I’m frequently asked for suggestions about what digital cameras to buy, but usually with the qualifier, “I don’t want to spend a thousand dollars for a DSLR.” I always try to help, but haven’t, until now, had much experience with point-and-shoot cameras. My best advice has always been to buy a brand name camera, preferably Canon or Nikon. I don’t think it much matters anymore, though I’ve always been a Canon owner and have always been happy with their products.
Recently, I acquired a Canon Powershot SD1100 IS camera. The link takes you to B&H Photo, one of only two places with which I do business. The other is Allen’s Camera in Levittown, PA, where I got the camera. This little deck-of-cards-sized camera is simply amazing. I’m just starting to grasp what it can and cannot do, but its ability to nail the exposure in auto mode in just about every situation is incredible. It can easily blow highlights, which is normal for these small cameras, and will easily generate noise if underexposure reaches a stop or more, but in normal shooting conditions it produces sharp, clear, well saturated images.
I’ve also been impressed with its macro/closeup capabilities. Again it gets the exposure right and handles depth of field well. It’s much better at the wide end of the zoom range.
The image stabilization feature is also a big plus. I’ve had it help me deliver sharp images, handheld, at very slow shutter speeds.
Are there negatives? Definitely. The viewfinder is essentially useless. I have never liked composing with an LCD screen in full sun and, though this one is better than most I’ve seen, it’s still hard to see. The lens is susceptible to flare, so you have to watch what you’re doing in full sun. It goes through rechargeable batteries like water, especially with the LCD screen and IS on all of the time. I got an extra battery when I got the camera and am glad I did. Batteries recharge in about 90 min. so it’s not that big of a deal.
If you’re looking for a digital camera and want a small one, I’m sure that any of the several Powershot cameras in this size will perform as well as the SD1100. Mine is proving to be a handy piece of equipment that allows me to have a camera with me whenever I want one and gives me the confidence to know I can get good shots without my DSLR.–Gary
Here are a couple of shots from the SD1100. This first shot of a steeple had strong sun on the white steeple and a relatively dark cloud background. The camera nailed the exposure with only a few minor blown areas on the white wood.

This macro shot of a piece of tourist gift shop “junk” was shot handheld with flash turned off. I wouldn’t mind a little more depth of field, but the image is more than acceptable.
