Kodak 812 or Canon 5S?

[haley's mom]

I am looking for help. I know of the boards there are several threads that talk about what camera should I buy. Well, I bought a Kodak 812 at Walmart 2 weeks ago. Sell price was $250. 8.2 MP and 12x zoom. I have always bought Kodak cameras, so I guess I followed brand loyatly. Walmart will allow an exchange in 30 days for ANY reason.

Looking at the sale ads yesterday, a local office supply store has the Canon 5S on sale for $299.99.

I love to take pictures of my kids and on vacation. I would like to take a photography class to take better pictures (just need to find some extra time and money to make that happen).

With all of this, would you recommend one camera over the other?

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

With all of this, would you recommend one camera over the other?

I looked on my favorite sites for a review of the Kodak camera but couldn't find one.

I'm sure I'm biased (as I'm already a very satisfied owner of a Canon S3), but I think the Canon is the better camera. Going strictly on the specifications I can see, the Canon has a faster lens, a higher max. shutter speed, twice as much battery power and it can use it's highest ISO at full resolution. It's also got a flash hot-shoe.

The Canon S5 consistently got very high marks by the sites I trust the most for camera reviews:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons5is/
and, http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_s5-review/ -- in this review, the reviewer states, "The PowerShot S5's image quality is some of the best you'll find on an ultra zoom. The camera takes well-exposed, colorful photos with just the right amount of sharpness. At lower ISO settings, images have an almost D-SLR-like "smooth" appearance to them."

Just check out our giant thread for some examples of what an S3/S5 can do!

 

[ukcatfan]

Just my opinion, but I would not even use a Kodak if it was given to me. They do not put the time and effort into their designs. How often do you see fan sites for Kodak? How often do you find discussion threads devoted to Kodak? How often can you even find a review? They do not plan on their customers researching the purchase.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

There have been other threads on this camera. Try doing a search to see what you come up with. Also read reader reviews on as many websites as you can. I know my BIL had it and was unhappy with what he called its "slowness" - he was missing a lot of shots.

Anyway, I have a Canon S3 IS (and an S2 IS) and I think it's a great camera. Check out the link LPZ Stitch! mentioned.

Whatever you decide to buy, learning how to use it fully will go a long way to your getting good pictures. You don't even have to take a class - just pick up a good digital photography book and hang out here. You'll be up to speed in no time.

Good luck.

 

[elizke]

I'm actually a Kodak fan; very outnumbered here. I persist however! And there are many of us out there, just not on this board

I have a 7590 that has taken thousands of shots, and does an incredible job for a what would be considered now a small MP camera with no IS. No complaints whatsoever. I have another lesser zoom Canon and like it too. But when I need a zoom I still use the trusty Kodak.

It would be more helpful for you to talk to actual owners, of both cameras. I have taken a look at some of the Kodak 812 shots and seen some spectacular ones. Here is a Kodak fan site where you can find Kodak fans and happy owners, and some fantastic Kodak shots...

http://easysharers.11.forumer.com/index.php


By the way, the Kodak forum on DPR was one of the best places to be, until a beloved elderly member was banned for posting too many jokes after some cranky newcomer reported him. Many people left and followed him to the easyshare site,which is why the DPR Kodak forum is half dead now.


Editing to add: I like Canon too, don't get me wrong! I just think Kodaks have their strong points and should not be so automatically discounted.

 

[bob100]

I'm prejudiced as I own a Canon S5 and really like all the features and controls. IMHO - you can do more creatively in taking pics and video. One downside is you cannot fit it in an average pocket (unless you have cargo pants!

 

[haley's mom]

Ok, I did it. I went out last night and bought Canon S5. I got home late, but just had to try out my new "toy"! I LOVE it. I tried to show my husband a few pictures I took. He was clueless. He does not appreciate the little things.

Anyhow, my next question to S5 owners, it what type of batteries do you use? Any suggestions on batteries or chargers?

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Anyhow, my next question to S5 owners, it what type of batteries do you use? Any suggestions on batteries or chargers?

I use these batteries from www.BatterySpace.com ... they're reliable, long-lasting and pretty cheap. And, their ' CH-V3150 Smart Compact Charger ' is good and very compact; great for traveling.

I've also got 1 set of Sanyo Eneloops that I leave in the camera when I'm not planning to use it every day. Eneloops don't discharge like normal NiMH batteries do, so you can be fairly sure that you'll always have power if you want to grab your camera when a picture opportunity arises.

 

[bob100]

I just get the cheapest NiMH at the local discount store, $5 and they last for years of charges

you should check the Canon S5 users group -
!!, I cannot post links because I don't have 10 posts, well do a google search!

they have Canon S5 specifics such as the "CHDK" program, settings, etc.