| | | |  - 12.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
- Waterproof to 33 feet, cold resistant from 14-104 degrees (F) and shockproof up to 4 feet
- DIGIC 4 Image Processor; evolved Face Detection Technology plus Face Detection Self-timer
- Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings
- Compatible with SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus (not included)
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Average Rating : 
Rating : - good but not amazing pictures
I typically shoot with a DSL in RAW but also used to have a little Panasonic Lumix that recently died. Bought this camera for family trips that tend to include water activities (and hopefully it won't die anytime soon). Wish this camera had RAW.
I shot over 700 pics on recent lake trip. What I found:
- camera is waterproof
- used on P (not Auto) mode almost exclusively - I set the ISO to lower amount as the higher ISO pictures (that Auto often chose to shoot in) aren't worth bothering with - they have a ton of grain and poor color. I also found I needed to use exposure compensation typically at around -2/3rd stop to get rich colored pictures and not have a ton of blown out highlights. I am not sure why Canon likes to have its shots overexposed but my DSL has same tendency. If I had been using camera right out of the box in Auto mode (as I did at home for a couple weeks before the trip) I would be very disappointed with the resultant pictures (as I was). In Auto mode too many end up grainy, poor color, etc.
- macro - works pretty well although item has to be fairly near center of picture - couldn't necessarily get it to focus where I wanted it to focus.
- did shoot underwater but lake was cloudy so can't comment on underwater setting color
- isn't great for low light action but does great in bright light
- using flash for fill (forced flash mode) on bright days was a bit of a disaster - the flash was so bright even at 7' or so away that pictures look unreal. Unless I can figure out a way to turn flash down I won't be able to use it for fill. It does seem to do a decent job in darker light settings as flash (or does what you expect a small camera flash to do but at least correctly exposes main/centered subject).
- movies - what you'd expect
- I did buy an extra battery (based on other reviews) but didn't end up needing it on any one day despite a fair amount of shooting and movie taking and reviewing pictures each day.
Good camera for outdoor wet activities - and children who drop things. Spend a little time with the manual and camera and you will improve your shots immeasurably - camera CAN take good pictures but won't necessarily without a little help.
The camera is "cute" and my kids love the way the hand strap can be put on any of the 4 corners. You can't use a neck strap without buying another custom corner thingie to hang it from. Clever of Canon. I like that the tightener on the handstrap can be used to open the tight latch on the battery compartment.
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