snug fitting which is nice, however, the metal zipper on the bag is sharp and scratches across the camera screen. My wife made a nice fabric bag to act as an inner liner to protect the camera as it goes in and out of the bag. This didnt work though because the Coach bag is so tight fitting it wont squeeze in. An when she made a liner out of silk, it is so fine, it gets caught in the metal zipper. SO, with all that said, about the bag, the camera is fantastic. The digital face finder is amazing and it is leaps and bounds above our 4 year old SD450.
Overall, the COACH edition is NOT worth the money, better to spend the extra $50 on a nice bag of your own :)
On: 2008-03-01
I read many reviews here and elsewhere before purchasing this camera. Get a good memory card and the shot repeat time is faster than advertised. I wanted a camera that took Widescreen resolution photos so the photos would display very well on a large HDTV, the major reason I went with so many mega-pixels, otherwise, you may want to look at other PowerShots. Overall, I find the interface easy enough to use and I dont know much about photography. Its auto-focus is fine, stabilization is fine, Im not certain but I think it lags a little bit when adjusting for lighting conditions. Its an excellent camera if you want the res. The videos good enough for posting the kids activities to the web for relatives. So I feel I have a quality all-in-one for my needs.
On: 2008-02-26
I just purchased this camera as a replacement of my SD100 before going to a trip. The photos taken are just marvelous particularly it has a manual mode which provides a better flash control in extreme lighting condition. I have tried SD800, SD850 and even SD870 in the camera stores but they are not as polished as this one. However, the image is sometimes rotated 90 degree in the review mode. The software package comes with the camera is way much better than the one comes with Sony. Also, Canon should improve the design of how the USB cable is connected. It is awkward to plug in the cable to the connector due to the cover.
For the size and price of a compact digital camera, I cant think of any other better camera.
On: 2008-02-23
I decided on the SD950IS after considering many pocket sized models, including the Casio and Sony models. I looked at photos posted on the review sites and on enthusiast websites. I own a Nikon DSLR which takes excellent photos, but it is too expensive and bulky for the majority of shooting occasions. I love to capture those memorable spontaneous moments that can only be taken with a small, fast pocket sized camera, but I am not willing to accept poor quality photos to achieve this goal.
After using the Canon SD950 camera for about a month, it is clear that it will be my primary camera. It takes crisp clear quality shots very quickly, from power on and frame to frame, subject to subject. The built-in features are impressive, even compared with my DSLR, although I doubt I use some of the more esoteric functions. I sometimes miss the lack of complete manual shutter/aperture control, but I remind myself what the purpose of this camera is.
I consider this a high end point and shoot, quality built and semi-rugged, that takes really impressive photos for its size. It feels solid and pleasant to hold and control, and the display is sharp, bright, and anti-glare coated. The basic controls are simple, and I have found the movie mode to be much more enjoyable and useful than I had thought it would be. It really takes nice looking 480p movies, and doesnt seem to have any problem with over 10 minutes of continuous shooting on the Sandisk Extreme 4 Gb memory card I installed. Once again, I have a dedicated video camera that is capable of better video quality, but if I want a quick spontaneous movie with the Canon, it is ready to go and surprisingly nice viewing. I like the fact that it takes .avi movies that can be easily played on any computer or made into a disc.
On: 2008-02-15
This is a great little camera, but it is not for those who want something very simple such as a "point and shoot". While it has an "auto" mode, it also has 10 preset other modes that can be somewhat tailored to your particular operating situation, and also a "manual" mode which has significantly more adjustment capability. However you cannot set shutter speed if that is important to you. The Users Guide is approximately 240 pages long and quite well written (in English, not foreign spoken "English"), although most people will not read it.
Before purchasing, I debated between this 12MP camera with a 2.5" LCD and separate viewfinder, and the SD870IS with 8MP and larger 3" LCD but no viewfinder. I would have been satisfied with either, but chose the SD950IS for my particular usage primarily because of it will take 4000x3000 pixel images (12MP). It should be noted you can also take smaller images with both cameras (8MP, 5MP, 2MP and 0.3MP for the SD950IS) which will allow putting more on the memory card (you will want to buy a separate memory card because the one that comes is only 32MB; I bought a 2GB which should store more than 300 images at the highest settings). While the layout of the controls are slightly different on each camera, they are basically the same.
I have not used the movie mode.
The included software is pretty good, although it is not as extensive as the specialized photo software from Adobe.
My main complaint is that it is very difficult to open the cover door to connect the camera to a computer to download the images, and someone with large fingers may not be able to do it easily. Also that door is very flimsy and if not handled carefully might break off.
Plan to read and study the entire Users Manual to get the full benefits of this camera. Canon makes good products.
While I found other stores advertising the SD950IS for a significantly lower price than Amazon, when I called them and tried to order it, I was told it would be 4-6 weeks even though their web site said it was "in stock". Be careful with other stores; Amazon shipped it free in 3 days (however it was by USPS and took 6 more days). And Amazon will refund any price reduction within 30 days (I have received it).
On: 2008-02-13
Camera was easy to setup and use. All features are well thought out. The lcd screen is larger which makes it easier to view. Excellent photos. Compact and lightweight design.
On: 2008-02-10
This camera has performed flawlessly. I am very satisfied with it and look forward every time I am about to go and take more photographs.
On: 2008-02-10
I have owned several Elphs in the past two years. This seems to be the best yet. It is a little heavier than my Powershot 850IS. The few pictures I have taken measure up to Canon quality. I use the Canon 30D and Xti as my regular cameras. The Elph is always around in case there is a shot too good to pass up!
On: 2008-02-09
I use this product for work. I take 300 to 500 photos a week, some macro and the others on auto. I am not a professional photographer, but I have zero complaints with the camera. I love the size, simplicity, and I have had to read the book to check out several features but they are not complicated. However, I have the resolution set down a bit - I really have no use for a HUGE photo, but I guess if I need one someday, Ill have the capability. And the battery lasts me over a week for each charge, though I did buy a backup (still in the package). And I love the little green squares that pop up on the screen to identify my focus area. It lets me know that I am focusing on the correct focus point.
