Announced (along with a handful of other PowerShots) just before Photokina in September 2006, the SD900 (we'll call it this throughout the review - see below for EU/Japanese names) sits at the top of Canon's successful ELPH / IXUS range and offers the highest resolution yet; 10 megapixels (on a 1/1.8" CCD). It also features Canon's new DIGIC III processor and another first; a solid titanium body, which as well as adding a touch of class makes for a lighter, more durable camera. Otherwise there's no surprises here; the IXUS formula is one that has served Canon well, and the SD900 is functionally pretty much indistinguishable from its other recent stable mates. So is the SD900 the ultimate ELPH or a megapixel too far dressed up in a snazzy jacket? Let's find out, starting as ever with the headline features:
Titanium body with Perpetual Curve design and Touch Control Dial
10.0 Megapixels and 3x optical zoom
DIGIC III with Advanced Noise Reduction and Face Detection AF/AE
Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom for extra telephoto reach
2.5” super-high resolution LCD with wide viewing angle
ISO 1600 for flash-free low light shooting
18 shooting modes including XGA movies
My Category automatic image tagging
Range of optional accessories including Underwater Case... [read more]