Here are a few images that accurately reflect the abilities
of any given camera model. The images are altered only in
terms of size and sharpness after reduction and by the JPEG
compression used. Unless otherwise mentioned, assume that
any marbling or artifacts visible in the images are due to
the compression required to display them here. We feel however,
that they still faithfully represent the results we experienced.
STILL LIFE PHOTO
This subject
is photographed in a room that has a mix of fluorescent and incandescent
light, but which is not brightly lit. The camera's flash is
used to add fill light. The backdrop is 1.95 m (6.5 ft) from the camera.
For such a small and compact camera, the SD300 produces images
that are more in line with larger and more complex cameras.
The built-in flash provides
a good coverage and flash exposures, as long as they are of subjects
that are not too distant, are very well-lit.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f2.8
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Sp:
1/60 sec.
Res:
2272 x 1704
Flash:
On
Quality:
Superfine
ISO:
50
File Size:
1.69 MB
Focal Lgth:
35mm (35mm Eq.)
Although it does not offer an uncompressed
image format, the Superfine image quality yields
an image that shows no serious effect from the compression, as
can be seen here.
ZOOM PHOTO
Now we zoom in on a specific area. The intent is to test the sharpness
of the image at the zoom's maximum setting. The camera remains at the same
distance as with the preceding photo.
At the full zoom setting, the SD300 captures a crisp and
very detailed image that even reveals the printing screen used
to make the coloured background
to the print on the old photo paper envelope.
Set to macro mode the SD300 is able to photograph a subject
a mere 3 cm (1.17 in.) from the front of the lens when the zoom
is at the wide angle end, and 30 cm (12 inches) while at the
maximum telephoto setting.
Macro shots obtained with the wide angle end of the zoom capture the narrowest
field of view, at 6.1 cm (2.4 inches) measured horizontally.
The SD300 also offers a mode called Digital
Macro which combines the macro mode with the digital
zoom. The mode locks the optical zoom at the widest angle
which has the closest approach, and allows the use of the
digital zoom (up to 3.6X) to further magnify the subject
and make it appear even larger.
BUILDING PHOTO
This image is our outdoor test. The architecture of the building, in particular
the angled girders, immediately show the presence of jaggies. The shadowed
entrance can also often reveal the quality of the exposure.
This wide angle shot of the building, captured under cold
winter light, turned out to reveal the one weakness of the
SD300. Given the right circumstances,
namely a harsh glary light and a dark subject with sharp edges, the
camera will produce an image that clearly shows a chromatic
aberration.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f2.8
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Sp:
1/320 sec.
Res:
2272 x 1704
Flash:
Off
Quality:
Superfine
ISO:
50
File Size:
1.74 MB
Focal Lgth:
35mm (35mm Eq.)
The chromatic aberration appears
as a purple glow that follows the edge of darker image elements.
ZOOM PHOTO
With the lens set to the telephoto end however, the chromatic aberration
visible in the image above disappears entirely. In fact, the aberration
which only appears when there are violent contrasts, is limited to the
wide angle end of the zoom.
The telephoto exposure, as can be seen below, is remarkably
sharp and although the zoom is limited to the equivalent
of a 105mm
lens — a short telephoto — the
image sharpness is sufficiently high that the small sign attached to
the front door is almost legible.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f4.9
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Sp:
1/100 sec.
Res:
2272 x 1704
Flash:
Off
Quality:
Superfine
ISO:
50
File Size:
2.0 MB
Focal Lgth:
105mm (35mm Eq.)
NIGHT PHOTO
As this camera is capable of a long exposure, a photo
taken at night is included.
Aperture: f2.8; speed:
10 sec, 50 ISO.
The Manual mode of the SD300
allows setting the exposure time if the option (Long Shutter)
has been enabled in the Rec. Menu. Exposure times ranging
from 1 to 15 seconds can be set, and with all exposures over
1.3 seconds the SD300 automatically applies Noise Reduction.
The Noise Reduction process used with the SD300 is standard,
and works by capturing a second exposure of the same duration
as the first, but without opening the shutter. This allows the
camera to "record" the ambient electronic noise, and
then use that information to eliminate it from the first exposure.
To capture the image shown here,
the SD300 was set to its lowest CCD sensitivity of 50 ISO to
minimize noise, and placed on a tripod to capture a 10 second
exposure. The 2-second Self-timer setting is used to avoid camera
shake when the shutter release is pressed.
The result is an excellent exposure that records a sharp image and which
shows details that the human eye cannot see.
Compare Prices for Canon NB4L 3.7V Lithiumion Battery
Test Photos