On: 2008-02-08
I purchased this camera after extensive research. I have three kids and I love taking pictures. I have no time for the SLR so a point and shoot was my only option. I bought the Nikon S3 when it first came out (before reviews) and I regret it. It takes AWEFUL lowlight pictures. I checked out the new Sony and it had all sorts of fun things including the touch screen but it took rotten lowlight pictures as well. I also checked out Olympus, Panasonic, another Canon and Pentex and none of them took good lowlight pictures.
Things I do miss about the Nikon - 1) Docking station for battery charging and uploading. Great feature. 2) Date stamping on every picture if I want. 3) More compact 4) Backlight mode 5) On camera cropping
Cons with the Canon - 1) the USB cable compartment is VERY hard to open and you can barely get the cable in. I fear that the door will eventually break. 2) No ability to perform on camera cropping.
Make sure you buy an extra battery and a bigger memory card.
On: 2008-02-08
Great camera for the size, fits in my pocket but I can still take great close up shots and fantastic true color high rez photos. The pets and children setting was a surprise! When I needed to take a picture of a very energetic dog I was able to catch the pose instantly with no delay of the camera. I am not really a camera special effects guy as I usually can doctor up my photos on my computer software but there are some fun settings that I have never used before. The software that comes with the camera is nothing to get excited about but it does the job if you just do the basics like color saturation, balance and crop.
 On: 2008-02-06
I liked this camera for the few days I had it. I thought the review button was an interesting new addition but it stopped working after a few uses. I returned it for a refund and am keeping my trusty SD900 which has just as good a picture. When I checked the Canon web site for troubleshooting tips this problem did come up and all they could say was to return it to Canon for repair. A $400 camera should not have to be repaired right away so back it went.
On: 2008-01-29
As the satisfied owner of a Nikon digital SLR, I originally purchased the Nikon P5100 point & shoot as a holiday gift, but soon found that sluggish low-light focusing was a problem with that model. I returned the Nikon and replaced it with the Canon SD950IS. I couldnt be more pleased with the unit. It has a solid feel, excellent fit & finish (I like the durable titanium shell), excellent resolution on the 2.5 inch LCD and takes terrific shots right out of the box. Canon packs a LOT of technology into a very small package. The enclosed 32MB memory card will get you up and running, but only holds about 10 high-resolution shots, so youll want to upgrade to a 2-4GB. Its not a replacement for a quality SLR, but it does a terrific job as a convenient, compact, high-quality point & shoot. I hightly recommend it.
On: 2008-01-28
I think this is a great camera. I love the ability to take pictures up close. Our previous camera, a Kodak, couldnt focus on anything closer than about 3.5 feet away. I will say that the Kodak was far more user friendly though. One thing I liked about the Kodak that this Canon does not have was the feature of telling how many more pictures you can put on your memory card before it is full. I cant seem to find that anywhere on the Canon. But overall the Canon SD950IS is an excellent camera that I would certainly recommend to anyone looking for a good point and shoot camera.
On: 2008-01-28
I purchased the SD950 about 2 weeks ago when I sold my Canon G7 on Amazon. The G7 was a better camera. It took better indoor pictures, have more manual controls, and its in black and doesnt show any picture prints.
However, the SD950 is only better in turns of size. Its a compact camera that you can carry it all way long just in case you need to take a shot.
The G7 is bulky and heavy, so you dont really want to carry it around for no reason. The G9 is the same except for some difference like it can record in RAW format and the LCD can swing out. The G9 is the best camera with movie mode out in the market if you dont mind the weight and size.
On: 2008-01-27
Im a Canon convert with this camera. Ive had several small point and shoot cameras - this is hands-down the best Ive owned. The previous one had some serious issues with the images, they were over-processed - detail was fuzzed out and there was nothing you could do about it. Some of the megapixel race cameras (that was 10mp) have issues because of that in-camera processing. This Canon has absolutely excellent quality images, and the camera is everything I could hope for in a camera this size. Im amazed how well the SD950 captures the essence of light - previous cameras have been a compromise but this camera captures sunsets, clouds, vegetation, people with life-like colors. The face recognition technology makes amazingly good people shots. I like the tiny format for being able to take it with me all the time - I can bring my DSLR on planned outings, but the little Canon is always ready.
I have pretty big hands and this camera is easy for me to grip and handle - other reviews noted this and they are absolutely correct. It looks sleek and smooth, but its nearly perfect in terms of gripping it and controlling it.
All-in-all, this seems to be the nearly perfect shirt pocket point and shoot camera!
Pros:
Pocketable, viewfinder (small but better than not having one), bright and wide view LCD display, intuitive simple controls, nice telephoto zoom, image stabilization, easy menu operation, automatic modes almost always capture what you want, excellent - especially for a 12mp camera - images, superb movie mode, decent album and editing software, easy downloading.
Cons:
Limited manual operation, while shooting, thumb can open battery door if youre not careful, USB door barely opens enough to get plug in.
On: 2008-01-27
This is my 3 digital Canon and I love it. The quality of pictures are 2nd to none. Just got back from Hawaii and my friends kept haveing me take their picture because of how much better the picture I would get with the Canon. The anti-shake feature is awesome for those zoom ins that traditionaly you would have to be perfectly still inorder to not get a blurry picture. The software that comes with it makes it easy to store pics on your CPU. Best camera Ive owned.
On: 2008-01-27
It is very good camera. I can take picture even in the dark room. It is very nice and fine picture.
On: 2008-01-25
My former digital camera is a Nikon 4500 that was 6 years old, cost $700+, and is still working. The Canon was a major jump in MP count, size reduction, SDHC storage, and convenience. 12MP really is overkill in many cases. It produces image files from 2-6+ MB, which takes up a large amount of storage and has such detail that you can zoom and crop, but how many of us will take advantage of this on a regular basis?
Even with image stabilization Ive had a few shots come out blurry, even though I hold and take the photo as if there is no stabilization. There is no full manual mode , however there are several pre-set modes for different settings and events. The aiaf-artificially intelligent auto focus as well as the face detection, mode of autofocus are also spotty and will focus on some very strange spots at times, which requires you to refocus or reframe the shot.
The unit itself is small, light, well constructed. The only part that seems poorly thought out is the cover for the mini-usb and headphones ports. Hard to get open and awkward.
Controls are very intuitive and well placed. Menu system is simple with easy navigation. The camera turns on fast and also has a fast auto focus. The LCD is large, clear, bright, and very nice.
