Resolving Fine Lines

For our resolution test, we reset the camera to its default settings and then used the highest resolution and quality setting. The camera was then set to +1.0 E.V, manual WB, and ISO 50. For more information, refer to our Testing Procedures page. When reading this chart, the numbers represent lines per picture height (LPH). For example, the number 16 would represent 1,600 LPH. Click on a crop to see the full chart at 100%.

Canon SD300 Nikon 4100 Olympus Verve

+1.0 EV

+1.3 EV

+1.0 EV
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Canon SD300 VS. Nikon Coolpix 4100

Roll your mouse over the 200% crops below to see the difference between the Canon SD300 and the Nikon Coolpix 4100 resolution charts.


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Canon SD300 VS. Olympus Stylus Verve

Roll your mouse over the 200% crops below to see the difference between the Canon SD300 and the Olympus Stylus Verve resolution charts.


Hold mouse over image.


Hold mouse over image.

The SD300 holds up very well in comparison to similar models. In the horizontal crops above, the SD300 is able to resolve lines out to 1,250 LPH, which is just a bit better than both the Nikon Coolpix 4100 and the Olympus Stylus Verve. All three cameras show some moiré near their resolution limits. Again, in the vertical crops, the SD300 has a slight advantage over the other two cameras by resolving fine lines out to 1,250 LPH. Canon has done a good job of not over-processing its images. This results in a smooth and clean resolution chart.

The Timing Tests Color Reproduction
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  • Fricardo - Saturday, July 16, 2005 - link

    "We are eagerly awaiting the release of the 5 megapixel PowerShot SD400 and we will certainly bring you a review"

    Sooo, the SD400 is out. And still no review?
  • brownba - Wednesday, July 6, 2005 - link

    i love my sd300

    i've read about the lcd being fragile...
    but that's just the 2% of disgruntled owners being loud, while teh 98% of happy owners are out taking great pictures
  • zoomsix - Wednesday, June 1, 2005 - link

    Buyers Beware: the sd300 lcd breaks VERY EASY. Take special care when handling as even the slightest impact can break it, and canon WILL NOT replace it free of charge.
    IMO, this is reason enough not to buy the camera. The simple fact that it can break from something as simple as being in your pocket is screaming flawed design.

    You won't see this in any reviews because reviewers only test the product... they don't actually have extended experience with it.

    If you don't believe me, just search around.

    You have been warned.
  • Cameraman - Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - link

    Yet another flippin' awesome review, man! I can't even imagine buying a digital camera at this point without reading what you have to say about it. Thanks for all of the hard work, dude!
  • Bookie - Monday, February 28, 2005 - link

    I just got this camera last week to compliment my Dimage A1 and I've very impressed. The movie quality rocks. The pictures aren't quite as clear as my Dimage, but that's where the $400 price different comes in. I paid just over $300 for this camera. I really wanted to wait for next month to get either ther sd500 or sd600, but since I'm headed on a cruise next week I couldn't wait any longer, though I may ebay this after the trip and get one of the new ones depending on their street price. I also found replacement batteries (generic) for $12 online and picked up a couple of those.

    I did comparisons of this camera with the eLixims. Even though I could get the 5mp casio for the same price, it just didn't do as much as well as this camera. I also couldn't stand that they had to have that docking station to charge.
  • Brunnis - Saturday, February 26, 2005 - link

    Okay, I think I've decided now. I'm buying the IXUS 40 (as it's apparently called here), along with a fast 1GB SD card and Canon's own camera bag. Should be really neat to have this camera the coming summer. :) I've read more reviews of it and they're all agreeing with this one!
  • drwho9437 - Friday, February 25, 2005 - link

    #21 they did I believe add a digital zoom in the SD500 but not an optical one. Though since the image is so small compaired to the sensor resolution it will probably work well. The auto focus system is designed to continously focus.
  • stephencaston - Friday, February 25, 2005 - link

    #22, yep IXUS 40 for the SD300 and IXUS 30 for the SD200.
  • Brunnis - Friday, February 25, 2005 - link

    This is pretty much what I've been looking for! I'm just wondering what the exact name is in europe. Would this be the Digital IXUS 40 (not 400!)?
  • Jedi2155 - Friday, February 25, 2005 - link

    I have a SD300 and I also use a Lexar 32x 1 GB on it. I've tried taken a movie sample with a full battery charge had it go till I filled the card to capacity. Thats about 8 minutes and 45(50 maybe) using a empty card @ 640x480 30 FPS. After that, I still managed to get a weeks worth of shots (about 10-20 a day) with a few more videos on the battery charge. Needless to say, I am impressed and decided to against buying a spare.

    I am irked about the inability to zoom in the movie mode but I heard they fixed that in the upcoming SD500......

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