* Canon PowerShot SD950 IS

Canon's $399.95 PowerShot SD950 IS is a high-performance point-and-shooter that's perfect for photographers who want brilliant, crisp images but don't want to mess with manual controls. While this very capable 12-megapixel camera might strain your pocket (and your pocketbook), it's a top-notch snapper loaded with high-end features for serious amateurs.

The SD950 is a step up from Canon's 8MP SD870. Canon has increased the resolution and added an optical viewfinder for use in bright daylight, though it had to reduce the SD950's screen to 2.5 inches to fit the viewfinder. (The SD870 left off the viewfinder to make room for a 3-inch LCD.) Another nice feature that's sometimes absent from point-and-shooters is an on-screen battery meter—a good idea and oh so useful. And for amateur videographers, the SD950 provides the option of high-def video at 1,024 by 768 (however, the frame rate drops to 15 frames per second, and the aspect ratio remains at 3:2).

The first thing you notice about the SD950 is its handsome, solid titanium body, which is rendered in snazzy curves and rounded corners. The 5.8-ounce camera feels substantial and durable in your hands. There's no real grip, although the rounded curve on the right-hand side makes for a more comfortable hold.

At 1 inch thick, this camera can fit into your pocket. It's not nearly as slim as Canon's Digital Elph series because its image sensor is almost twice as large—and that demands a larger lens. The SD950 is outfitted with a 3.7X optical zoom lens that runs from 36mm to 133mm (with corresponding maximum f-stops of f/2.8 to f/5.8). I'd prefer a slightly wider-angle lens, such as the 28mm-to-105mm lens on the Canon SD870, but those who go for more zoom will like the SD950. Its sensitivity ranges from ISO 80 to 1,600 (Canon includes an ISO 3,200 scene preset, but this lowers the resolution to 2MP). There's a 2.5-inch LCD for framing shots, as well as the optical viewfinder. Use the viewfinder with caution, though, because it doesn't provide the full view delivered by the display. On my tests, I found the LCD viewable even in bright daylight.

As do most current point-and-shoot models, the SD950 comes with advanced face detection and an optical image-stabilization feature, which is especially useful at longer zoom lengths. You also get 11 scene modes, such as portrait, indoors, beach, snow, and so on.

Ergonomically, Canon has arranged the dials and buttons in a logical way that lets you access settings quickly. A cleverly canted mode dial at the top lets you easily choose between auto, manual, movie, and scene modes. Below that is a center function button—a feature that enables you to choose from the four options by circling your finger around the dial, much like a scroll wheel on an iPod. As you scroll, a graphic appears on the LCD to indicate what will be selected if you depress the button. This sounds gimmicky, but it lets you keep your eye on the LCD if you're changing a setting in the middle of a shot. You can also find this feature on the SD870.

The function button is flanked by four small buttons for PictBridge printing, playback, display, and menu. These four buttons are perilously tiny but are raised somewhat for tactile guidance. The Power button at the top is small and flush; those with large hands are sure to fumble. The large shutter button at the top left is very responsive, however, as is the zoom toggle.

If you've ever used a Canon digital camera, the menu system will be familiar. It's marvelously simple to use. All settings are a click or two away and are arranged so conveniently that you can't get lost in the menu—although you won't have full control when using the manual setting. You can easily change the ISO and white balance, but the camera gives you no way to set the aperture manually. For a camera this sophisticated, Canon should consider adding full manual control. The 12MP Fuji FinePix F50fd offers more advanced settings, including flexible low-light and action shooting tools—for $100 less.

On our lab tests, the PowerShot SD950 delivered very strong performance. Daylight shots were awesome in their detail and clarity at ISOs of 100 and 200. At ISO 400, noticeable fuzziness crept in, and anything above that level was very noisy. Flash photos were similarly beautiful at ISO 100 and 200—and just as disappointing at high sensitivities. Boot-up time was a relatively fast 3.4 seconds, and recycle time using flash was about 3.2 seconds. Shutter lag was noticeable but not a deal-breaker. On the resolution test, the camera averaged 2,025 lines, which is outstanding for a 12MP camera. There was no pincushion distortion at the telephoto end of the range and just the average amount of barrel distortion at the widest angle. The FinePix F50fd yielded similar results on lab tests.

The camera performed beautifully on my field tests, capturing detailed images with true color. In Auto mode, many of the photos snapped at ISO 200 were crisp, with no noise. In many cases, photos taken in dark shadows at ISO 400 were also surprisingly crisp and impressive. Face detection worked as advertised, as did the image-stabilization technology. Again, these results were similar to the F50fd's.

Canon's Auto ISO Shift feature, which automatically increases the ISO setting to capture an image at a shutter speed that compensates for camera shake or low lighting, was hit or miss. On my tests, it delivered adequate exposure but recorded images at ISO 800, resulting in unacceptably fuzzy photos. This was particularly acute at longer zooms.

The camera's high-def video capture, at 1,024-by-768, is a nice touch. Details were very sharp, although the trade-off was a stuttering 15 fps. You can kick the resolution down to 640 by 480 at 30 fps for smoother video with less detail. It's your choice.

Canon bundles a proprietary rechargeable lithium ion battery and a 32MB SD storage card. You'll want to invest in a much higher-capacity card to hold your photos, since at 12MP resolution the included card can hold only eight images shot at best quality.

Primarily because of its high cost, the Canon PowerShot SD950 IS isn't for everyone. If you're not a Canon stalwart, the Fuji FinePix F50fd is definitely worth a look. But for those who don't mind paying top dollar for a point-and-shooter, this one delivers high resolution and truly impressive photos.

Canon offers a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. For online support visit: http://www.usa.canon.com.

Article Courtsey of pcmag.com