Being able to use the camera to take video that is limited to 1 hour is also a nice feature. Perfect for capturing short clips, events, scenery, etc.
After researching, reading reviews, etc., the only major concern is the motor used to drive the lens assembly. There are people who have this drive fail, rendering the camera useless and Canon has not admitted to any defect or fixed the issue, but it could be a limited concern.
Overall this is a great pocket camera. Some of the drawbacks, such as no true manual mode are not really legitimate, since this camera is not exactly a digital SLR, but it does serve the needs and purpose for which it is designed.
 On: 2008-01-25
After waiting more than a month for the Coach edition to ship, I finally received today. I was completely dismayed at the Coach case for the camera. I have a Canon Powershop SD500 Elph Coach edition which came with a magnetic snap case. It worked great..just open the flap and slip the camera out in a flash. This new fiasco of a case with the SD950IS has a zippered enclosure which must be fully unzipped to remove the camera. Even worse, you have to force the camera through the gaping rows of metal teeth to get it in or out. One of the minor complaints about the camera voiced by some is how easily it scratches. I imagine mine will have grooves from the zipper teeth as I take the camera in or out. Bottom Line: Buy the regular(non-Coach) edition and use the savings to purchase a decent case that is easy to remove the camera from and which doesnt sratch the devil out of it!!!
On: 2008-01-25
It does what it should for a point and shoot so I read allot about all these issues. You will not find much better with these features in a point and shoot. I have 4 point and shoots, different brands and I have 3 full size cams that put all of the little ones to shame but that is what you pay for as well as the hassle to carry them around where these little point and shoots are gr8 for quickies and carrying in your pocket.
On: 2008-01-25
It does what it should for a point and shoot so I read allot about all these issues, but I guess everyone is different and different situations create issues individually. I have had no problems using my camera and it certainly does best outdoors in daylight. Like with any camer you must read about it and learn settings and TEST those settings to find out what works for you!
You will not find much better with these features in a point and shoot. I have 4 point and shoots, different brands and I have 3 full size cams that put all of the little ones to shame but that is what you pay for as well as the hassle to carry them around where these little point and shoots are gr8 for quickies and carrying in your pocket.
If you can test drive one of these do so, if you have friends/relatives that may have it or another brand ask if you can use it for a day and see what you like and or compare as you test a couple different cameras.
It is a solid well built camera with loads of built in modes to select from providing a huge array of settings and situations in which to take photos.
On: 2008-01-25
I had a 7.1 MP Canon and I when I saw this one I had to get one. I absolutely love it. It is durable, fast, and does everything I need. The one gripe I have is the battery cover keeps open due to the way I hold it. It is kind of a pain but it is not a huge problem. It takes the most amazing pictures and the image stabilization helps with the fast and one handed pictures. I like this camera so much I have already bought it for my brothers family.
On: 2008-01-24
This is a great camera - a little complicated for novice. But the quaility of the pictures that this camera takes is great. I got a great price from the vendor on Amazon and the camera was delivered quickly during the holiday season.
On: 2008-01-23
excellent camera that takes beautiful pictures. nice LCD screen. compact design. highly recommend. excellent price from amazon.
On: 2008-01-21
This is a strikingly beautiful gift to give and receive. The camera is an unbelievable 12 MP and is wonderful to use, slim and silver and elegant. The case is distinctively Coach and very functional and beautiful to carry. The set even has a plastic-encased metal neck-strap that is very elegant, and a camera card so you can start taking pictures right away. Its expensive, but its worth it because you get your moneys worth in function and style.
On: 2008-01-21
Easy to use. Obtains great photos. Easy to customize particular shots. Small and easy to transport.
On: 2008-01-20
Ive owned around a dozen digital cameras over the years and have always been in search of the Holy Grail of image quality. I finally found it 2 years ago with the Canon EOS 5D, a full-frame 12.3 megapixel DSLR. Recently, I decided to see if I could find a compact that even came close to the 5D. Well, guess what? Here it is. Aside from the 5D, this is the best camera I have ever used. Hands down the image quality is as superb as it comes...smooth, crisp, well exposed, and clean. I now have a take-anywhere to just throw in my pocket when the 5D would be overkill. Trust me when I say that this camera will be a legend. It is that good. In fact, Ill likely pick up another one when its succcesor comes out and the price drops.
On: 2008-01-18
I have to admit that I have been sold on Canon cameras for a long time now. I do not even look anywhere else. I own a 30D and 5D and this camera rounds out my "spur of the moment take a picture" need. The features continue to impress me - especially the auto rotate feature when previewing pictures. The 12mb picture size allows me to take poster size pictures. After its initial introduction I waited several weeks until the price came down and have been rewarded accordingly.
On: 2008-01-18
This is a great camera. It takes excellent pics. I love the face recognition, and the ability to correct red-eye on the camera. It is a sturdy camera with lots of features. I have only had it a couple of months, but think it was well worth the money. I also like the fact that it is small, but powerful. I love the slrs, but do not always have room to carry a large camera. My last two digital cams were Kodak and they were ok, but the picture quality is much better with the Canon. I would recommend this camera for anyone.
On: 2008-01-18
camera was much easier to setup than other brands owned before. its very easy to operate,says my wife, and she admits to being a real newbie to cameras. battery holds a good charge, read long time. software is easy to use also. first canon product ever owned, but not the last. this camera fits in my shirt pocket and i take it almost everywhere i go. very light titanium frame, that allows very much use withoutarm fatigue. would recommend as a beginners camera, due to ease of operation and quality camera. go first class for just a few dollars more! its worth every penny!
On: 2008-01-18
When I use this camera, people wanna look at it and hold it. It takes excellent pictures, is stylish, and was a great price for the newest technology in cameras. I would recommend it to anyone.
On: 2008-01-18
This camera is a replacement for my Canon SD 300 which has been a wonderful camera. However, it needed some updating to the latest technology. The SD950 contains just about anything you could ask for in a small very portable camera. The face recognition works very well as does the internal ability to correct red eye. Obviously most people do not need a 12.1 MP camera for typical shots, but there are times when you want to do significant pixel modifications when you do need all the pixel you can get. The image stabilization help considerably. Before I had to take low light shots with the timer to prevent shake just by pushing the shot button--now I can take a shot in lower light conditions (when I dont want flash) without the fuss. The screen resolution is excellent and viewable from good side angles. The secret to great candid shots is having the camera with you. This is small and light enough to put in your pocket or purse or attach to your belt with a small case so you can always be ready to shoot. Leave your SLR at home unless you know in advance what you are going to be shooting and keep the SD8950IS handy. I use this more than any of my other digital cameras.
