This is one ultra-compact digital camera which we honestly did not see coming. Although it was announced by Canon with two other SD-series models, it distinguishes itself as one of only two wide-angle ultra-compact digital cameras. The other one is the 6 megapixels Olympus FE-200 which sports a 5X optical zoom but no image stabilization.

The Canon Powershot SD800 IS, also known as the IXUS 850 IS in Europe, turns out to be a great camera. Image quality is good overall with consumer-pleasing saturated colors, accurate exposure and below average image noise up to ISO 400. Based on previous reviews, it seems that 7 megapixels sensors are second-best among small digital cameras, behind Fuji's 6 megapixels SuperCCD HR. As with nearly all ultra-compact cameras, there is a slight amount of corner softness that would be visible in medium-to-large prints. Above average chromatic aberrations are also present but are not very intrusive. While there is some barrel distortion at wide-angle, we have not seen the Olympus FE-200 yet and so there is no basis of comparison in this class. Compared to the bigger Panasonic Lumix LX1 and Fuji Finepix E510, barrel distortion is similar.

Some may notice that the Canon Powershot SD800 IS does not look as stylish as other Canon SD-series cameras, but it is so with good reason. While the overall body design and interface is the same, Canon has enlarged the rear-panel buttons, making them easier to use. With a 2.5" LCD and an optical viewfinder, the SD800 IS leaves little space on its back for gripping. The Fuji F-series cameras do better with a recessed position for the thumb, but those cameras do not have an optical viewfinder. To keep the viewfinder, large LCD and have space for holding the camera's back, it may be necessary get a compact camera instead of an ultra-compact.

The bottom line is that the Canon Powershot SD800 IS is an excellent digital camera with a unique wide-angle stabilized lens among ultra-compact cameras. For better image quality in an ultra-compact, the Fuji Finepix F30 is the one to get. It has a much better high-ISO performance, a more powerful flash, significantly longer battery life, a sharper lens and semiautomatic modes. For that, you must unfortunately give up the wide-angle stabilized lens and the optical viewfinder.