| The Good |
|---|
| 14.1 Megapixel Sensor, 2.7” PureColor LCD, 720p Video Capabilities, ISO Speeds from 80 to 1600, DIGIC4 Image Processor, Widescreen Video, Wide Angle Lens. |
| The Bad |
| Fewer Functions than Expected, Mostly Automatic, Very Small and Slick, 4x Built-in Zoom. |
| Yay or Nay |
| Although there have been some reports of issues with this camera, it seems to be a very solid investment for around $250. It is also user friendly enough that anyone can use it with no forethought. |
Overview
This camera is a mid-range point and shoot that allows you take high quality photos which can be blown up and used as posters if you want. There are several functions (mostly automatic) that help with photo editing and taking different shots in a wide variety of settings and environments. However, as good as this camera is, it’s not a professional camera, and that point comes through with the lack of features, the reduced control and the inability to fine tune pictures.
Snapshots
It is very evident that point and shoot is the main concept behind this camera. The majority of quality functions are left up to the camera to choose, while the operator simply picks a target. However, with 14.1 megapixels, a DIGIC4 image processor and a huge range of ISO speeds, this super compact camera allows for great pictures to be taken anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, there isn’t a good continuous shooting mode, with a max of about 0.7 frames per second.
Video
Although the camera lacks a continuous shooting mode, it does offer quality video. With its 720p resolution, you can take advantage of the ability to edit later and pick out certain moments that you may have missed otherwise. Unlike other cameras in its class, the SD1400IS takes excellent video, even when the camera itself is moving. It focuses well and has great color, as well as being able to avoid too much jittering from the person shooting.
Photo Quality and Extras
As stated above, the combination of the 14.1 megapixel sensor, the DIGIC4 image processor and the various ISO speeds creates a great camera that can take extremely high quality photographs, especially when its size and purpose are taken into account. Additionally, it also creates a very reliable platform because its image processor has run the gauntlet with everything from Canon’s professional model cameras, all the way down to their most basic point and shoot cameras. This means that you will likely get more than you expect at a bargain price when you buy this camera.
There are a multitude of features in this camera and even though most of them are automatic, they all perform very well. Some of the more notable features are the wide angle lens and video recordings, the blink detection and the ever necessary optical image stabilization. All of these are fairly easy to use through the controls and menus provided, especially once you have had some hands-on experience with the camera.
Downside
Even the downsides of this camera aren’t that bad. Most of them seem to stem from the size and compact nature of the design. However, aside from the lack of better than 4x zoom and the mostly automatic functions, there have also been reports of “hot pixels” on the sensor in photo mode. This has resulted in lightening of a particular area of the picture which then has to be edited out. However, if you do encounter this issue, it should fall under the warranty.
Conclusion
This is a great point and shoot camera that has a go anywhere feel, as well as a user friendly interface. Though its options are limited, they all function the way they’re supposed to, and are very useful for producing quality photographs. If you’re not looking to spend more than $250 on a camera, then this is definitely one that should be at the top of your list.
