Canon Wireless Remote Control RC1 for Digital Rebel Review

By Mike Keran (Seattle, WA United States)

This remote uses a small infrared transmitter to trip the shutter of many of the EOS line of cameras (EOS 10, Elan, Elan II/IIE, EOS IX and possibly others). I bought one 5 or 6 years ago and I haven't had to change the battery yet. Unlike wired remote shutter releases, the RC1 doesn't require the user to set anything up -- just point the remote at the camera front and press the button. The RC1 clips onto a holder that can be threaded through your camera strap so it's always nearby when needed. It measures (inches) 2.25 x 1 x .5 (length x width x height) and weighs not much more than one ounce.

The RC1 as two controls on it: a small slider switch and a larger button to trip the shutter. If you're wearing gloves, the slider switch is near impossible to adjust but the shutter button is easy to hit. The slider offers three settings: Lock (disables the shutter button), regular and 2-second delay. The regular setting works just like the shutter release on your camera although you can't press it halfway to autofocus. The 2-second delay locks up the mirror when you hit the shutter button and then trips the shutter 2 seconds later. This is very useful for longer exposures or shooting with telephoto lenses.

I've found the RC1 to be plenty sturdy (I shoot mostly outdoors and tend to be pretty hard on my equipment) and easy enough to unclip and operate with one hand. I have only two complaints with it: you need to point the remote at the front of the camera -- the IR sensor is right next to the shutter release -- which can be tricky when using wide angle lenses as you don't want to include your remote in the picture, and the RC1 doesn't provide any feedback that the shutter had been tripped -- I often find myself peering back through the viewfinder to see if the mirror is up or keeping my ear near the camera to listen for the film advance. This is a far simpler remote than the ones Canon offers for their top-end camera but it's also far less expensive and heavy. I only wish the RC1 worked for the EOS3!

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Canon PSC-55 Deluxe Leather Compact Case for SD430, SD500, SD550, SD600, SD630, SD700IS, SD800IS, SD850 IS, SD900,SD950IS & SD870IS Digital Cameras

By JanSobieski (United States of America)

This case is perfect for my SD550 or any similar sized camera. My camera fits snug and it's the least bulky case I've come across. One drawback however: Since it is optimized to be as slim as possible there is NO room for an additional memory card or battery. This poses no problem for me as I only use this case to carry the camera in my pocket. All accessories are in my large camera bag.

Both the back and the front of this small case are designed with a hard stiff front and back designed to protect the LCD monitor. There are NO zippers to scratch the polished metal or LCD of your camera. The case opens with a velcro tab which holds the camera very securely.

One other case I would consider is the Lowepro D-Pod 10 which is slightly more bulky but does provide a bit more protection. I have both and use both depending on the amount of protection desired. My dad owns only the PSC-55 as it provides plenty of protection for him.

This is a very nice case and reasonably priced.

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Canon Digital Elph Accessory Kit for Canon SD950 IS, SD900, SD870 IS & SD850 IS Digital Cameras Review

By J. Paulsonn (Ohio)

I normally carry small digital cameras in my pants pockets, but they can get scratched by keys and coins. I put this case on my belt and my SD camera fits like a glove, is instantly available, and never gets scratched. It looks rather like a cell phone on your belt, so doesn't attract a lot of attention.

Some reviewers complain about having to thread the handstrap through the little hole in the case flap. Why? Don't bother...just let the strap protrude from under the flap. This is truly a non-issue.

Battery--I'm glad to have a spare battery, but to be honest, no matter how much I use my SD800, I've never run out of battery power, so I'm not sure a second battery is a must, the way it is with some other cameras.

Given this, you might want to buy just the case instead of this kit.

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Canon PowerShot SD790IS 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Review

By Mark "Technology, Music and Movies" (NY, NJ, CT USA)

Canon's 790 IS is a great all-around point and shoot Camera. Canon has been playing with various mixes of features and prices with their newer models. The model numbers are confusing, but I've gone through a few new models recently and hope this extra info may help you.

