CANON SD630 for my 14 yrs old?

[toocooltobeMom]

DH and I have just ordered the Canon SD630 for my DS online from Newegg.com. My son loves taking pictures. As a matter of fact, he took most of our 2006 WDW pix. He is constantly reading the photo threads w/me for shoot ideas for our 07 trip to WDW. He is currently organizing our photobucket, too.
Is he going to be disappointed or happy with this camera? Does it really make you take better picture? We already have a Canon EOS.
If anyone has experience with the Canon SD630, please tell us.

 

[seashoreCM]

He'll be very happy unless he wants total manual control over F-stops and the like. None of the tiny Canon's have total manual control.

But -- Just based on my own experience at 14yo I would be leery of giving DS something that expensive. Too much of a chance of leaving it somewhere or having it stolen from a dormitory room or heaven forbid, being camerajacked. Here's a good test. If DS should acquire the camera and lose it, if he should end up heartbroken and hurt (including with assistance from you) for more than a month he should not acquire one. (Twice at age over 25yo I left my expensive 35mm camera somewhere and was very lucky to get it back both times. I also lost my gold neck chain out of a pocket at Typhoon Lagoon last year, should'a looped it through my trousers belt loops, but that is another program.)

(For a grown-up) I would go with an SD600 for excellent all around use or perhaps consider an SD700 (which I myself got) for extra zoom. As far as I know the only major difference between the SD630 and the SD600 is a larger viewing screen on the back of the SD630. (The larger the viewing panel the more battery power it consumes)

For any digital camera but especially the Canon SDxxx series I strongly recommend a rigid plastic shield such as from Daproducts.com to protect the viewing panel.

Some camera review and board sites:
stevesforums.com
digitalcamerareview.com

 

[toocooltobeMom]

Thanks for the feedback. I forgot to mention that we have an ancient Canon AE1 w/manual and tons of lens dressing it up. I got the SD630 for $297 @Newegg.com with free SH and a freebie 512 mb flash card(150X). Is that considered a good price?

Also thanks for your concern about DS being a bit too young for this camera. Trust me. IMO, he takes care of the goods better than my DH. Can you imagine DH has replaced more than 2X the lens cover? OMG.

 

[Anewman]

I consider that a very good price, even without the free card.

My 14 year old is also very responsible with "expensive" stuff, just think of all the stuff(Ipods,psp,cell phones, etc...) kids have and his all look brand new.

 

[toocooltobeMom]

Great. Ditto on your DS.

 

[Carolc]

Do you have a link to your son's shots? I'd like to see them. Especially the ones from your WDW trip.

 

[toocooltobeMom]

Hi CarolC:
Thank you for asking. DS resists the invite but I managed to find some pix I saved. They aren't super but still o.k. IMO. (DS thinks not)
Firework @ Japan

Keylime pie @ WGP

Canada @ Epcot

Moroco

AKL

BEE-ing around Epcot (Garden @ Le Cellier)

China

Sweeet

 

[mhutchinson]

He will be thrilled. My DD13 took over my old Canon S20 this year when I upgraded to a dSLR and she is so happy with even the older technology. Funny thing is that I was going to buy her a newer camera and she was so pleased with the older one that she said she will wait until she is ready for one like mine. Was that a hint

Mike

 

[toocooltobeMom]

You BET! Smart girl you have there.

 

[amid chaos]

Your son has a great eye. I was impressed with how much he looked up for interesting shots.

 

[toocooltobeMom]

Thanks. I was amazed too because I can't take any good picture. But it can be a very expensive hobby as you all know.

 

[Carolc]

Your son has a great eye. I was impressed with how much he looked up for interesting shots.

I agree. Great composition... especially for such a young age.

Thanks for sharing...

 

[carolina_yankee]

I agree. Great composition... especially for such a young age.

Thanks for sharing...

Absolutely - he's great at finding new angles that people generally don't shoot. I love the Morocco shot becuase it could so easily be the real Marrakesh instead of an Epcot Pavilion - and he caught the parade shot just right!

I think you're going to be getting him a camera with manual controls before too long . . . . He has a talent to be nurtured.

Dirk