With finances and value for money in check, here are several of the best Canon digital cameras that you can buy for family use:

Canon PowerShot A710 IS

The A710′s superior 6x zoom, 7.1 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD, autofocus and manual focus modes, 4x digital zoom as well as outstanding glass lens make it a great purchase. Everybody in your family will also love the Canon PowerShot A710 IS’ clean user interface, red eye reduction option as well as the fact that it merely uses two AA batteries.

Canon PowerShot A640

This attractive, 10 megapixel thing of good looks is a great investment. With a 2.5 inch LCD you can swivel, an easy-to-understand user interface, perfect viewfinder as well as good lens which can spur gorgeous color and the right skin tones, the Canon A640 is just what you require for family reunions.

Canon PowerShot A570 IS

If you’re searchiing of a camera that you can as well use to take quick movie clips, the Canon PowerShot A570 is a steal. Its film mode can deliver quality video as well as you can simply review that lately captured clip of your baby’s first steps. These one of the best Canon digital cameras 7.1 megapixel camera has a face detection focus mode, adaptable flash power as well as optical viewfinder. You can as well customize the Print/Share button, giving you the upper hand on how to manage your digital camera.

Canon PowerShot SD40 Digital ELPH

This one’s a preferred particularly among families that have teenagers. The compact, 7 megapixel SD40 comes in 4 beautiful colors — “Twilight Sepia”, “Precious Rose”, “Noble Blue” and “Olive Grey” — which will surely appeal to the young ones. Features contain the DIGIC III processor function, which means that fewer battery powers is drained and shutter lag is reduced. It as well uses the Face Detection technology thus if you desire to take portraits on a lazy Sunday, these one of the best Canon digital cameraswill do the trick.

With budget and value for money in check, here are some of the best Canon digital cameras that you can purchase for family use:

Canon PowerShot A710 IS

The fact that it’s eye candy is just the icing on the cake. The A710’s superior 6x zoom, 7.1 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD, autofocus and manual focus modes, 4x digital zoom and excellent glass lens make it a great buy. Everyone in your family will also love the Canon PowerShot A710 IS’ clean user interface, red eye reduction option and the fact that it only uses two AA batteries.

Canon PowerShot A640

This tasteful, 10 megapixel thing of beauty is a great investment. With a 2.5 inch LCD you can swivel, an easy-to-understand user interface, accurate viewfinder and good lens which can spur attractive color and the right skin tones, the Canon A640 is just what you need for family reunions.

Canon PowerShot A570 IS

If you’re looking for a camera that you can also use to take quick movie clips, the Canon PowerShot A570 is a steal. Its movie mode can deliver quality video and you can easily review that recently captured clip of your baby’s first steps. This 7.1 megapixel camera has a face detection focus mode, adjustable flash power and optical viewfinder. You can also customize the Print/Share button, giving you the upper hand on how to control your digital camera.

Canon PowerShot SD40 Digital ELPH

Don’t let the long name distract you. This one’s a favorite especially among families that have teenagers. The compact, 7 megapixel SD40 comes in 4 attractive colors — “Twilight Sepia”, “Precious Rose”, “Noble Blue” and “Olive Grey” — which will certainly appeal to the young ones. Features include the DIGIC III processor function, which means that less battery power is drained and shutter lag is reduced. It also uses the Face Detection technology so if you want to take portraits on a lazy Sunday, this camera will do the trick.

A very quick glance at the specifications of these two compact pocket cameras shows that they are almost identical. Here are some of the similarities:

Size: 3.4″ wide by 2.2″ high by 0.7″ deep LCD: 2.5″ with 230,000 pixel resolution Zoom: 3x with very similar focal equivalents Image Quality: both are excellent for compact pocket cameras Aperture: not exactly equal but not enough difference to make a case one way or the other ISO range: auto, or 80-1600 White Balance selection: 6 positions and manual preset Image Processor: Canon Digic 4

The differences are only in the Megapixels and the video capablility. The Canon PowerShot SD780 IS has a whopping 12 megapixel image sensor, while the Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS has only a 10 megapixel image sensor. If you are a megapixel watcher, this may be enough for you to go for the SD780 IS, but it really is not enough of a difference to base your final decision on.

The biggest difference is in the video capture feature. The Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS has decent video with capacity of capturing 640×480 video at 30fps (frames per second), which is similar to previous pocket cameras. However, the Canon PowerShot SD780 IS has the capability to capture HD video at 1280×720 pixels and 30 fps. This is the same video capability and format as some much higher end cameras.

So, if you want to be able to show your pocket camera video on your HD TV with excellent quality, the Canon PowerShot SD780 IS is the camera for you. The additional 40 or so $$$ is well worth the upgrade in video.

If video is not your thing, then by all means, save the $40 and get the Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS. The image quality for still photos is pretty much identical. Use the money you save to get a memory card for your new family pocket camera. (By the way, you will have to spring for the memory card with the SD780 too, in order to record that great video.)

It’s always a good idea to research your purchase before you buy. Don’t just walk into your favorite discount department store and pick up the prettiest camera off the shelf because its design will impress your friends. There are some great compact digital cameras being offered. But that is not the case with every camera. Check the ratings from the camera review sites and online stores where those who actually purchased the cameras are posting their evaluations. Some of these reviews will convince you one way or the other about the camera you are considering.

Of course you should always check in at www.digital-photographic-resources.com before making any camera decision.

Happy Shooting!