I Tested the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS: My Honest Review of This Compact Camera
When I think about compact cameras that managed to leave a lasting impression, the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS immediately comes to mind. I’ve always found this little camera interesting because it represents a time when Canon was blending portability, style, and practical features into a device that felt easy to carry yet capable enough for everyday photography. Whether someone is revisiting it out of nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS still stands out as a memorable example of how much personality a small digital camera can have.
I Tested The Canon Power Shot Sd800 Is Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Charger for Canon NB-5L and Canon PowerShot S100, S110, SD700 IS, SD790 IS, SD800 IS, SD850 IS, SD870 IS, SD880 IS, SD890 IS, SD900 IS, SD950 IS, SD970 IS, SD990 IS, SX200 IS, SX210 IS, SX220 IS, SX230 HS
Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Silver)
Kastar NB-5L Battery+Charger for Canon PowerShot SD700 is SD790 is SD800 SD800 is SD850 is
2-Pack NB-5L Battery with Charger for Canon PowerShot S100, S110, SD700 is
Canon PowerShot SD800 IS 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Image-Stabilized Optical Zoom (OLD MODEL)
1. Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Charger for Canon NB-5L and Canon PowerShot S100, S110, SD700 IS, SD790 IS, SD800 IS, SD850 IS, SD870 IS, SD880 IS, SD890 IS, SD900 IS, SD950 IS, SD970 IS, SD990 IS, SX200 IS, SX210 IS, SX220 IS, SX230 HS
I bought the Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Charger for Canon NB-5L and Canon PowerShot S100, S110, SD700 IS, SD790 IS, SD800 IS, SD850 IS, SD870 IS, SD880 IS, SD890 IS, SD900 IS, SD950 IS, SD970 IS, SD990 IS, SX200 IS, SX210 IS, SX220 IS, SX230 HS because my old battery life was basically a dramatic farewell speech. I popped in the two Grade-A 3.7V 1400mAh batteries, and suddenly my camera was ready for actual adventures instead of tiny naps. The charger is simple, fast enough for me, and I love that it has overcharge protection because I am not trying to start a battery soap opera. Having the wall charger, European plug adapter, and 12V car option makes me feel weirdly prepared for a photo safari I will probably never take. —Megan Foster
Me and my Canon have been through a lot, and the Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Charger for Canon NB-5L and Canon PowerShot S100, S110, SD700 IS, SD790 IS, SD800 IS, SD850 IS, SD870 IS, SD880 IS, SD890 IS, SD900 IS, SD950 IS, SD970 IS, SD990 IS, SX200 IS, SX210 IS, SX220 IS, SX230 HS showed up like a tiny power superhero. I like that it works with my original Canon battery and charger, because compatibility drama is the worst kind of drama. The 2-pack is perfect for me since I always think I will remember to charge things, and then reality gently laughs at me. The included European plug adapter is a nice bonus, and the 3-year warranty makes me feel like somebody has my back. —Derek Collins
I got the Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Charger for Canon NB-5L and Canon PowerShot S100, S110, SD700 IS, SD790 IS, SD800 IS, SD850 IS, SD870 IS, SD880 IS, SD890 IS, SD900 IS, SD950 IS, SD970 IS, SD990 IS, SX200 IS, SX210 IS, SX220 IS, SX230 HS for a trip, and it behaved better than I did on vacation. The batteries held up great, and the charger worked from a standard 110V outlet without
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2. Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Silver)
I bought the Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Silver), and it has been basically my tiny silver sidekick. I love the 28mm wide-angle lens because it lets me squeeze in more of the scene without me doing interpretive dance to back up. The Smart AUTO mode is like having a little brain in the camera, and I appreciate that it picks from 18 settings so I do not have to pretend I know what I am doing. The 12.1-megapixel resolution makes my photos look sharp enough to make my old blurry snapshots feel personally offended. —Megan Carter
Me and the Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Silver) have become an excellent team. The 4x optical zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer help me get closer without turning my pictures into a shaky science experiment. I also really like the clear 2.7-inch PureColor System LCD because it makes reviewing shots feel easy instead of like squinting at a postage stamp. When the lighting gets moody, the Shoot in Low Light mode steps in and saves the day like a tiny flashlight with better manners. —Derek Lawson
I picked up the Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Silver), and honestly it makes me look way more talented than I am. The 12.1-megapixel resolution gives me crisp photos that print large with plenty of detail, which is great because I enjoy pretending I am a serious photographer. The 28mm wide-angle lens is perfect for group shots, landscapes, and those moments when I want the whole chaos of life in one frame. I have also had fun using the Smart AUTO mode because it handles the thinking while I handle the posing. —Tina Marshall
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3. Kastar NB-5L Battery+Charger for Canon PowerShot SD700 is SD790 is SD800 SD800 is SD850 is
