The Canon PowerShot SD870 IS is an 8-megapixel camera with a 1/2.5-inch type CCD. The focal length of its lens is the equivalent of a 28 – 105 mm lens in a 35 mm film camera. It has an optical zoom of 3.8x plus a digital zoom of 4x.
The “IS” stands for Optical Image Stabilization System. This consists of a floating lens element that corrects for camera shakes, thus resulting to clearer pictures. It also has Face Detection Technology that automatically adjusts focus, exposure, and flash on the faces of your subjects. Its DIGIC III Image Processor minimizes red eye and improves image sharpness.
The PowerShot SD870 IS features several shooting modes such as Auto, Color Accent and Swap, Digital Macro, Movie, and Special Scene. Special Scene includes Portrait, Foliage, Snow, Fireworks, Night Shots, and Underwater.
The underwater capabilities of the PowerShot SD870 IS, however, cannot be utilized on the camera’s own as it is not waterproofed. It requires the protection of Canon WP-DC17 Waterproof Housing. With this protection, it can dive down to a depth of 40 meters. Rubber seals and o-rings keep water out of the casing.
The DC17 is made of polycarbonate, ABS, and a clear plate glass in front of the camera lens. This kind of glass eliminates distortions that could result from the refraction of light passing through it.
Apart from keeping water out, the DC17 also shuts off dust, sand, snow, and excess humidity. Thus, in addition to snorkeling, diving, or white water rafting, you can also take your SD870 IS with you when skiing on mountain slopes and sand boarding on desert dunes.