The Canon Powershot SD780 IS distinguishes itself by being one of the slimmest ultra-compacts and by its HD movie-mode (720p). The remainder of its specifications are quite simple: a 12 megapixels sensor with ISO up to 1600 and a minimal 3X optical zoom lens. Given that few such smaller cameras do HD, the SD780 is work a look.

The pocket-friendly Canon SD780 is well built and does cover all features expected of a point-and-shoot plus a few extras such as AE-L (Auto-Exposure-Lock) and the choice of 3 metering modes. This one one of the most easy to use ultra-compacts out there, definitely easier and simpler than the Fuji Finepix F200 EXR which was reviewed here last. The F200 does have unique modes and image-quality beyond any ultra-compact, including the SD780, but this one is trivial to use compared to the F200.

Canon also has the Powershot SD1200 IS which looks quite similar to the SD780, except for a larger body. The SD1200 offers slightly less resolution, 10 megapixels, records VGA movies instead of HD and packs a more powerful battery.