These are the settings I use instead of the factory camera default settings. I adjust temporarily according to the scene I’m photographing.

My default settings

• Shooting mode: Manual*
• Focus mode – use center point; turn AiAF off
• Metering – Evaluative
• Image Stabilization: Shoot Only
• Sensitivity – 80
• Exposure Compensation: -1/3 (live in sunny area)
• Custom My Colors – increase saturation, decrease red, decrease contrast (all by one tick)
• Auto focus assist lamp- ON
• Red-eye mode – OFF
• White balance – AUTO
• Digital Zoom – OFF
• LCD Review: OFF (keep the shutter button pressed down after taking a pix to view it)

Important notes: I use these settings most of the time but change them as needed. Changes are made according to the quality of light and whether photos are taken inside or out. For example, I’d rarely using Exposure Compensation for inside photos and I’d probably up the ISO. I’d also change the white balance setting to match the predominant lighting in the room. Fortunately, you can see most of the changes if you watch the LCD as settings are adjusted.

The SD700 does not accept Secure Digital High-Capacity memory cards

* I have no idea why Canon says the SD700 has manual mode. It has no manual overrides and you can’t manually change aperture or shutter speed. “Manual” mode simply lets you make changes to settings such as Exposure Compensation, metering mode and other custom settings.

Photos by Gail taken with the Canon SD700 IS