On: 2008-01-14
The Canon SD 950IS takes good pictures, but the change from a relatively cubicle shape to a jelly-bean shape makes it hard to hold, and difficult to place on a flat surface. Also, it is much thicker than our SD750, and the bulk makes itself felt when trying to hold the camera for multiple pictures. It simply does not fall into the hand the way the SD750 does. This appears to be change for the sake of change, rather than a real improvement. We find that we continue to use the SD750 more than the recently purchased SD950IS.
On: 2008-01-13
Last year I got a Vivitar camera for my girlfriend and it bummed us both out. No matter what we did it took 5 second from click to shoot. Settings, lighting conditions, all kinds of changes and it didnt matter. 1.. 2.. 3.. 4.. 5.. ding!
By then people lost their happy face and replaced it with a blink, a fake happy face, etc... My girlfriend is a big scrapbook nut and this camera was driving her nuts...
NOT ANY MORE!
I got her the Canon camera and now her only problem is she has too many photos to scrap with... Click wah...ding! Not even a second goes by unless we are in really dark lighting or we are moving. Then it makes adjustments and still it is like 1, t... ding!
She can get action shots now. Great since both of our kids are in sports. She used to have to guess 5 seconds before her daughter hit a ball or 5 second before my son poll vaulted over the bar or 5 second before my son took down another wrestler... It was maddening!
I would suggest getting the SanDisk 4 GB Extreme III SDHC Card with MicroMate USB 2.0 Reader (SDSDRX3-4096-A21, Retail Package) San Disk 4 GB Extreme III. Your pictures at 12mp are going to be large and you need 4 Gb to take 100 photos. It is extreme on the data transfer so you can click, click, click and not wait for the transfers to happen. Plus, it has a USB reader included so if you are somewhere that doesnt read SanDisk cards, you have a USB solution.
On: 2008-01-02
Just started using this camera, but am amazed at the sharpness of the photos. Always liked my Olympus, but I think this is going to be my favorite!
On: 2008-01-02
Has more features than I will ever use but comes very close to a dslr in quality of photos and ability to do manual settings.
On: 2008-01-02
I am very happy, this machine works very good.
Is my first digital powershot.
On: 2008-01-01
I am very happy, this machine works very good.
Is my first digital powershot.
On: 2007-12-31
This is one of the nicest, fastest, well built cameras I have ever seen.
Startup times are near instant, from the push of the power button you will be ready to snap.
Menus are well-designed and laid out in a logical, easy to use setup.
Image quality is fantastic. The face detection feature works as described, and colors are clear and vibrant.
Overall, this is one of the best cameras.
Definitely a BUY!
On: 2007-12-31
Ive had a dozen different digital cameras from vivitar to casio, sony and cannons alike. this camera however, offers the mega pixels of a DSLR on a point and shoot. The lcd is big, bright and beautiful and it has a viewfinder as well and offers tons of little tricks. i love it!
On: 2007-12-31
I just returned from a photo shoot at the beach using my new Canon PowerShot SD950IS (with a SanDisk 2GB Extreme III SD card), and my Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1 MP SLR camera (with a SanDisk 2GB Ultra II CF card) with a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens. I had each camera set to the maximum resolution, and took a number of "identical" pictures with each camera. I fully expected the Digital Rebel (2 lbs, 15 oz) to outperform the SD950IS (6.5 oz). To my amazement, the result was just the opposite. The detail, sharpness, clarity and color in the photos taken with the SD950IS were noticeably better. I dont intend to ditch the Digital Rebel, but will definitely feel that Im not compromising on quality when I leave the bulk behind and travel with the SD950IS.
On: 2007-12-30
I have found the camera takes good pictures but paying extra money for the titanium construction is a joke. the titanium is very thin and almost like plastic. i carry tha camera in my pocket and it has scratches near the battery cover. also the battery cover doesnt lock shut. most times when i pull it out of my pocket the cover pops open. i put a thin piece of duct tape over the cover to keep it shut.
my son carries a olympus stylus 770sw. pictures arent quite as good but built like a tank. waterproof and shockproof. if you use occasionally canon is fine. for everyday use olympus much more durable
On: 2007-12-30
This is my second PowerShot in the series. I loved my SD900, but it didnt have Image Stabilization. It makes a huge difference on this current camera and the pictures look much better. I think the colors are a bit more vibrant too. I bought it as my "carry camera" when I dont want to lug around my Rebel XT. Nice small camera. Fits well in my shirt pocket. Very sturdy feel and construction. May be too small for people with big hands. Picture quality is great.
The SD950IS looks almost identical to the earlier models and shares the nice sturdy, high-quality feel that has made these cameras quite popular.
I had a great time with the earlier version of this camera on my trip to Disney World. Was able to tweak the ISO settings to take pictures w/o flash in very dim areas. ISO 3200 mode was quite fun to play with. You pay a price for the noise introduced in the pictures, but its still a clear picture where you may not normally be able to take one. At normal ISO settings, the pictures are clear with vibrant colors. The Image stabilization on the SD950IS should make for even more flexibility and fun.
Ive also been impressed by the movie mode on this camera and its ability to make decent (not fantastic) movies in fairly low light.
Like others, I wish the camera had more manual control, but for most purposes its fine. When I need more control, I can use my Rebel XT. Suggest you buy at least a 2GB SD card. I also recommend Lowepro Ridge 10 (Arctic Blue) as a small camera case.
On: 2007-12-28
Its a great camera, and it was a great deal from Amazon!
The problem with Canon digital cameras is that your lens become stuck eventually and the repairing costs are expensive (if the camera is not in its guarantee period).
On: 2007-12-27
I got, well...asked for this camera for Christmas...I got it early to try it out to make sure I liked it. I used to have a Canon Powershot S70...LOVED it!! However, it was stolen when I accidently left it in the bathroom for 10 minutes. I figured I had that camera since 2004 and I was sure new technology had come out since then and wanted something smaller.