Even though I do own a few older Canon DSLRs, for point and shoot I've been leaning more towards Nikon's Coolpix S series for the better pricing and some features. I did a lot of research into the various models in this price range. The 790IS stands up well against the competition. And for my needs it's more appealing than Canon's SD890IS , SD950IS, SD770IS or SD1100IS models.

** The Nikon Coolpix S52c with Wi-Fi has all the good stuff that's included with the Nikon Coolpix S52 plus a wireless antenna for uploading pictures without syncing to your PC. Either of these is a better value than the Canon 790 or 770 at about 30% less. To be fair though, they cost less for a reason, since Canon has owned this market segment for a while.

** 10 megapixels is a good capacity on the higher end for point and shoot cameras. I wouldn't expect it to produce better pictures than 8 or 9 MP models. You may have good reason to set your image size smaller within the camera. However having the *option* of more megapixel's gives you certain large image format options you wouldn't otherwise have. Hence the meaning behind the much maligned statement, "more never hurts." That doesn't mean you always want to use more, but it's nice to be able to versus other cameras. The 770 and 890 each also offer 10 MP and the 950 offers 12 MP, though at a much higher price. The Nikon S600 also has 10 MP. The 9 MP of the Nikon S52c was enough for me, so the 790's 10 MP is a slight upgrade.

** 3x optical zoom is also a perfect amount that tends to not result in blurred photos. The 950IS and the 870IS each has 5x optical zoom, but both have smaller screens and thicker bodies. Digital zoom is irrelevant to me.

** Canon's image processing is faster and more reliable than on my Nikon. The built-in image stabilization, face detection and motion detection reduce blur. I simply wouldn't consider a Canon without IS at this point.

**Just like the Nikon, and unlike many other Canon models I was looking into, the 3 inch LCD screen is too beautiful to ignore. No view-finder here, but with this beautiful screen you don't really need one. The Nikon's screen is best of all, and made from a nicer glass that seems more durable. But this Canon is just as big and very nice as well.

** In terms of memory compatibility, Canon's lead this group. Just like the Nikon they support SD and larger SDHC cards. And they also support the wide range of MMC, MMC Plus, and HC MMC Plus. No usable card is included, but you can get a nice 8 GB SDHC for only 30 or 40 bucks.

** All those common extras for in-camera editing are included here. The Canon has a lot of extra shooting modes too. These may aid casual users a lot, but you have to spend some time studying the manual and playing with them. I haven't used them all a great deal, but I'm generally happy with using minimal adjustments instead of the shooting modes.

** The control wheel and buttons are intuitive but not as tactile as on the Nikon. I'm not crazy about the flattened buttons. But if you really want a Canon with a 3 inch screen, you give up the buttons. As for the wheel, those not used to it should have no trouble adjusting.

** The other advantage of the Nikon S52 is the internal zoom. That means no waiting for the lens to zoom in and out, and no worries about the mechanical issues with those external lens extension cameras. It is possible to view pictures on the 790 IS without activating the lens by pressing the view button. But for taking pictures, the lens articulates out.

** The slim chiseled body of this Canon is very comparable to the S52 and more attractive than the rounder and fatter 870, 890 and 950. I still prefer the Nikon body design, but the Canon definitely feels more solid in your hand.

** Picture taking is better feeling on the Canon, with a more effective button design, less lag and faster shutter. It's true that some manual controls aren't available here, but it's a point and shoot. Step up to a bridge model like the Canon G9 or the Nikon P80 if you want more manual controls.

** Low light performance is better with the Canon in auto but better with the Nikon when the ISO is set manually. On balance I think the S52 is better in this area.

** The wireless upload feature is a nice extra on the S52c. Connecting to a wireless access point takes some time. This is not a feature I plan on using often, but considering even the S52c is significantly less pricey than the 790 it's almost like a freebee. Upload speeds are too slow for video, but for pictures it will do in a pinch.

** The video recording features are pretty similar but slightly better on the Canon. The video quality is great on both and sound quality could be improved on both.

