Large screen for HD video

What is most surprising about the handling of the PowerShot SD960 IS is without a doubt its 16/9e LCD screen. This wide format is rare on a compact digital camera, but will no doubt become the norm as HD and Full HD formats become more common.

The default setting for photos on the SD960 IS is 4/3. This means you get two nice black bands on either side of the image. This is rather disturbing when framing a photo (the screen is often used to frame photos). Although the 16/9 photo format can of course be used, it is a pity that Canon didn't make the most of an opportunity to include other image formats, such as the traditional 3/2 or the less common 1/1 (square).

On a positive note, the SD960 IS automatically displays the images according to how you position the camera. This means that photos taken in portrait mode can be viewed immediately by turning the screen.

The screen has all the more of an impact, as the camera interface is fairly bare. Gone is the print button and display command. What you will find is the view button and access to menus on the back of the camera as well as the scroll, all without needing any explanation.

Although it may seem a little strange at first, the scroll is sensitive: only a small amount of pressure is needed to display commands on the wide screen, however we still recommend its use. On the top of the camera, a button allows you to select between video, photo P and auto modes. Pressing the middle of the scroll gives access to shoot settings.

Once again, there have been some notable changes. The graphic interface is concentrated on the left hand side of the screen and you get a nice melting effect as you navigate through the options. The handling is nice, but I do have a slight preference for the older version that I found more practical. A brief and concise explanation of the different icons on the interface is available.

We would have preferred the inclusion of a few further options, such as an exposure histogram or even one of those extremely practical electronic spirit levels. The connectivity has also evolved to include a mini-HDMI out as well as the USB out, so as to be able to enjoy the HD videos on an HD monitor.

When it comes to responsiveness, the SD960 IS really stands out. It starts up very rapidly (around 1 second) and the autofocus is also very fast in most situations. Only the save time between two images is a bit slow, as is the burst mode that only just manages 1 image per second. You’ll appreciate the addition of the autofocus, the AF servo, that follows the subject. Recognition of faces is fast and effective.

Image quality
 
With a new 12 Mpix sensor and new DIGIC 4 processing, the SD960 IS promises much. Unfortunately, the photos that it delivers aren't all that great. Although there is marked distorsion when using the wide angle (28-mm), the lens is high quality and images have lots of detail. Some chromatic effects are visible on the edge of the image when using the wide-angle, but nothing too problematic for prints up to A4 size. The images are fairly accentuated, but this isn’t disagreeable and means you can print them directly without any "photoshopping." The exposition is reliable and the i-contrast option allows you to differentiate shadow from backlighting.

The new DIGIC 4 processing significantly alters the behavior of the PowerShot in highly sensitive settings. Usually Canon compacts have limited image smoothing, preferring to show detail and granulation. Here there has been a change in strategy. Although the billowing is quite contained up to 400 ISO, granulation at 800 and 1600 ISO is attenuated by image smoothing. Moderate at 800 ISO, it becomes more visible at 1600 ISO. The images lose a bit of contrast in comparison to older models, but overall the image is nicer to look at. The optic stabilizer works marvelously, and on one series we even managed to produce sharp images with the camera still for just half a second.

The video mode is also a new addition with the introduction of the 1280 x 720 pixel HD mode at 30 i/s. The image is larger and therefore nicer to look at on the right HD TV. In low lighting, you get quite a bit of flickering, but no more than on any other compact. It is a shame you can’t use the zoom when recording, and continuous autofocus is not available.

The Canon PowerShot SD960 IS has a remarkably effective optic stabilizer.