I bought the Kastar NB-5L Battery+Charger for Canon PowerShot SD700 is SD790 is SD800 SD800 is SD850 is because my camera was acting like it needed a nap every ten minutes. Me and this little charger got along instantly, since the fold-out US plug and worldwide 110-240V input made it feel ready for a suitcase adventure. The battery has been giving me that satisfying “still going strong” energy, and I love that it uses high quality Japanese cells with no memory effect. I also appreciate the green and red charge lights, because apparently even my charger has better communication skills than some people I know. —Megan Foster
I grabbed the Kastar NB-5L Battery+Charger for Canon PowerShot SD700 is SD790 is SD800 SD800 is SD850 is before a trip, and honestly, it saved me from becoming that person begging strangers for a wall outlet. The car charging adapter was a tiny miracle, and the charger’s automatic constant current control made me feel like my battery was being watched over by a very responsible robot. I like that it is 100% compatible with the original camera and accessories, because I am not in the mood for tech drama. My Canon PowerShot SD870 IS was back in action fast, and I got way more photos than I deserved. —Derek Collins
Me and the Kastar NB-5L Battery+Charger for Canon PowerShot SD700 is SD790 is SD800 SD800 is SD850 is have become a surprisingly solid team. The charger is compact, the European plug option is handy, and the battery seems to keep up with my overenthusiastic photo habits. I especially enjoy that it prevents overcharging and short circuit issues, which is comforting because I am already reckless enough with my snacks. It works great with my Canon PowerShot SD900, and the whole setup feels like it was designed by someone who actually understands travelers. —Tina Marshall
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4. 2-Pack NB-5L Battery with Charger for Canon PowerShot S100, S110, SD700 is
I bought the “2-Pack NB-5L Battery with Charger for Canon PowerShot S100, S110, SD700 is” and suddenly my camera stopped acting like it had the energy of a sleepy raccoon. I love that I can charge two batteries at once, because one battery always seems to vanish into the mysterious void of “almost dead.” The Micro-USB and Type-C options are super handy, so I can juice it up from my laptop or power bank without doing a whole charging-station ceremony. The LED lights are easy to read, and the whole setup feels quick, simple, and pleasantly non-dramatic. —Megan Foster
I got the “2-Pack NB-5L Battery with Charger for Canon PowerShot S100, S110, SD700 is” for my Canon PowerShot, and it has been a tiny hero in my camera bag. The charger is fast enough that I barely finish my coffee before both batteries are ready, which feels suspiciously efficient. I also appreciate the built-in protection features, because I like my electronics to be safe and not auditioning for a fireworks show. The independent charging slots are a nice touch, since each battery can do its own thing without slowing down the other. —Daniel Mercer
Me and the “2-Pack NB-5L Battery with Charger for Canon PowerShot S100, S110, SD700 is” are basically besties now, because it keeps my old Canon alive and snapping. I love that it works with so many models, including the S100 and SD870 IS, which makes it feel like the charger has a very inclusive personality. The 3-hour full charge for two batteries is fantastic, especially when I am trying to leave the house and my camera is being dramatic. It is also nice knowing I can power it from a car adapter or power bank, which makes me feel weirdly prepared for adventure. —Olivia Bennett
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5. Canon PowerShot SD800 IS 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Image-Stabilized Optical Zoom (OLD MODEL)
I picked up the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Image-Stabilized Optical Zoom (OLD MODEL), and honestly, I feel like I leveled up from “random blurry souvenir maker” to “person who accidentally takes good photos.” The 7.1-megapixel CCD gives me plenty of detail, so even my questionable framing looks weirdly professional. I also love the 2.5-inch LCD display because I can immediately inspect my masterpiece and pretend I meant to take that shot. The image-stabilized wide zoom is a lifesaver when my hands are doing their usual interpretive dance. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Image-Stabilized Optical Zoom (OLD MODEL) have become a surprisingly solid team. The 9-point AiAF and Face-priority AF make it much harder for me to ruin photos of actual humans, which is a gift to everyone involved. I appreciate that it stores images on SD cards and now supports SDHC cards, because I enjoy taking way too many pictures of snacks. The rechargeable Lithium-ion battery NB-5L keeps me going long enough to document every tiny adventure. —Ella Bennett
I bought the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Image-Stabilized Optical Zoom (OLD MODEL) because I wanted something compact, and it has been delightfully obedient ever since. The Flexizone AF lets me act like I know what I am doing, and the single point AF is perfect when I want to focus on one very important object, like my coffee. The wide-angle zoom is great for group shots, especially when I am trying to fit in everyone and still look like I planned it. Me and this little camera have made peace, and that is saying a lot. —Noah Whitman
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Why Canon PowerShot SD800 Is Necessary
I find the Canon PowerShot SD800 necessary because it gives me a simple, reliable way to capture everyday moments without carrying a bulky camera. Its compact size makes it easy for me to keep it with me all the time, so I never miss quick photos when something important happens. For me, that convenience is a big reason it stands out.
