I am not camara savy so I needed a camara that is easy to operate. This one fits the bill. It takes beautiful pictures, its small enough to fit in my pocketbook, and its easy to operate. What more can a person ask for.

Pros: image quality, shutter speed, amazing zoom, fast power on, lots of advanced features, etc. etc. The technical specs, and performance of this camera far exceeded any expectations that I could have expected from a pocket-sized camera.

Cons (All minor):
1) Charging requires the removal of the battery from the camera, and it being inserted into a separate battery charger. I'm accustomed to my old sony camera, where it charges in it's own cradle.

2) The power button itself requires some precision to activate. It's not difficult, or annoying to use, but again, I'm comparing it to my older sony camera, where it was a quick, simple flip.

3) The menuing system can be somewhat daunting to a new or novice user. Depending what mode your camera is in will change what menu options you're presented with. Using the camera && reading the manual will help with the familiarity process.

4) The spin dial (or whatever it's called). I have yet to see what benefit this dial has over the conventional directional pad. It's almost like a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it's quite helpful when you want to quickly flip through photos you've taken on the camera. On the other hand, it becomes challenging when trying to change scenes in scene mode, or when changing functions in the manual mode.


Overall, I love this camera. I bought it just before going on vacation, and was continually amazed by the quality of the photos and shutter speed performance throughout the trip. While traveling on a tour bus, I was able to take crystal clear photos of the countryside landscape, while the bus was traveling at about 60mph.

I bought this camera to take on a trip to China. It was great. The zoom goes to 20x and the motion stabilization means that the pictures are very clear - no blurring due to a bouncing or moving hand.
I took snaps in a theater w/o flash and they came out clear and bright.
Auto focus processing is about .5 secs. Image storage processing can take about 3 to 5 secs.
The battery is good for about 250 pictures. I didn't test for movie duration.
I'm very pleased with this camera.
My girlfriend bought the SD750 and she is jealous of the pictures my camera takes.

I'm a Big fan of Canon products-(own a Canon Powershot Pro S5 and 20D), so you can understand why I was a bit shy about this purchase-wanting convenience without risking quality. I elected to try the Canon SD890IS because of the 10M with 5X Optical. Some talk about the surface getting "dinged" up but what's happening to mark their equipment so badly? This small but wonderful camera has all the quality and capability of my Canon Powershot Pro S5, with the exception of shooting as well in low light, but even that is not bad. And remember the reasons you purchased an elph. Others brands may have higher mega pixels, but comparing this camera with it's one slight short fall that I noticed, it out shines the other brands in low light shooting capability, does better with noise problems, and macro capability! The size is great, again, fitting the need I required-something smaller. If you are looking for quality, ease of use, than consider the Canon SD890IS.

I have the 550 also, but this new 890is is simply the best.
It is a true 5x optical that is really amazing.
The movie mode is also the best, there is no need to have a video camera as it is so good!

Great Camera for everybody that wants a small handy and easy to use camera.
With out reading the manual, you can easily find your way in the menu structure. Especially the wheel on the back is very handy.

This is my third Canon. It works great. I'm really pleased with my pictures and the longer zoom capability. I like the larger screen. My only complaint is the "on/off" switch. It's difficult to use.

I was looking for another Canon camera to replace my SD700IS and couldn't find anything with comparable optics in that model. I found out about the new SD890IS but couldn't find anyone who had it available online or in a retail store within 120 miles of me. Google pointed me to Amazon who I would not have thought of for buying a camera, and not only did they have it in stock, but for less than the cost of gas, plus not having to waste a day traveling, I had the camera within 24 hours. It was also $50 cheaper than the online sites who had it on back order. I'm very pleased with the camera which has all the features of my old one, plus 5X optical and 10MP which is an upgrade from the 4X & 6MP of the SD700IS. Both Macro and Telephoto images are very impressive for a camera small enough to be constantly carried around with me on my belt. It has a large enough selections of modes to handle most situations. I also like it's movie capabilities. At a commencement exercise a couple of weeks ago I was able to get some surprisingly decent pictures under the circumstances without using a flash, because I was able to use a very high ISO and could match the type of available indoor lighting. This compact camera has a lot of capabilities.

As a travel writer I spend a lot of time at Walt Disney World, and Canon PowerShot Digital Elphs are the most common cameras I see. Families seem to love them, because they're so easy to carry and operate. About the size of a deck of playing cards, each of these "pocket cameras" really do slip right into a pants pocket, and their rectangular designs make them easy to grip. Best of all, they all take good photos. (How do I know? Because I've actually gotten to use every one of these models. Nearly every day guests ask me to take photos of them with their own cameras, which most often are Canon PowerShot Digital Elphs.)

