Canon PowerShot SD990 IS (Digital IXUS 980 IS)

Opinion: I just picked up the black SD990 to upgrade my SD850. Although somewhat limited, I
do like the manual controls offered with the SD990 that older Elphs lacked. The
camera feels solid and is very attractive in either the black or silver version. Yes, the
14.7 MP may be a bit much and I would be happy with less, but with this
consideration the IQ is very good IMO. All in all, I am very happy with the camera.

Opinion: I have owned or used almost every variant of the ELPH since the s100 and I have enjoyed watching these little machines "evolve" over the years. I purchased the SD990 IS as a replacement for my SD700 IS in the interest of higher resolution for making larger prints, and it has delivered the quality I have come to expect from Canon. Image quality is nothing short of amazing, but I think they could have done a little better with the lens choice, processing time/shutter lag, and plethora of gimmicky features. My SD700 IS had a faster burst mode (2.1fps vs. 1.3fps for the 990) and better macro mode. (.9 in. vs. 2.0 in.)

Opinion: Camera provides basic functionality with reliability and quality. Indoor shots are better than most other point and shoots I've tried lately. Anti-shake technology is one of the best I've seen so far.

Opinion: This is my third digital camera after Olympus 4040Z and Canon 400D. I bought this camera 12 days ago since I find the SLR I'm having is a bit cumbersome for my travelling needs. The 4040Z is no doubt a good camera back then, still could serve the purpose but then not compact enough nor quick enough for my convenience. What I'm looking at is a compact camera yet good enough and quick enough for my two primary tricky shot situations i.e. indoor/low light shooting and high contrast shooting. After reading numerous reviews, I settled for 990IS. The Image stabilization and F2.8 at wide angle is good for low lighting situation. The Digic IV comes with Auto Intelligent Contrast. A big plus for me as I don't have to fumble for lighting offset correction. The Scene shooting comes with ISO 3200. Nothing to shout about but practical for my non-flash photography like inside a museum, etc. Settings can be done in a "flash", thanks to the quick dial located at the back of the camera. The 14.7 MP is an extra for detail shooting. Something I could do if the need arise (such as telephoto shooting beyond 3.7 x optical range) but for practicality reason, I settle for 9MP resolution and the image produced is still wonderful. I have taken more than 500 pictures so far and in the span of 12 days I've happily snapping pictures from hot and humid country to the 1st day snow drop in Northern Europe. All I can say 9 out of 10, the images turned out to my liking. The movie is decent and should be considered as secondary function - No More No Less. To be honest, I have yet to explore many other features that comes with the camera e.g. manual shooting, some other scenes shooting, etc.