Canon PowerShot SD790 IS

Type: Enthusiast
Megapixels: 10 MP
Maximum Resolution: 3648 x 2736 pixels
Storage Capacity: 32 MB
Included Memory: Media Card
Media Format: Secure Digital
Battery Type Supported: Lithium Ion
Included Batteries: Yes
Interface: USB 2.0
Video Record and Playback: Yes
35-mm Equivalent (Wide): 35
35-mm Equivalent (Telephoto): 105

The Canon SD790 IS sports the simple, silvery, boxlike design that we love on other Elphs, including the SD1000. Weighing about 6.4 ounces with battery and SD card, it's a bit heavier than the similar SD870, and the brushed stainless steel body feels sturdy and solid. The most intriguing design element in the SD790 has to be the new control wheel. In previous Elph models, like the SD870, the control wheel was touch sensitive but, like the iPod's click wheel, it didn't actually move: You just moved your finger in a circular motion to access the controls.

Starting with the SD1100 and now here, Canon has added motion-detection technology to its point-and-shoot models. When shooting in high ISO mode, the camera automatically detects motion and adjusts ISO and exposure settings to compensate. Nearly every Canon's ever-expanding arsenal of excellent Digital Elphs. compact camera we've tested recently has merited a high rating. And the SD790 IS, the latest high-end pocket shooter, takes its place among the SD870 IS, the SD1100 IS, and SD950 IS in

With the SD790, however, Canon has, well, redesigned the wheel: It physically turns, which takes some getting used to, since it's rather sensitive. At first, I found myself scrolling too fast and accidentally skipping over the settings I intended to select. After using it for a few days, I got the hang of it, and it proved much quicker for zipping through menus than the old wheel. Placed on the back of the camera next to the 3-inch LCD, the controller is easy to reach with a right thumb and provides access to just about every setting, from shooting modes to ISO and flash. At 10 megapixels, the SD790 IS has a higher resolution than its predecessor, the SD750, which offered 8MP, and it produces extremely high-quality images. It also retains the same lens, but, given the price, a 28mm wide-angle lens like on the SD870 IS would have been nice.

I found that both image stabilization and motion detection worked well on my tests. In my review of the SD1100, I noted surprisingly good results in high ISO shots. The SD790 IS also impressed me by producing clear-looking shots at high ISO settings. For example, in a low-lit restaurant, I snapped a shot of the bar, and at 800 ISO it came out fine, with very little noise. It wasn't until about 1600 ISO that noise became distracting. All in all, the SD790 IS produced stellar images. In the lab, simulated daylight shots were outstanding, with near-perfect contrast and vivid color. I noticed a little purple fringing in some shots, but nothing out of the ordinary. The one gripe I had was with flash shots: Although good for the most part, some shots were underexposed and a bit dark. But that was my only complaint.