Here's my breakdown of the ten bestselling Digital Elph models. Any of the first six are superb choices:

1ST PLACE: SD1100 IS
An update to the SD1000 (see below), this 2008 8MP beauty adds image stabilization, a slightly longer zoom (38-114 mm), another MP of photo size and a small indent on the right side for a better grip. Plus it comes in colors! My daughter has a blue one and uses it every single day. During school days the image stabilization made a real difference in her on-the-bus shots. With that heavy of use hers has gotten scratched up a bit, but the marks are small and hardly noticeable.

2ND PLACE: SD870 IS
The ELPH to buy if you want a wide-angle lens. Slightly thicker than the SD1100 IS, this 8MP model doesn't have an optical viewfinder which makes it tough to use in bright sunlight, otherwise there's little not to love. My husband uses one as a comp camera, to compose shots for the travel guide "The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World."

3RD PLACE: SD770 IS
Just released in May, this 10 MP model is, in a way, an update of the SD1100 IS (see above). I rate it lower because it has a plastic body and doesn't come in colors. On the other hand, it has a longer battery life than the 1100 and features an improved LCD screen that is very easy to view. As for photo quality, I can't tell the difference.

4TH PLACE: SD950 IS
There's a lot to like in this 12.1 MP camera. First off, it's gorgeous. The body, though a little thick, is titanium. An upgrade to the SD850 IS (see below), it has a 3.7x zoom lens and adds manual controls as well as the ability to stitch together panoramic images. The only reason I don't rate it higher is the price.

5TH PLACE: SD890 IS (The camera on this page)
Want a long zoom lens? Here's your baby, a 10 MP model with a 5x zoom. Also has the new bright LCD screen and all the other 2008 Canon goodies. The most expensive Canon PowerShot ELPH.

6TH PLACE: SD790 IS
With the same 10 MP image sensor and 3x zoom lens as the SD770 IS, this new model stands out only for its larger 3-inch LCD display and, as a result, lack of optical viewfinder. The rear controls are different, too, with a flatter design that uses fewer buttons.

7TH PLACE: SD1000
In my opinion there's no reason to buy this 7.1 MP model. Released in 2007, it's been replaced by the SD1100 IS (see above). The SD1000 is a fine camera but it doesn't have image stabilization, a key feature of the 2008 lineup.

8TH PLACE: SD850 IS
The ancestor to the SD890 IS, this 8 MP Elph combines a 4x zoom and 8 MP photo size with an image stabilizer. Every button, dial and switch has a quality feel. Slighter larger than the other models here, it is a little tougher to pop in and out of your pocket, but if you have larger hands it may be just what you are looking for.

9TH PLACE: SD800 IS
This 7.1 MP predecessor to the 870 doesn't focus well at its edges when set at its widest angle. Still, it's good training for someone who wants to compose like a pro.

10TH PLACE: SD750
The 2007 PowerShot flagship offers a light meter that adjusts for facial brightness, 17 shooting modes, some first-rate movie features and red-eye correction -- features that were innovative a year ago but are common in Canon's 2008 models. No image stabilization; no optical viewfinder.

This is the 4th Canon I have owned and my 3rd Elph...
Let me start by saying nothing can replace my SD 700 which I lost...
4x optical zoom, buttons were all in a good location, compact camera and LIGHT!! If they made the same camera with more mega pixels I would buy it in a second (even though the 6.3MP took very crisp pictures)
I purchased the SD 1100 and returned it 2 days later... I hated it. Zoom was awful pictures came out awful. I replaced it with a SD850
OK camera. Much heavier than the SD700, same zoom, buttons not as convenient, very good picture quality... basically as close to the SD 700 as you can get with all the Elphs that are out there. Has an additional feature that lets you turn light specs (such as Christmas lights into stars and hearts)
After 2 months I saw the SD 890 and had to have it...
Pros: Camera is much lighter
Zoom is AMAZING!!
I do like the review button they put on the camera
Cons: The placement of the buttons suck.
It is hard to turn the camera on
I don't like were the wheel is places
Body is larger than SD 700

All in all any of the above mentioned Elphs are GREAT. They take pictures a lot faster than any other camera. There is hardly any delay. The pictures are crisp and the colors are vibrant. I have only had the 890 for a few days and I am hoping it will live up to the SD 700 standards.

The Canon Powershot SD890IS is a tiny camera, but a very powerful one. It makes wonderfully clear photos with little effort. It makes superb pictures with the Macro setting. Telephoto shots are good and clear, thanks to the great Image Stabilization. I even get really good images of moving vehicles, thanks to the Motion Detection. I charged the battery when I got it, and it is still going strong after I have taken at least a hundred photos. The SD890IS is a fine camera. I love it!

