Canon has killed the box this year with the introduction of four groundbreaking Digital Elph compacts that feature eccentric architecture and a spectrum of bling-worthy colors. The Canon SD970 IS, SD960 IS, SD780 IS and SD1200 IS are radically different in terms of appearance, and this is the first time a manufacturer has brought such diversity to a lineup of mid-level compacts. Between the pastel and metallic colors, and the Dr. Seuss-like body designs, Canon's new SD-series lineup is without a shade of a doubt far more intriguing than any other 2009 fleet announced to date.
Leader of the Pack
 The SD970 IS replaces last year's PowerShot SD890 IS, a compact that was popular amongst consumers for its ease of use and decent image quality. The 10-megapixel SD890 had a small 2.5-inch LCD, but managed to pack in a viewfinder and a 4x optical zoom lens. This year, the company nixed the viewfinder on the SD970 IS in favor of an ample 3-inch LCD screen. The interface has also been drastically whittled down to a configuration of stylish triangular buttons that bookend the spinning Control wheel. Also, the camera rocks a two-tone color scheme and features a sexy hourglass shape with contoured lines.
We're slightly apprehensive with Canon's decision to radically transform a budget-friendly powerhouse into a suave Paris Hilton-approved accessory, but hopefully the camera's image performance will trump our concerns. Aside from looks, the camera gets catapulted to 12-megapixels and features a 5x optical zoom. The camera can capture 720P HD video, is equipped with a mini HDMI terminal and utilizes Canon's Digic 4 Image Processing. The top Digital Elph will ship in April for a steep $380 and is available in a Silver/Gold color concoction.
Girl Power
 The SD960 IS represents the more affordable approach to the world of stylish pocket cams, but its design is significantly different from its bigger sibling's. The camera features a rounded end, causing the camera to resemble a Gothic church door. Shooters who want a more of a cuddly little camera will most likely be drawn to the SD960 IS, despite its technophobe setup. For starters, the camera contains a total of two buttons and a spinning Control dial on the back, resembling a cute little flower with two leaves on either side of it.
We believe it's safe to say that this 12-megapixel camera will definitely be a smash hit with the female crowd. Its specs aren't too shabby though, including a 28mm wide-angle lens for fitting more girlfriends into the frame and Smart Auto Scene Selection. The camera will ship in March for $330 and will be available in pastel Pink, Blue, Gold and Silver.
Pure Swank
 Next up is the SD780 IS, the permanent understudy to last year's Canon PowerShot SD770 IS. Side by side, both cameras appear to be from different planets, and that can be attributed to the camera's suave new metallic paint job and smooth architecture. However, the camera becomes Canon's thinnest camera to date, which is the feature that will sell this camera.
The boosted 12-megapixel resolution and 720P HD video recording won't hurt either. Unfortunately, the camera is strapped with a minute 2.5-inch LCD in back, 3x optical zoom and buttons and controls that appear to be recessed and difficult to access. But that's all part of the slimming process and shooters looking for more control will want to investigate the higher-end Digital Elphs. The camera will ship in mid-March for $280 and will be available in Metallic Gold, Metallic Red, Metallic Silver, and a Matte Black.
Entry-level Color Explosion
 Canon isn't messing with their wildly popular PowerShot SD1100 IS this year, so the new SD1200 IS gets a barrage of electric color options and a boost to 10-megapixels. In addition to Sony, Canon has also abandoned the single-digit resolution count as the megapixel wars rage on.
The camera still has a 2.5-inch LCD, a viewfinder and a 3x optical zoom. The interface has not changed much either, though the camera appears to be smaller than its predecessor. Canon offers Turquoise, Green, Orange, Pink, Dark Grey and Light Grey for color options, which proves that the company is out to lure tweens and moms.
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