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!)

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 costs about $50 more 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 2008 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 2008 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. Unless it’s priced really cheap, get the 870 instead.

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 latest models. No image stabilization; no optical viewfinder. Choose a 2008 model instead.

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.