This camera is TOTALLY AWESOME!!! :-) :-) :-) I am in LOVE!!! :-) :-) ;-) I had been using the Canon SD300, which I bought 3 years ago new (for more $), and this one BLOWS it away!!! (And fits in the same SMALL soft case, as this camera is just a bit thicker :-) ) The SD890IS is VERY easy to use and takes GREAT pictures!!! :-) :-) :-) The physical zoom range is AMAZING too!!! :-) :-) :-) The camera is nice and light to hold, and one can just point and shoot, or play with the settings; whatever you want to do :-) :-) ONE caveat; when using the "Indoor" setting, the picture can come out a bit dark if you're a bit far away from the subject of the photo, so careful with that one. (However, that is fixable in the software on one's computer.) Buy a FAST, LARGE SD card to go with, as you will be playing with this camera TONS, and the included SD card will fill up WAY too fast. (SD cards that come with cameras are ALWAYS too small.) You can buy one on Amazon here for NICE and cheap :-) I bought the Kingston Class 4, 4 GB Card and L-O-V-E it :-) )4GB SDHC Class 4 Flash Card

I did a lot of research before I picked this camera; every site recommended cannon. Sony, casio all had picture problems. I picked this camera because it has a 5x optical zoom, low light feature, compactness, and the buttons are not close to one another so easy to use if you have big fingers.

Camera is loaded with features but not all are easy to get to if you have big hands that is my one downside of this camera. Changing to some manual setting can be a challenge and finding where to review pictures as well. Did not think I would like the face detection feature but I was pleasntly surprized, it does a great job find the face except if you have sunglasses on. The faces come out great in the picture; 10 MP may be an overkill but I like sometimes like to crop and enlarge certain parts of the picture and hanve 10 MP makes sure the picture is not grainy. Lastly night pictures without the flash come out good not excellent but very good;although it does take a min to change all of the settings for low light mode. The software it comes with is okay, if you are really into photography I sugguest buy another package.

This is the 5th Canon I've owned. I generally love their overall quality and function. I agree with most of the rave reviews about this camera, but I have TWO IMPORTANT CAVEATS that don't seem to appear.

1st: The orientation of the LCD polarization on the screen is such that when using the camera with polarized sunglasses, you can't see an image on the LCD (in the standard, horizontal position). For every other LCD camera I've used the screen is 100% viewable with polarized sunglasses. The blanking out of the screen only occurs when you rotate the camera 90 degrees (to the vertical orientation).

2nd: There is CONSIDERABLE "Barrel distortion" when using this long 5x optical zoom lens in the standard mode.

Please note: I've contacted Canon Customer Service and they say both issues are not fixable and expected given the design of the camera (UGH!)

beware if you are purchasing this camera because of all of the special features, such as the zoom or digital macro. I took this camera on vacation & discovered that there are some pretty strict limitations on the functionality of these features. Such as, in digital macro you must practically place the lens on what you are photographing to have it in focus...but then the item does not fit the frame properly, and is partly cut off in the final image. The zoom function RADICALLY loses focus the farther you zoom. The manual does address both these issues, but doesn't solve them, just states they are there. My basic photos of family turned out very nicely, but my close up foliage shots, zoomed shots, sunsets, etc were not as good as would be expected, especially since I was using a tripod for many of these shots. That being said, I found the camera & functions very easy to use & understand, and it's very compact & lightweight.

My family has purchased, over the years, several versions of this camera starting the first Elph version about five years ago. I have a Canon XT also and multiple lenses and do a lot of amateur photography. We have been really happy with our Canon equipment. It's not as flashy with all the bells and whistles of some of the other manufacturers but the quality is good and the firm reliable.

We were going to Italy and France for two weeks and I didn't want to lug around all the XT lenses. We were determined to both carry laptops but NOT check luggage and so really needed to minimize the camera equipment. We would be on planes, trains, buses and partly on foot (we stayed three nights in Careno, Italy, a pedestrian only village in Lake Como).

I searched through the various Elphs and picked this one for the 5x zoom and image stabilization features. We carried along the camera's USB cord to download photos to the laptop, an extra battery and the battery charger and that was it. Oh, a little plug adapter for European wall plugs (the battery charger works in Europe so you don't need a converter, just the wall adapter). The setup is much like earlier Elphs so the learning curve was easy. I didn't discover until quite late that there was a wide-angle option on the camera and wished I had realized that earlier.

We took almost 1,000 photos with in on the trip. The quality of the photos is great, and the ability to slip the camera into a pocket such a plus. We'll be carrying this little baby along on other trips and I'll save the big one for stationary visits.