Its and OK camera. Sure, its smaller than my Powershot S70 but all of my pictures have red eyes, even with the reduction on. And, the face sensor starts out cool but as soon as you go to actually take the picture it reduces down to one face. And, the dial on this...look closely as compared to the other new Powershot cameras easily turns. You might have it in your pocket or purse and pull it out and not notice that its no longer on the auto mode but on the manual mode because it turns too easily.
I am going to take this camera back and get a less expensive camera to take out and might even order my old Canon Powershot S70 again since it took GREAT pics...
Another thing...Im not seeing the 12.1 megapixel difference. Sure, you can zoom but really...with this type of camera...how big are you going to blow those pictures up...if your a pro - you will have a much better camera.
Save the $$$ and go with something that takes good pics and if you want pro pics...invest it the technology.
Now that Ive written this...dont out bid me on ebay for that Powershot S70 - youll see how good it is that even after it coming out in 2004 still fetches $300 on ebay - USED... back in 2004 I paid $500 for it...
And, if youre reading this and are the person that took that Powershot S70 out of that bathroom in Ft. Worth, TX - hope youre enjoying this review and please send me all of the great pics I took from that night.
Cheers,
Chase
On: 2007-12-26
I got, well...asked for this camera for Christmas...I got it early to try it out to make sure I liked it. I used to have a Canon Powershot S70...LOVED it!! However, it was stolen when I accidently left it in the bathroom for 10 minutes. I figured I had that camera since 2004 and I was sure new technology had come out since then and wanted something smaller.
Its and OK camera. Sure, its smaller than my Powershot S70 but all of my pictures have red eyes, even with the reduction on. And, the face sensor starts out cool but as soon as you go to actually take the picture it reduces down to one face. And, the dial on this...look closely as compared to the other new Powershot cameras easily turns. You might have it in your pocket or purse and pull it out and not notice that its no longer on the auto mode but on the manual mode because it turns too easily.
I am going to take this camera back and get a less expensive camera to take out and might even order my old Canon Powershot S70 again since it took GREAT pics...
Another thing...Im not seeing the 12.1 megapixel difference. Sure, you can zoom but really...with this type of camera...how big are you going to blow those pictures up...if your a pro - you will have a much better camera.
Save the $$$ and go with something that takes good pics and if you want pro pics...invest it the technology.
Now that Ive written this...dont out bid me on ebay for that Powershot S70 - youll see how good it is that even after it coming out in 2004 still fetches $300 on ebay - USED... back in 2004 I paid $500 for it...
And, if youre reading this and are the person that took that Powershot S70 out of that bathroom in Ft. Worth, TX - hope youre enjoying this review and please send me all of the great pics I took from that night.
Cheers,
Chase
On: 2007-12-26
This camera cost so much money compared to the blurry pics it creates. If something isnt standing completly still then the pic blurs. For example my new born nieces were sitting in cribs. I went to take a pic and the camera has huge lag beofre taking, then Sofia moved her head to the left and all i got was a blurred pic. This has happend on more the 50% of my pics and it is upsetting. I had a canon before this one and it s=did the same thing. I figured for more money I would get rid of that problem, but nope. Also I hear this camera has a problem some "E??" error. I would check it out becaus eit is supposed to render the camera useless. So if you do buy this item well i wish you the best of luck.
On: 2007-12-26
I bought the camera for my wife as a Christmas gift. I guess I just expected something better for the price. The picture quality outdoors is decent, NOT GREAT. Picture quality indoors with low lighting is not that great - typical for digital cameras. I also did the manual selection and raised the iso but the pictures turned out too grainy. I used to own the first Canon G series (3 megapixel) bought it more than 5 years ago and the quality is almost the same. The only thing I like about this camera is that its compact and it comes with a great software for organizing the pictures (GREAT SOFTWARE!!!). If youre looking for something that takes great picture and not too concern about the size, I would suggest looking into the Canon G series or Nikkon D40.
On: 2007-12-24
I just got this as an early Christmas present and I love it. The pix are gorgeous, the controls are intuitively layed out and quick to use, and it has just enough manual controls to make it interesting but not so many that it becomes confusing. I have a Rebel XTi, and Im getting as good or better point and shoot pix with this little 950, probably because its so lightweight and quick to use. Ive missed a lot of shots with the Rebel while I futzed with settings. Also, I like composing the shot by looking at the LCD screen on the back, rather than peering thru a viewfinder. I can better see whats happening with the subject I want to shoot and I just think I get better shots that way.
The camera is small but not so tiny that it gets lost in your hand. Image Stabilization is good. I have a habit of breathing in as I adjust the shot, then holding my breath when I take the photo to minimize camera shake, and that works well. The pix are sharp and the color is very real-to-life in Auto Mode. You can set the ISO to 1600 to get pix in low light without using the flash. I havent gotten much red-eye with the flash tho, except on the dog.
Overall, very nice. Looks good, feels well made; good Canon quality. Im very happy with it.
On: 2007-12-20
The problem with the SD950 camera is the same as other SD cameras, the design of the panels leaves big gaps between the panels (mostly on the top of the camera), this camera has realy big gap problem. Canon has cut some corners to save money and this makes the camera look cheap. It is a shame because the material used for the outer panels is of excellent quality.
The plastic battery door is also cheap and flimsy.
Suggestion for the next SD: more screws to well tight the outer panels, and better battery doors, and, please, keep production in Japan!
The best SD camera so far: SD850.
On: 2007-12-19
The problem with the SD950 camera is the same as other SD cameras, the design of the panels leaves big gaps between the panels (mostly on the top of the camera), this camera has realy big gap problem. Canon has cut some corners to save money and this makes the camera look cheap. It is a shame because the material used for the outer panels is of excellent quality.
The plastic battery door is also cheap and flimsy.
Suggestion for the next SD: more screws to well tight the outer panels, and better battery doors, and, please, keep production in Japan!
The best SD camera so far: SD850.
On: 2007-12-16
I just bought this camera 1 week ago. I did a lot of reading reviews, since thats all I could do. they dont cary this camera in stores that you can check it out. I biught it to my sorprise, too much hype for nothing! I have a Canon S410 4mega pixels and it have the same features and the same quality pics! I am a Marine so I take pics of cool stuff on base and the camera its just a waste of money. If you want to have a nice looking camera this is the camera for you. I would sudgess to you to buy a S410 for 100 bucks insted of the 950
On: 2007-12-15
I love this camera.
