Canon PowerShot S45 Digital Camera. Reviews, Price Comparison and Ratings.

Canon have launched the new 4 Megapixel PowerShot S45. Incorporating Canon's new high-performance DIGIC processor, FlexiZone AF/AE and a 3x zoom lens, the PowerShot S45 is aimed at the advanced user who demands photographic control from a compact digital camera. Canon's unique DIGIC processor is the heart of the PowerShot S45 linking six key elements: CCD Control, AE/AF/AWB, signal processing, JPEG compression, memory card control and LCD monitor display, to deliver outstanding images and overall performance.
The S45 is essentially a 'shrunk' PowerShot G3, there are some compromises, primarily the G3's fast 4x optical zoom lens, flash hot-shoe, flip-out LCD etc. But feature for feature the S45 can provide almost the same level of manual control as the G3. It's a camera you can use as a point- and-shoot 'take anywhere' and still have the flexibility to be more creative when you want. The others may cost more but the S45 is the best subcompact four megapixel currently available.

The Lowest Price is not always best !

When you buy a digital camera, the basic package almost always includes extras such as a battery charger, lens cap, batteries, flash memory card, and software. One of the more disreputable practices a dealer can engage in is called unbundling. These dealers remove items from the package that are normally included in the price and price them separately.

When purchasing a camera you have three components of the price to consider - the camera price, postage and handling, and taxes. Many dealers lower the price to make the camera more attractive, then increase the postage and handling to boost their profits.

Hesitate before accepting extended warranties. Every knowledgeable consumer expert says it's better to gamble. Most of a company's profit is in the sale of these warranties so they press, and press hard. Your job is to resist, and resist hard. The only thing to keep in mind is that digital cameras can be horribly expensive to repair. If you want peace of mind, you may want the warranty, even though it's probably overpriced. The cost of a repair can approach, or even exceed, the original purchase price.

When you buy a camera from a reputable dealer, you expect to be able to return it if you aren't satisfied. Some dealers try to discourage this by requiring a restocking fee for returned merchandise. This is always explained as a way to recover their costs of checking the merchandise and restoring the packaging you may have opened.

Many dealers is truly a false, deceptive and a total crook. Bait and switch tactics used. Does not sell new merchandise and will ship used or refurbished goods without notifying customer. They then try to charge a restock fee on top of their exobitant shipping fees to make a profit where they could not on their goods. A try case of buyer beware.