** The Canon PowerShot SD870IS and the Nikon Coolpix S600 each offer widescreen lenses. The 790IS is on the cusp of wide-lens aperture. The SD870IS is clearly the most popular camera in that group. Like the S600 it also has an externally articulating lens, so it's less compact than the S52. The S600 is a serious competitor but the 790IS is still nicer looking and the 870IS is much more popular. The 870IS has a ton of in depth reviews out there, so look them up.

** All of the ELPHs have proprietary rechargeable batteries. Plan on recharging them often and buying a spare battery. You'll also need to buy a little case for this camera. Some bridge models like the Nikon Coolpix P60, Canon PowerShot A590IS and Canon PowerShot A720IS offer the convenience of AA batteries. If you plan on travelling a lot internationally, being able to use AAs comes in handy.


This is a great camera, and probably the best Elph out there right now.

1) If you plan on shooting a lot in auto mode and want a thin camera with the 3 inch screen, the 790IS is the way to go.
2) If you think you might use the Wifi upload feature, prefer the internal lens or are looking for the best value, the S52c or S52 is the way to go.
3) If you don't need the 3 inch screen and just prefer Canon to Nikon, go with the 770 IS or the 1100 IS to save some cash.
4) If you need something that doesn't force you to use those proprietary batteries and chargers, check out the P60, A590 or A720.
5) If you want a little wider lens capabilities and don't mind spending a little more cash, look at Nikon S600 and the very popular Canon 870IS.

I know this is a lot to digest. I hope you can benefit from this info and the recent spree of camera purchases I've made.

Enjoy your new camera.

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Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (Black with Greenish Accent) Review

By R. Wolfinger (Manassas, VA USA)

I had so much stuff in my huge LowePro Nova 5AW shoulder bag that it hurt my my shoulder and back to carry it around. Saw the Canon 200EG Backpack and based on reviews ordered one. I am impressed. It was about 1/2 the price of my LowePro bag. Its very well designed with lots of compartments, padding, external straps and quality materials. It holds everything that was in my other bag and I still have more room. I've got a Canon 20D with BGE2 battery grip, 3 zoom lenses (one a telephoto), a Canon 580EX flash, a Slik mini tripod, lens hoods for all the lenses, and a large assortment of filters for all the lenses all inside the main compartment. External compartments hold everything else like spare battery packs, chargers, cables, etc. Its got straps on the bottom to carry my tripod which my old bag didn't have. Its got other straps for carrying all kinds of stuff. And I carry bag this much comfortably. The one thing that the LowePro bag had was an all weather cover that could be zipped out to cover the bag in bad weather. Never used it anyhow so whats the point? The LowePro goes to E-Bay!

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SanDisk 2 GB SD Memory Card ( SDSDB-2048-A11, Retail Package) Review

By Steven Quigley (Pasadena, MD USA)

I've been using the SanDisk standard speed SD card series for four years and have never had a problem with these inexpensive, yet reliable cards. My oldest one (a 512MB) is still used very frequently, having captured thousands of photographs. Now that the prices are getting lower and the sizes bigger, I would suggest that if you're only shooting still shots, 2GB is probably way more than you'll ever need. A 2GB card will probably hold about 900 photos depending on your camera's megapixels and JPEG compression. That's like 40+ rolls of 35mm film! However, if your camera shoots video, this card is steal since you'll never know when you need more space.

FOR KODAK OWNERS: In July 2006, I replaced a SanDisk regular SD card like this one with a SanDisk Ultra II card for my Kodak DX7590, because I was hoping that it would allow my camera to write high-quality 5MP pictures faster. But to my surprise, it timed exactly the same. So I emailed Kodak, and this was their response: "We appreciate your interest in high speed memory for your digital camera. Our cameras are designed to operate, write and read SD cards at set voltage speeds. Therefore, there is no advantage to using faster memory in Kodak cameras."

So if you use a Kodak dock or USB cable to transfer images from a Kodak camera to your computer, this standard SanDisk card is all you need...there's no advantage to paying extra for a high-speed card like the Ultra II. However, if you use a card reader to get images from the SD card to your computer, and speed is important to you, then it might be worthwhile to pay a little more for the Ultra II since read and write speeds through the card reader could be substantially faster.

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