I am still exploring all the features this thing has, and may never get to fully utilize them all. The face detection feature is...fantastic. The Auto image stabalization...great. The video capture, with sound I might add, seems pretty good so far too. It even works well in low light.
The screen doesnt wash out at all as far as I can tell, even in direct sunlight.
All together this camera makes a great package that fits in your pocket just as well as most modern cell phones.
Also, this camera looks so good that you just want to show it to everybody...but not let them touch!
If there is a down side, it is that the compact camera range right now has limited optical zoom. Maybe the next generation of Compacts will have 10X or more optical zooms.......cant wait!!
On: 2007-12-11
I just purchased this camera and have taken some great photos. The 12MP really makes a difference, its amazing how clear the pictures are. The camera does well in the dark as well, you just have to find the right setting. So for people complaining that this doesnt work in the dark, dont listen, mine works perfectly both in the dark and light. It also has some features that other cameras dont have, such as red eye reduction, and pictures in the dark come out really bright also due to an enhancing feature. I owned a sony before and I can say with certainty that this camera convinced me of the canon superiority. Also, I noticed a lot of people complained (rightly so) about the grainy pictures that other canon SD models take, well this one doesnt do that, the pictures are VERY clear. The only downside is that it does not have a battery indicator (well, it does, but it only tells you either when its full or completely empty). I was hesitant to buy this since it just came out, but I have been extremely impressed with the features and improvements over earlier (SD800, SD870) Canon models that I tried in the store. Overall, I would say that this is a very good camera, you wont regret buying it. If anybody wants to see some photos that I have taken, e-mail me at asimion@emory.edu. I dont know how to post them on here, but if you want to see some, e-mail me.
On: 2007-12-08
This is a great camera. Lots of options and easy to use. The battery lasts a long time before needing charged and charges in just a couple of hours. I went on a 5 day trip and only needed to charge it one time. The only thing that Ive had any kind of issue with is the battery/card cover door. It is located on the bottom of the camera and seems to be easily dislodged. It hasnt caused any problems though because it is on a hinge.
On: 2007-12-07
ASIN Canon SD950IS digital elph.
This is simply the best compact digital camera Ive used. After having an Olympus digital camera and 2 canon SLRs (Digital) and having gotten tired of the bulk and weight, this camera really fillls the bill. It is compact as they come, fits in my shirt pocket and takes exquisite photos. I am totally pleased with it. It is also appealing to handle and use. I couldnt be happier with my choice and as always, Amazon made purchase and delivery a breeze. I like the large LED screen and have stopped using the viewfinder all toghther. This is my one gripe is that the range finder and LED display show totally different size images and it is hard to know which one is going to record. I thoroughly recommend the camera inspite of its cost for a compact digital.
On: 2007-12-07
This camera is fantastic. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great, durable, high quality camera. You will need more hard drive space. The photos range from 2.5Mb to 4.5Mb at the 12Mb setting.
I would also recommend buying the 4Gb Sandisk Extreme III disk, it will reduce the read/write time speeding up performance.
Used this camera on our trip to New Zealand and took some great pictures.
The camera boots and takes a photo in < 2 secs, great for unexpected shots.
Very satisfied with this camera. Great job Canon.
On: 2007-12-06
This camera is fantastic. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great, durable, high quality camera. You will need more hard drive space. The photos range from 2.5Mb to 4.5Mb at the 12Mb setting.
I would also recommend buying the 4Gb Sandisk Extreme III disk, it will reduce the read/write time speeding up performance.
Used this camera on our trip to New Zealand and took some great pictures.
The camera boots and takes a photo in < 2 secs, great for unexpected shots.
Very satisfied with this camera. Great job Canon.
On: 2007-12-04
It is an excellent, well-built and compact camera overall. It does most of things well for its size. No camera is perfect for all occasions. However, the design of Powershot cameras needs to be updated soon!
On: 2007-12-03
It is an excellent, well-built and compact camera overall. It does most of things well for its size. No camera is perfect for all occasions. However, the design of Powershot cameras needs to be updated soon!
On: 2007-12-02
I just received my Canon PowerShot SD950IS and am thrilled. Having started with a 2.1mp and then going on to a 5mp camera, I was anxious to graduate to a 10+ mp camera so that I could capture more detailed photos and experiment with light, color, etc. I have had several digital cameras.......Fugi, Olympus, 5mp Canon Elph, and now my SD950IS. Back when 35 mm cameras were the thing to use, it was always Canon........and I will remain a faithful customer. Because I travel frequently, a great camera is a must and I cannot wait to test this out on a sunny island. I have taken several practice shots around home and am so impressed with results. The camera has mega features that not only add to its appeal, but will also allow the owner to experiment in order to capture the perfect photo. I also own a Canon Elura 100 which fits perfectly into a small camera case, alongside my new SD950IS. I have passed my 5mp Canon on to my 14 year old grandson and he is thrilled and already taking some wonderful photos....like his grandmother, he too, is hooked on Canon .
On: 2007-11-25
We were quite disappointed with the inside, close shots in relatively low light. It was very difficult to produce good photos that were well focused. We may return to an 8 MP camera; our hopes were unfulfilled.
On: 2007-11-24
We were quite disappointed with the inside, close shots in relatively low light. It was very difficult to produce good photos that were well focused. We may return to an 8 MP camera; our hopes were unfulfilled.
On: 2007-11-24
I hava had Canon digital cameras since the S100. All of the have been great, good pictures and very pocketable. Thi one is a bit bigger but it is gorgeous, great controls. The zoom is a lot better than the ususal 2x-3x. Another thing that I really like is the optical viewer, it isnt very accurate but a lot of times i use it. Top notch quality as always.
On: 2007-11-23
I got this camera 2 weeks ago. Pictures are awsome. One of my main concern was about the washout of LCD in the sun since my earlier camera Olympus had this problem but this camera does not have this issue. Price is a bit high but so is the quality of pictures. Most of the times auto mode works fine. Buy at least 2GB card since 12 MP pictures take a lot of space. 32MB card provided with this camera can only save 7-8 pictures of 12 MP.
