Help- I am a camera dummy. Canon vs Sony

[ScrappinGran]

hi all, just noticed this site and hope someone can help. I own a Canon Powershot A75 3.2 megapixel w a 12X optical zoom. I have taken many good pictures with it...but I am either doing something wrong (probably) or I need a new camera to better suit my needs. No matter what setting I put the camera on, if there is the slightest movement by anyone in the picture I get a lot of blur. I mostly take pictures of my grandkids. My scenery type photos are fine. I don't think I am moving the camera. The zoom is okay,, but grainy. I have read the book several times but it all seems like greek to me. Today while at Target I saw the Sony DSCW70...when playing with it and switching settings it was written right on the screen what that setting was for. I was so happy...like...maybe this is a camera for no-nothings like me! Would this be a better camera for me? And also...no laughing...I have looked at the Canon Rebel and its auto focus...but feel like if I can't use my little ole A75 then the Rebel is way too much for me. Plus...I want something easy and verstile for WDW trip.Fro any advice , can you speak in easy to understand lingo? I truly am trying to learn but am taking baby steps. Thanks for any help.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

1 grainy zoom: you must've activated digital zoom. This is normal with any camera
2 blurry pic: did you half press the shutter button until you hear beeping sound before pressing it all the way through (without lifting your finger)?
3 always remember this. DSLR can be used as a point and shoot, but a point and shoot can never be used as a DSLR.

 

[MOmousefan]

I have had two Powershots, the A70 and S70. I have enjoyed them both. My daughter is using the A70 and I am using the S70. Powershots seem to be a popular series and with good reason.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I'm a Canon nut, liking Nikon and Pentax, not liking Sony and Panasonic, an Olympus and Kodak hater. So, I hope it answers your questions... kinda.

 

[ScrappinGran]

Kelly, for trying to help. I too,with my limited knowledge- love Canon. My frist "real" camera was a Canon AE1 film camera. My first digital is a Canon, sorry do not know the model...but never had a blur problem with it.I still have it...but cannot find the chargeable battery for it ( lost the first one)..and it will take CR2 batteries...but @ $13.00 apiece...and they do not last long... I am frustrated because some fo my pictures have the no blur...but most have the problem. Yes, I am waiting for the "beep" after depressing the button halfway down.I want a simple to use point and shoot with a halfway decent zoom for WDW. There is so much out there..it is intimidating. Most salesmen i have cme across start rambling stuff I do not understand...and when I ask look impatient as if I am bothering them. OR they try to sell me thousand $$ stuff! I was hoping someone has knowledge of the Sony DSCW70 camera. Any other advice is much appreciated! Thanks for not laughing at my lack of knowledge.

 

[PaulD]

Are you using the Auto mode (green box)? If not then give it a shot. It's good for someone who doesn't know the ins and outs of photography.

To me it sounds like maybe you're not using your flash. If this is the case (depending on what mode you're in) the camera will set the shutter speed pretty slow in order to get the right exposure. What this means is that the shutter is open long enough (maybe 1/15 sec or longer) that movement in you subject is captured and hence blurred. There are many ways to fix this but the easiest is to use the Auto mode. In this mode the camera will select a shutter speed of no slower than 1/60 sec and then use the flash to fill in the exposure. This should eliminate any motion blur unless the subject is moving pretty quickly.

I'd be interested to know what settings were used for the blurry photos. If you could post one it would help to diagnose the problem. If you know how to access your EXIF data (the settings that are embedded in the image file) that would be even more helpful.

Whatever you do don't give in to the dark side (i.e. Sony)!! As a rule they are not as good as any other camera in the same price bracket. Canon has the best image quality. I guess Nikon is ok too...

 

[MOmousefan]

I inherited a Canon AE1P and used the heck out of it. I still have it, though it hasn't been used since 2004. That is why I bought the Powershot S70 as the controls were similar. I now have the S70 and love it. We also have an Elura 90 camcorder. I prefer Canons, but I use an old Kodak DC60 at school and takes great pictures for a 1.3 MP camera. Unfortunately it is formatted for FAT 16 and this is incompatable with XP.