Canon squeezed a longer zoom into a new subcompact.
I'm a fan of Canon's digital cameras. We now own our second digital ELPH, which is Canon's line of subcompact cameras. So I watch with interest as Canon introduces new models, including three this week.
I'm relieved. I feel no compelling urge to upgrade.
Basically, they look like more of the same. The SD890-IS ($400) adds a 5x zoom, which is a good bit of engineering in a subcompact. More zoom is better than the 3x in our camera, which has been the standard fare. And all three models take 10-megapixel pics, which is a nice step up from the 7 megapixels in our model.
The SD890 and SD790-IS ($350) share a new dial, and the SD770-IS ($300) is slimmer but with a better battery. Oh, and the SD790 also gets new buttons.
That's about it. They have none of the new "smart camera" features that automate photo taking and are the rage among competitors, such as Nikon and Casio. Canon says it has improved antiblur tech (primarily the "image stabilization" that accounts for the "IS" in model names) and face detection.
Judging from my reaction, the Casio execs are on to something when they say cameras need added smarts to woo upgraders. Is Canon resting on its laurels?
Or maybe the company is concentrating on quality and usability, which don't get enough attention. And I'm just another featuritis-infected consumer lusting after bells and whistles.
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