On: 2007-11-21
I just got the SD 950 IS a few days ago and I am very impressed. I have used sony cameras in the past and the Canon blows them away! Very sturdy feeling as well.
On: 2007-11-20
I am not too much into the digital camera world but I bought this one for my wife who previously owned a Sony DSC P100. After reviewing several web sites, especially one that only compares different pictures in different situations for a lot of cameras, the SD950 was the one that gave overall the best pictures. At least the review was not biaised by the impressions and subjectivity of the reviewer, just pictures taken by digital cameras.
I was first tempted by a Panasonic DCM-TZ3 which has on paper better specs. However, shots in low light are disappointing for the Pana and the flash is awful, the pictures taken are not at all balanced.
So to come back to the Canon Powershot SD 950 (Or Ixus 960 I believe, depending on your country):
=> I was first impressed by the quality that you feel when you open the box, presumably because of the titanium; but at this level of price, this is normal!
=> This is a very intuitive camera, the ergonomy is good: it is true that the on/off button is close to the shutter button but it was the same with the Sony: all it takes is a bit of habit. Also the movie mode is very easy to use, much easier than with the Sony. You can also basically post edit your film with the supplied software.
=> The pictures taken are great, I will not post some here, you can go to flickr. The 12MP can be a drawback, especially if you upload a lot of pictures but of course you can set-up your camera to take only 8MP pictures for instance.
=> The lens is bright for a point and shoot and the numeric noise is well mastered, even in low light conditions.
=> The Image Stabilizing feature works very well, Canon used here an optical solution, which is much, much better than a numeric IS found on cheaper cameras.
=> The camera is quick, not only to power on but also between shots. I was a bit afraid because I ordered a regular Kingston 2GB but even set at 12MP, this is not longer than the Sony at 5MP; in other words even with a regular memory card (no "extreme" which are more expensive), the wait between the shots is satisfactory.
Now the cons.
=> I would have prefered more manual settings. You have a lot of programs (including macro, fireworks, aquarium, etc) that set the shutter speed and aperture for you but you cannot set these values yourself. It does not mean that you cannot set anything yourself, you can adjust the white balance, compensate the exposure, etc. but you would have liked to be able to set-up the aperture and/or the speed, especially if you owned a SLR before.
=> With the big LCD screen, the battery life is only correct. I would encourage you, if you have some bucks left, to buy a second battery sold on Amazon as well.
To summarize, except if you absolutely want to be able to control your point and shoot like a SLR, go for the SD950, you will not regret it!
On: 2007-11-19
The best digital camera that I have ever owned. It shoots perfect pictures, has an optical viewfinder (many Canon digitals do not) and image stabilization (great when using zoom). Additionally, it has an incredible 12 megapixels and face detection which gives excellent exposure and great detail when shooting people.
On: 2007-11-19
I am not too much into the digital camera world but I bought this one for my wife who previously owned a Sony DSC P100. After reviewing several web sites, especially one that only compares different pictures in different situations for a lot of cameras, the SD950 was the one that gave overall the best pictures. At least the review was not biaised by the impressions and subjectivity of the reviewer, just pictures taken by digital cameras.
I was first tempted by a Panasonic DCM-TZ3 which has on paper better specs. However, shots in low light are disappointing for the Pana and the flash is awful, the pictures taken are not at all balanced.
So to come back to the Canon Powershot SD 950 (Or Ixus 960 I believe, depending on your country):
=> I was first impressed by the quality that you feel when you open the box, presumably because of the titanium; but at this level of price, this is normal!
=> This is a very intuitive camera, the ergonomy is good: it is true that the on/off button is close to the shutter button but it was the same with the Sony: all it takes is a bit of habit. Also the movie mode is very easy to use, much easier than with the Sony. You can also basically post edit your film with the supplied software.
=> The pictures taken are great, I will not post some here, you can go to flickr. The 12MP can be a drawback, especially if you upload a lot of pictures but of course you can set-up your camera to take only 8MP pictures for instance.
=> The lens is bright for a point and shoot and the numeric noise is well mastered, even in low light conditions.
=> The Image Stabilizing feature works very well, Canon used here an optical solution, which is much, much better than a numeric IS found on cheaper cameras.
=> The camera is quick, not only to power on but also between shots. I was a bit afraid because I ordered a regular Kingston 2GB but even set at 12MP, this is not longer than the Sony at 5MP; in other words even with a regular memory card (no "extreme" which are more expensive), the wait between the shots is satisfactory.
Now the cons.
=> I would have prefered more manual settings. You have a lot of programs (including macro, fireworks, aquarium, etc) that set the shutter speed and aperture for you but you cannot set these values yourself. It does not mean that you cannot set anything yourself, you can adjust the white balance, compensate the exposure, etc. but you would have liked to be able to set-up the aperture and/or the speed, especially if you owned a SLR before.
=> With the big LCD screen, the battery life is only correct. I would encourage you, if you have some bucks left, to buy a second battery sold on Amazon as well.
To summarize, except if you absolutely want to be able to control your point and shoot like a SLR, go for the SD950, you will not regret it!
On: 2007-11-15
We took the camera on the Panama Canal Cruise. It took great pictures and great movies. I recommend getting the SDHC 8gb Memory card. The battery life would drain a little too quickly. The Camera would of been perfect with a 5x zoom.
On: 2007-11-14
Love it! Pictures are very clean and easy to use, especially if youve used other Canons.
On: 2007-11-07
Arthur Schopenhauer once wrote: "Truth goes through 3 stages: First it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed, and third it is accepted as self-evident truth."
What youll read below is more than merely my opinion. What youll read are factual statements about this camera.
This camera has no wide angle lens and no optical viewfinder. A better choice is The Nikon Coolpix P50 which costs about $160 LESS!
