Funny-Games.wsDuring the course of the review, I will sometimes refer to my personal SD850 IS because the comparison highlights some seemingly minor but significant feature/design changes. While I (by a small margin) prefer the look and feel of my silver SD850, the SD870 scores higher on functionality. Many of the features are the same, but the SD870 is easier to use because of the placement of key features and, of course, the LCD screen.For example, I mentioned the importance of being able to easily review pictures I have taken (or others have taken of me) so I can decide whether more need to be taken. With the SD870, the play button stands alone on the back of the camera for easy playback without having to exit a shooting mode. In contrast, with my own SD850 I have to switch out of picture taking mode (into play mode) in order to review a picture, then remember to switch back. It's a small design change, with major benefits-especially for the compulsive reviewer-re-taker. In general, this feature on the camera makes it easier to navigate back and forth between the modes. To get out of review (play mode) you simply tap the shutter button.On the other hand, one change I do not like on the SD870 is the on/off key right next to the shutter button. Consider how many times you have asked someone to take a picture with your camera.

 While the shutter key is more prominent and raised, someone unfamiliar with your camera is just as likely to press the on/off switch by accident. Then, you have to set up the camera and shot again while they wait anxiously to make the eight o'clock show.A mere 5.5 oz., the SD870 comes equipped with 3.8x IS (image stabilization) capabilities and an 8 megapixel lens. With a range of 4.6mm at maximum wide angle to 17.3mm at maximum telephoto-a 35mm film equivalent to 28mm (wide) and 105mm (tele)-the digital zoom can magnify up to 15x in combination with the optical zoom. The image of the dragonfly below illustrates the combined effort of the SD870's IS feature and digital macro zoom capability.

The camera's silver front also contains the built-in-flash, AF assist beam, red eye reduction lamp, and self timer lamp.canon powershot sd870 IS The 3 inch LCD screen covers the majority of the SD870's black backside. To the right of the screen there is a column of buttons. At the top is the convenient (above-mentioned) play button underneath which is a print/share button for use when connecting to a computer or printer. Below that is an indicator light which may turn green, blinking green, orange or blinking orange depending on certain conditions.Under the indicator light is a function/set button encircled by a dial which offers easy access to ISO, flash, macro, self timer settings (in shooting modes), trash, and jump settings (in playback modes). This function dial also serves as the up/down right/left keys and when you circle your finger counterclockwise around the outer edge, it gives you quick access to shooting modes. For example, if I am in SCN mode and I circle my finger around the dial, an enlarged version of the modes I can choose from (in this case: Night snapshot, Kids&Pets, Indoor, Foliage etc.) will appear on the LCD screen. As I continue to circle my thumb around and around, I simply stop at the mode I want and it takes me into that mode. It is similar to the dial on an iPod, but not as sensitive or easy to use.This dial takes some getting used to, and can sometimes be frustrating because you may think you chose one mode and it takes you to another. But once you figure out the right sensitivity you will find yourself navigating quickly from mode to mode.The top of the camera has a mode switch, on/off button, and the shutter button encircled by the zoom lever. The mode switch, from left to right, puts you in movie mode, SCN mode, and shooting mode. In shooting mode, this lever zooms in (telephoto) and out (wide angle). When used in playback mode, it zooms in (magnifies image up to 10x) and out on an already taken photo.The bottom of the SD870 has a mount for a tripod or externally mounted flash and the opening for the SD card and the rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack NB-5L.The right side of the SD870 has a metallic silver wrist strap mount and under a digital terminal cover there is access to the AV out-where you connect cords to printer/computer/TV.