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Ultimately then, the G7 is a camera that suffers in comparison with its predecessors. It also suffers from being neither fish nor fowl; too big, expensive and complex for the ‘average’ compact user; possibly (though by no means certainly) too limited for the high end / enthusiast user. And yet - taken on its own merits - it is without doubt one of the best, and most comprehensively-featured compact cameras we’ve ever seen, and one that (in the right hands) is capable of great results.

Just one day after Nikon’s announcement of a new 6-megapixel D40 Digital SLR - priced at $599.95 (with 18-55mm lens), Canon has announced a price-cut on their popular 8-megapixel model, the EOS Rebel XTi, bringing its price down by $300 to just $599.95 (Body Outfit) or $699.95 (with 18-55mm lens).

The Canon EOS 30D takes up where the 20D left off. Strikingly similar to the camera it replaces, the EOS 30D offers a larger LCD monitor, refinements in areas such as metering, burst speed and duty cycle of the shutter mechanism, and a number of minor improvements to the functionality of the camera. Aside from minor changes to the back of the camera to accommodate the larger screen and an new Print button (see further), the EOS 30D is identical to its predecessor…

So aside from a few inconveniences, shooting with the Rebel XTi is thoroughly pleasurable. It works fast and accurately. No, it’s not a bulletproof tank, and some of the control buttons are just barely up from point-and-shoot. But given the image quality, autofocusing, fast shooting, and exposure controls of the XTi, it’s not just a deal, it’s a screaming, bloody, great deal…

As much as I love the style and ease-of-use of the Canon PowerShot SD40, image issues with this Digital ELPH, especially in low-light, make it difficult to recommend. While there’s no questioning that the SD40—which comes in four cool new colors—is still one of the snazziest compact models on the market, I was expecting a lot better image quality…

Featuring a 7.1-megapixel CCD, 3.8x optical zoom lens, image stabilization, and well-designed user interface, the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS updates the popular PowerShot line with a compact body style well suited for travel. Exposure remains under automatic control, something novices will appreciate, and the Canon SD800’s 10 pre-programmed Scene modes help with more tricky subjects. The SD800 is a very responsive camera, with low shutter lag in daylight conditions, and excellent shot-to-shot speeds…