So, why give it one star, you ask? I give it one star because, for me, I would NOT buy this camera in preference to the Nikon P50. Because I would not buy this camera, for me it only rates one star. That does not say that it is a "bad" camera regarding its picture taking capabilities. You may love the camera and if it was the only camera on the market I might also. But, for me and possibly for you, The Nikon P50 is a better choice, in my opinion. If you wanna see some photos I took with the Nikon P50 email: boland7214@aol
Regarding the proprietary battery as compared with AA batteries, when you are out on safari in Africa living in a thatched hut or tent and your proprietary battery runs out of power, do you want to be running all over the jungle at night in a fruitless attempt to find a battery at a local "sari-sari" store while you hear lions and hei-enas roaring and sounding off all around you? With the Nikon P50, you can easily carry enough AA batteries with you on your trip so you wont have to risk your life searching for the proprietary battery all over the jungle on those cold nights with wild animals searching for YOU! Got it? :o)
So, you ask, "who needs a 28mm or 23mm lens?" You do! Most people concern themselves with how LONG is their telephoto lens. But, most people who "know" know that it is the WIDE ANGLE lens that is most important---most of the "best shots" are made with a WIDE ANGLE lens. For example, youre in Europe and you are trying to "get a shot" of that Cathedral of Notre Dame over there. You NEED a WIDE ANGLE lens. You are in the California Poppy Fields and you want to get the expanse of the golden-yellow poppy flowers with the huge blue sky filled with white clouds above---you need a WIDE ANGLE lens. You are sitting at thanksgiving dinner and you want to take a photo from the foot of the table with everyone sitting on the left and right---you NEED a WIDE ANGLE lens. You are in the garden of the California Mission and you want to take a photo of the ENTIRE garden surrounded by the mission walls---you NEED a WIDE ANGLE lens. Its Christmas day and you want a photo of the ENTIRE GROUP of visitors in front of the Christmas Tree---you NEED a WIDE ANGLE lens. This is where the 28mm lens (or 23mm on this camera) comes in! So, you NEED THIS CAMERA! Otherwise youll be cutting off heads and leaving Aunt Sylvia out of the "Christmas Group Photo" this year---and shell disinherit you and youll live a life of poverty and misery everafter! :o) If you agree or disagree or know of ANY other digital point and shoot camera that has a WIDE ANGLE lens please write, Email:boland7214@aol.
PS: There is also a Canon SD800 which has a wide angle lens and an optical viewfinder. I like that one also. But the "killer" for me on that one is the proprietary battery necessary to operate the Canon SD800 over the use of AA batteries used in The Nikon P50 that are very cheap and you can find in almost any store in the world.
PPS: Why do you need an optical viewfinder when you have an LCD screen? The simple reason is that the LCDs SOMETIMES get "washed out" in bright sunlight. And, another reason, I think, is that the optical viewfinder is "faster to use" under "pressure circumstances" like when you want to "grab" that smile on your kids face. Why not have both is my opinion. If you disagree fine, but two ways to view and take photos seems better than one. Its just common sense. (Plus, some people are "far sighted" and have difficulty clearly viewing a small LCD screen a few inches from their eyes.)
On: 2007-11-07
Unbelievable! The images are sharp and well exposed. I have had to put the resolution on M2 because of the file size. Its a tad larger than my other Elph but still small emough to fit in my pocket or shirt. I also purchased the Canon acessory package. Case, battery. wrist and neck strap. To complete the package I also bought the Kingston card reader. Its plug and read unit that works very well right out of the box. All in all its a package that will be with me for a long time.
On: 2007-10-17
I have owned several Canon SD models. This is far the best so far for image quality and features. I know some say 12.1 meg pixels are over kill for this class of camera. However, it does shares some of the features of the new G9 which my sister bought, which is also a great camera. For a P&S camera, you cant go wrong. The price is a little high right now. I am sure the price will go down during the holidays. I could not wait though! I am not the type to always upgrade every time the latest and greatest comes out. However, I bought this camera to serve me for a few years, as the rest of my Canon cameras I have owned.
On: 2007-10-16
I have owned several Canon SD models. This is far the best so far for image quality and features. I know some say 12.1 meg pixels are over kill for this class of camera. However, it does shares some of the features of the new G9 which my sister bought, which is also a great camera. For a P&S camera, you cant go wrong. The price is a little high right now. I am sure the price will go down during the holidays. I could not wait though! I am not the type to always upgrade every time the latest and greatest comes out. However, I bought this camera to serve me for a few years, as the rest of my Canon cameras I have owned.
On: 2007-10-13
Got the SD950 a week ago and I am impressed. The great variety of features and the many different modes in both manual and automatic are fantastic and cant be topped for a camera that size. Picture quality is A+++ and handling is easy.
On: 2007-10-12
Got it 2 days ago and Im impressed. Other reviews on net generally like the camera but think price is somewhat high and 12 MP is overkill. A) It is expensive; all new camera models are high for several months when they come out. If you can afford it without problem then you get it now. Otherwise your choice is perhaps the SD850 at $150 less or waiting a while for price drop. B) The same overkill thing was said when 5 MP, 6 MP, .... became widely available. 12, 8, 5, and lower MP settings are readily available without entering menu. I set mine on 8 MP and, if desired, will change to 12 MP if the thought occurs for special pics. Now that you can order poster sized prints for cheap prices on Shutterfly and SnapFish youd be amazed by the ease, cost and quality of them. Also hard drive space has gotten cheap and you could keep 1000s of 12 MP files on $20 worth of hard drive space now.
The other reviews have it right on the quality of the camera and its results. The photos are sharp, color accurate and, in Manual mode, have many SLR, non-auto type choices such as WB, exposure setting, shutter speed (long exposure) setting, color accent, focus lock, .....; The movie setting is simple to use, gives you choice of HD (15 fps, sl. jerky at rapid movement but with quality sharpness or 30 fps standard). Easy to import into iMovie without added Canon software (dont know about PC ease). Manual is logical though 220 pages in English. Has few errors, particularly for long shutter speed it states pressing "menu" but should read "disp." Finally, I dumped my Olympus Stylus 750 because I absolutely could not take photos outside on sunny days due to LCD washout and NO VIEWFINDER. Before getting the Olympus, I had read on their site that the LCD was "bright" with new technology that would not wash out. Thats why I did not consider the SD700, 800, 1000, ... which have no viewfinder. That said, the 950 LCD really works well outside though Ive only used it a couple times outside thus far.
On: 2007-10-05
This is my third Canon SD, and its the best by far. I also have a Canon S3 IS(12x optical zoom), but the 950 with 12 megapixels takes pretty good extreme zoom shots and is about 1/3 the size of the S3. The 950 shoots digital zoom to 500+mm (35mm equivalent), and an 8x10 at that zoom lacks some sharpness but really does not have any obvious graininess. The S3 is going to get a lot of shelf time.
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