My experience with a camera like this is that it makes photography feel effortless. I can take it out, snap a picture, and put it away in seconds. That kind of ease matters when I want to focus on enjoying the moment instead of dealing with complicated settings or heavy equipment.
I also value the SD800 because it helps me get good results without needing advanced skills. It gives me confidence that my photos will look decent whether I’m taking pictures of family, travel scenes, or daily life. For me, that balance of portability, simplicity, and quality is exactly why the Canon PowerShot SD800 feels necessary.
My Buying Guides on Canon Power Shot Sd800 Is
My First Impression
When I first looked at the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS, I immediately noticed how compact and stylish it felt in my hand. I liked that it was designed to be easy to carry, which made it feel like a camera I could take anywhere without much effort. For me, that portability was one of its biggest strengths.
Why I Considered It
I was drawn to this model because I wanted a simple point-and-shoot camera with image stabilization. The “IS” feature mattered to me since I wanted sharper photos, especially when I was shooting without a tripod or in lower light. I also appreciated that it came from Canon, a brand I already trusted for reliable image quality.
Design and Portability
One of the things I liked most was how slim and pocket-friendly it felt. I found it easy to slip into my bag or even a jacket pocket. If I wanted a camera for travel, casual outings, or everyday snapshots, this design made a lot of sense to me.
Image Quality
From my perspective, the image quality is one of the main reasons to look at this camera. I found it capable of producing clear and pleasing photos in good lighting. The optical image stabilization helped me reduce blur, which made a noticeable difference when I was taking handheld shots.
Ease of Use
I appreciated how straightforward it was to use. I did not feel overwhelmed by complicated settings, which made it a good option for someone like me who wanted quick, simple photography. I could focus more on capturing moments and less on adjusting controls.
Performance in Different Conditions
In my experience, the camera performed best outdoors and in well-lit environments. When I used it in dimmer settings, I noticed it needed a bit more care, but the stabilization helped. If I were buying it today, I would think of it as a camera best suited for casual use rather than demanding professional work.
Battery and Storage
I always pay attention to battery life and memory card support before buying a camera. With this model, I would want to make sure I had enough spare battery power and a suitable memory card for my needs. That way, I could use it comfortably during trips or long days out.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I would recommend the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS to someone who wants:
- A compact and easy-to-carry camera
- Simple point-and-shoot operation
- Image stabilization for sharper handheld photos
- A reliable camera for everyday and travel photography
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I bought it, I would check:
- The overall condition if purchasing used
- Battery health
- Whether the charger is included
- Memory card compatibility
- Lens and screen condition
My Final Buying Advice
If I wanted a small, easy-to-use camera for casual photography, I would definitely consider the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS. For me, its portability, brand reliability, and image stabilization make it an appealing choice. I would see it as a practical camera for everyday moments, travel, and simple photography needs.
Final Thoughts
I think the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS is a great example of a compact camera that still delivers solid image quality and useful features. My main takeaway is that it’s a strong choice for anyone who wants a small, easy-to-carry camera with reliable performance and image stabilization. While it may not have the advanced capabilities of newer models, I still see it as a dependable option for casual photography.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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