New digital camera features

For the past week I have been obsessed with two things: giving my daughter a fun Halloween and buying a new camera with which to capture the fun. And now that Halloween is over, I am able to pass on what I’ve learned about a couple of cool features now available on digital cameras: face detection and optical image stabilization.

Cameras with face detection distinguish human faces (sorry, it doesn’t work for pets) and adjusts the focus and exposure to bring them into focus. Image stabilization reduces the blurriness that results from hand-holding the camera by counteracting the motion of a moving image during exposure (Note: This is not the same as manipulating the shutter speed, which is sometimes misleadingly referred to an “anti-shake” or “anti-blur” function by some manufacturers).

Now, when it comes to digital cameras I have a few requirements. I carry my camera with me everywhere to take snapshots of my daughter. So I need a small point-and-shot camera, with good image quality (I wanted about 8 megapixels) and minimal lag-time between shots. Also I wanted to spend under $300, but still get face detection, image stabilization, and red-eye correction (a pretty common, but useful feature). So after a bit of research I narrowed it down to the Canon PowerShot SD850 IS and the Sony Cybershot DSCW90. I looked at a number of reviews, but here are two for the Canon – here and here. And there are two for the Sony – there (review of the W80, which aside from the megapixels, is identical to the W90) and there.

When it was all said and done, I ended up buying the Sony. I was intrigued by the Canon, but I had to face the fact that I am already invested in Sony technology. My last 2 cameras were Cybershots, so I’m already familiar with the series and own a large-capacity Memory Stick. Plus it cost $50 less than the Canon when I went to check them out at Best Buy. So it was kind of a no-brainer for me.

BTW, at least in California, Best Buy offers more service plan options in the store than they do online. The 4-year service plan offered for the Cybershot at BestBuy.com is $50 and covers typical wear and tear. But I was able to purchase a 4-year service and accidental damage plan for $80 (2-year plans are also offered in-store). So, if I drop or otherwise damage this camera within the next 4 years, BestBuy will replace it. Which is a source of peace-of-mind for me because my last two Cybershots were dropped to death.

Happy camera hunting!

Tara