Digital Camera

[Baghdad Bob]

I am new to the site, and I am hooked already. After looking at so many pictures I realize my Digital Camera needs to be replaced before our trip to Disney. What digital camera would you recommend?

What I am looking for is a smaller camera. The Canon Powershot S3 looks like an awesome camera, but do not want to lug a big camera around. Found this camera off of bestbuy.com Canon PowerShot 7.1-Megapixel Digital Camera
Model: A570IS


Thanks for any help

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Can you tell us more about how you'll be using the camera on a long term basis? How often do you use it? What do you take pictures of? Etc.

ETA FYI Amazon has this camera for $20 less but they're also offering a coupon for a memory book from Shutterfly worth $29.99 - I ordered one of those last year after our cruise and it's beautiful, a coffee table book that you design yourself with your pictures.

I have some thoughts about this camera, but it really depends on how you'll use it. Also, it's such a personal thing, picking a camera. What some people like, others don't. Some love Canon, some prefer makes like Fuji or Nikon. Some go by what the reviews say, some don't. Very subjective.

One thing I will say (because I have to go out soon) is that for me, personally, I'd prefer more optical zoom than 4X. I'd also be comfortable with less megapixels, like 6 or so (someone will be along soon to explain sensors, LOL.) And one last thing is that at a high ISO like this has, your pictures could be "noisy", ie grainy - again, someone else can probably explain this better. I read some old threads about it myself because I'm looking to replace my "second" camera too (the one I keep in my purse) and trying to decide what I want.

If you use the search feature of this forum or go back and read some old threads, you can find a lot of info. In general terms, Canon is a well liked brand for the most part. FWIW, I'm deciding between the Canon, Fuji and Panasonic Lumix P&Ss with at least 6X zoom, some having more, and either 5 or 6 MP. I saw a couple of Lumixes on clearance that I was interested in, but I guess the biggest drawback that I could see was, again, the noise factor with the high ISO. My biggest beef right now with my small P&S is abysmal battery life and high shutter lag, so those features are important to me in a new camera, too.

Lastly, read some reviews, try to see some pics taken with the camera of your choice and go to the stores and hold them in your hands/play with the settings. I'm sure someone will post some links to review sites. Good luck, and let us know what you pick. Have a great trip, too!

For your reading pleasure this was an interesting thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1137559&referrerid=70088

 

[ukcatfan]

That model is a little too new to have any specific reviews for it, but the entire "A" line from Canon gets favorable remarks. This one should be no different. I have had two different ones in the line and was happy with mine. The IS will help with low light shots of static subjects, but not moving subjects. There is only a 4x tele on this model so IS will not be needed for that. If that is not something that will be useful to you, then spend the money on something with features that are better suited to you. Also, being brand new, the price is still close to retail, so an older model will give you more for the money. Consider looking at the A630 which gives a flip out LCD, no IS, and better max aperture at tele end or the A710IS which does have IS, a 6x lens, and better max aperture at tele end. The only thing that they do not have is ISO 1600, but on a p&s camera, that setting is practically worthless. It is almost impossible to get a printable picture from that ISO. Actually, the A630 has a larger sensor, so it will likely have less noise anyway.

I was using Buydig.com prices for comparison. They are a respected dealer. Be careful if buying online b/c there are some scam artists out there that appear to be legit businesses from the website.

Kevin