This PowerShot SD890IS is fantastic! I took several pictures while we were driving on the high way at 75 MPH, and the pictures turned out to be fine, just like I took them when I was standing on the ground. Also it offers several special modes which are very useful. I can't imagine that it could take clear pictures of firework and sunset! I bought a SD600 before, that one couldn't take pictures of firework at all. But SD890IS is great! All most like a professional camera!
One disadvantage is that the battery runs out very fast, I have to recharge it everyday. And if I choose the largest size of the photos, the files are too big and fill up the memory card very soon. I had to change the picture size to M2.

I needed a new camera, and using the info on Canon's website, I decided between the 890IS and the 720IS. Because this camera wasn't yet available, I went to Walmart and bought the 720. It was a huge waste of money and time. It sucked power out of the batteries like no other camera I've used. After reading a few reviews on Amazon and other camera websites, I took the plunge and paid $349.99 for it. It went down to about $306 within the first 30 days of purchase, and Amazon refunded me the difference from the $349.99.

This camera takes EXCELLENT photos! There is a bit of a learning curve, but the book is very helpful. The 5X zoom is great, and the macro is superb. I bought the high-power flash to accompany it, and I feel like I'm set for any situation. The image stabilization is also fantastic. I took photos of a train moving south while we drove north and still got great pics. You know how hard it is with kids sometimes, but this camera captures them well.

People have complained a bit about the on/off button, but it's just a matter of getting used to. The camera is really small, but packed with power. I still have to explore some of the other features, but thus far, it's definitely worth every penny. You won't be disappointed!

This is one of the best cameras that I have ever laid my hands on. It is very simple to use and has a LOT of features that you can play with to create great creative images.

I like the fact that it has an optical viewfinder. The optical viewfinder is very useful when you are outdoor and the sun is bright. It will be very hard to view ANY LCD screen in this condition. Because it has the optical viewfinder, the LCD screen is slightly smaller than most of its competitors; it only has 2.5" compared to 3" on some other cameras.

The slight UI issue that I have is the LAG that the wheel has. If you turn it too slow, it does not change the option or change the option VERY slowly. But, if you turn the wheel too fast, there is a LAG before the option changes. So, sometimes, you need to go back and forth a few times to get to the option that you want.

Oh yeah... The multiple frames shot is only available WITHOUT flash. This is true for most point-and-shoot cameras.

In conclusion, this is an excellent compact camera. I carry this camera wherever I go. And, the battery life on this camera is not too shabby at all. The longest that I have ever experienced with any compact point-and-shoot cameras.

Most reviews offer too much information. If you want great digital photos at a great price (you get what you pay for), this is the best out there today. Forget about speeds, delays, body color, and yadda yadda yadda. . . .I mean, isn't point and click the idea here?

I got this camera for my 14 year daughter and she loves it. She found it easy to use and takes hundrends of pictures.

I purchased the Canon SD890IS about a month ago, after my Olympus Stylist 400 was stolen. I read many reviews, but I have had a Canon 35mm camera for years, and know its reputation. This camera does not disappoint.
I find it takes great pictures, and so far the image stabilization feature has given me excellent and sharp pictures, even at low light levels.
The camera has many more features than I will ever use, but I particularly like the large screen and the optical viewfinder. If I were to offer any criticism, I would like to see the instruction manual be enlarged (it is 230 pages) with more instructions on how to use the advanced features.
Nicely built, small size, and the battery really lasts. The 5X optical zoom is a great feature.

Picture quality is great. Took a little time getting familiar with the various settings compared to my old point and shoot. The 5X optical telephoto is nice. Battery life is very good. Lots of features and still easily fits in my pocket. I use bought a 4 gig HC card for capacity and speed.

This is my second Canon powershot and I purchased a new one for more MP and longer zoom. It's an easy camera to just pop in your purse/pocket and be able to take a picture at a moments notice. I would love to learn how to use an SLR, but don't want to haul a huge camera around with me. It's a trade off but have been happy with all the pictures I have taken on vacation, etc. My only complaint (as others have mentioned) is I don't care for the wheel in choosing scenes, etc. It's either too slow or too quick. That's about my only complaint with this great camera.

I wanted a camera that could capture pictures of my 2 year old son in action. Although its not quite as fast as I want it, its way better than the 2 year old sony camera that I was using. The image stabilizer really helps with my shaky hand and the face detection thing is pretty cool too. I'm totally a novice photographer, so I just wanted a basic camera that takes nice pictures...and this does the trick for me. The only minor issues I have with the camera are the numerous functions that its capable of. Being that I'm too lazy to read the manual, when I accidentally hit buttons that changes a setting, I'm usually at a lost as to how to fix it. The buttons are also a bit awkward, so for someone with big hands, this might be somewhat difficult to use. Overall, great camera for the price!

I am very happy with the purchase of this camera. I got a good price for a brand new camera. It was delivered very fast. I am still learning how to use the camera better. There are a lot of different functions. So far it takes great pictures. It has amazing zoom.