The PowerShot SD800 IS is the latest edition to the Canon family. Canon, known for their image quality and practicality, has not fallen short with this model. With its shapely curves, glistening accents, and durable frame, the PowerShot SD800 is another point-and-shoot camera that offers attractiveness and functionality.

The PowerShot SD800 IS is constructed of metal (great durability), offers many shiny accents, is only 1-inch thick, and only weighs six ounces. Even though the overall dimensions of this model, appear to be small, it is not quite as small as some of its competitors. While the natural curvature, of the PowerShot SD800, fits nicely in the curves of your hand, some of the buttons are so small they are difficult to find and click.

Regardless of size, Canon has implemented a 207,000-pixel 2.5-inch LCD display, on the back of the camera. Due to the high pixel resolution, consumers can review their images in extreme high quality format. One thing that is missing, from the LCD screen, is a battery life indicator. Unless you charge your battery, on a regular basis, you could be stuck without a battery since there is no warning.

The 4-way navigational menu is conveniently located just to the right of the LCD display, on the back of the camera. This layout, while pretty standard, allows for ease of use with menus and manual operation. Speaking of manual operation, there are only four adjustments that can be made in manual mode, on this model. Those adjustments would be white-balance, exposure compensation, color correction, and metering. All other adjustments would be done after the picture was taken.

Manually adjusting your ISO range is becoming increasingly popular. The PowerShot SD800 allows you to adjust ISO up to 1,600 - typically used for low light shooting environments. This particular model; however, tends to get a bit noisy at this setting, and images turn about a bit grainy.

The 28mm-equivilan wide shot lens, with 3.8x zoom, opens a new door for point-and-shoot photographers. The PowerShot SD800 is one of the first point-and-shoot cameras that can take wide-angle shots. Additionally, the 3.8x zoom offers' better zoom ratios than many other cameras offer.

Image optimization and stabilization are tightly integrated in all of Canon's cameras, including the PowerShot SD800. Digic III is an image processor that increases performance and battery life, along with optimizing image quality. One of the most fascinating abilities, of this technology, is the removal of blur from shaky hands.

Burst mode allows multiple pictures to be taken, with just one click. Average time, between shots, with the PowerShot SD800 is about 1 second, making this functionality average to above average, in comparison with other point-and-shoot cameras. Consumers can also shoot video clips, adjust aperture and shutter, along with a handful of other adjustments. With every PowerShot SD800 comes a 16MB memory card. Beware; however, this will only hold a few high quality images.

Spending time looking for the right price is definitely worth it with this model considering it ranges anywhere from $200 to $400.

Canon manufactures superior products for their consumers. The PowerShot SD800 IS is not different. Aside from a few minor quirks, this point-and-shoot has technologies that are just being introduced, to the market, in this arena. If you are a fan of Canon products, this one will not disappoint you.