Canon 530, 610, 620 or more compact camera

[boomersmom]

We have narrowed our search to the Canon 530, the A610, the A620 or one of the smaller more compact models. Does anyone have these and what do you think of them? How is battery life, picture quality, ease of use, durability, etc? I had asked about which type of battery people prefer in a previous post, but I am just as confused as ever. I know the 530 takes 2 AA, the 610&620 take 4 AA and the compact models take rechargeable lithium.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I swear by the A620 in terms of picture quality and stability (too small of a camera or too light of a camera is actually bad for stability, you'll get more shakes that way)

 

[Laura]

We have an A620, and got it in February. I haven't been able to test battery life very much, as I haven't been taking photos every day. It's hard to remember how many times we changed the batteries, but I think only twice and I've taken almost a thousand photos with the LCD screen on. We go to WDW this weekend, so I will find out how it lasts taking X number of photos a day every day. We bought Energizer rechargeable batteries, 2500 MAH.

Picture quality is fantastic! It's really one of the big reasons I bought the camera. You can see some photos from these cameras on this website: http://www.pbase.com/cameras/canon
Also http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/allreviews.php for reviews and to compare photos taken of the same subjects with the different cameras.

Durability hasn't been tested much yet. Our camera hasn't been dropped and we've only had it for a couple of months. Nothing's broken yet or seems out of whack, and it is a nice solid camera. The shape of the 610 and 620 is such that it's easy to hold the camera with one hand and take a photo. The camera has a lot of settings--you can set shutter speed and aperture manually or just use it on auto. The instruction manual is easy to read--actually you get two manuals, a basic to get you started and an advanced manual once you have the hang of things. I'm a photography novice, and point-and-shoot cameras are all I've ever used (film and digital).

I couldn't find out anything about the 530 to compare--is that the correct number?

 

[traces7]

Anyone else have any advice? I'm leaning more toward the A610 or A620 myself. Have you decided yet?

 

[boomersmom]

No, we still haven't decided. My husband is leaning toward the 530, but I keep hearing such good things about the 610 and 620. I can't make up my mind!

 

[YEKCIM]

Have you considered the Canon A700? The 6X zoom range would be a big improvement over the 4X on the others. I don't own any of these models (I have a Fujifilm S5200) but my wife uses a Canon A75. It, too, is an excellent camera, although the additional "reach" of the 35-210 equivalent lens would surely be tempting, if I were in the market for a P&S. The 2.5" LCD would be compelling, as well. Size and weight on the 700 is about midway between that of the 530 and the 610.

Of course, for just a little more cash, you could move up to A Canon S2-IS or a Sony H1, both of which feature Image Stabilization and a huge 12X zoom (36-432mm equivalent). Of course, you would sacrifice the compact aspect of the other models you are considering. Sorry for muddying the water...

~YEKCIM