Canon PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH 12.1 Megapixel

We buy a new Canon Elph about every 2 years (this is our fourth) with the most recent model being the SD700. We bought this one, the SD780, a few weeks ago and are very impressed. In looking for a new camera here was our criteria:

1. Be simple to use. I've owned too many devices that are just too much work to use and I want to enjoy using my camera.
2. Take great indoor pictures. At least half the time we use our camera is at parties so no washed out (too much flash) pictures for us.
3. Take HD Video. We hate carrying a separate video camera and want this one to do both well.
4. Take pictures quickly. I hate waiting for cameras to turn on and focus--do it fast or forget about it.
5. Be as REALLY small. For me that means it must fit in my wife's purse or it's not going to go very many places.

The Canon SD780 in my opinion fits all the above better than any other camera on the market (as of May 2009). As an avid Canon camera owner I know that they make some of the most easy to use cameras on the market and this upgraded camera would come with some of the same familiar features of our loved SD700--plus HD Video all in a package the size of 10 stacked credit cards (fits easily inside my wife's purse or my pocket).

It keeps the Image Stablization (same technology available for years in camcorders)--which is great considering its often hard to hold such a small camera steady. The technology allows us to take pictures at parties indoors often without using the flash letting the natural light into the picture.

A few unexpected bonuses of the SD780:
* Records HD videos 780p (30fps, H.264/Quicktime) and can output thru an HDMI port.
* Face Detection (DIGIC IV) which makes it focus on the right thing.
* Battery life lasts all weekend long (NB-4L)
* Special modes for taking pictures of Fireworks, the Beach, and Cloudy days.
* A beautiful fade effect between pictures while in slideshow mode.
* Fast power on, first picture, and quick scrolling thru slideshow pics.
* Comes in 4 great looking colors (red, black, gold, and silver)

Only drawback I've seen is that the video files are not compressed as much as say the Flip Mino HD so you'll need to have more storage (both on SD card and on your hard drive) however this also means less quality is lost.

You won't be disappointed by the SD780. For a deal look for the Japanese (IXY 100) or the European (IXUS 100) models.