Need some help choosing new digital camera...

[DisneyJen0504]

Hi all!
I am looking to purchase a new digital camera and could use some help. I currently have a Canon Powershot A85 from a few years ago. I have been pleased with most pictures with the A85 but overall found it to take ridiculously long to snap photos and it is a little too bulky. So...I could use some advice on what cameras you recommend. I take a lot of photos on vacations, sight seeing, weddings, family, indoors, outdoors, etc.
I have read a lot about image stabilization and think I would like to get a camera that has this. Other than that my priorities in a new camera are:
-Shutter lag
-Compact (but not at the expense of quality)
-Obviously great photos
-Any price range (thought I know an SLR is not in the cards right now)

Thank you in advance for any help! I browsed the reviews on other sites and just got overwhelmed. Any assistance on what cameras you recommend is greatly appreciated!

 

[allyn]

the newer generations of canon cameras have fixed the lag problems. they use an image processing chip canon calls "digic ii" or "digic iii". these chips are fast.

if you are happy with the a85's size you might want to look at the a710. or if you want something smaller, at the sd700, sd800, or sd900. the downside of the sd series is the lack of manual controls.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

the newer generations of canon cameras have fixed the lag problems. they use an image processing chip canon calls "digic ii" or "digic iii". these chips are fast.

if you are happy with the a85's size you might want to look at the a710. or if you want something smaller, at the sd700, sd800, or sd900. the downside of the sd series is the lack of manual controls.

Thank you!
I would definitely like something smaller than the A85-it is rather bulky. The SD series-I read some reviews about the SD700 and SD800. I like that they are compact and have IS. Is there a big difference between the two other than price? I am finding it hard to narrow it down.
Thanks!!!!!

 

[liznboys]

I'm looking at the SD600 right now on Amazon. One reviewer says that the IS on the 700, etc., might not be all that necessary because his pictures have turned out so well. Why do you feel you need the IS? I'm trying to decide if it's worth it...should I go for the 700 or get the 600. I am sold on either one of those though.

BTW, our current camera is the PowerShot A95, we've had it for a couple years. I cannot wait to get something slimmer! I want to be able to carry it in the back pocket of my jeans.

 

[ndelaware]

IS will make a big difference when light is low and you can't use a tripod. If you can afford it, get it.

 

[Master Mason]

I want to be able to carry it in the back pocket of my jeans.

I wouldn't recommend that as a place to carry a camera.

What happens to it when you forget it is there and sit down.....

 

[DisneyJen0504]

I'm looking at the SD600 right now on Amazon. One reviewer says that the IS on the 700, etc., might not be all that necessary because his pictures have turned out so well. Why do you feel you need the IS? I'm trying to decide if it's worth it...should I go for the 700 or get the 600. I am sold on either one of those though.

BTW, our current camera is the PowerShot A95, we've had it for a couple years. I cannot wait to get something slimmer! I want to be able to carry it in the back pocket of my jeans.

I have read reviews and heard from others that the image stabilization will make a big difference in the photos. I am looking at the SD700 or 800 and I am not sure if there is a big advantage to paying the extra $ for the SD800.
Btw, I hate the size of my A85-it is bulky and heavy!

 

[liznboys]

I wouldn't recommend that as a place to carry a camera.

What happens to it when you forget it is there and sit down.....

lol I'd take it out before sitting. Thanks though.

 

[liznboys]

I'm thinking I'll get the 700.

 

[ndelaware]

The SD800 has a 7.1 Meg sensor instead of the 6.0 sensor on the SD700. It also has a new zoom lens that is wider at the low end than the one on the SD700. The wide end of the zoom is now 28mm as opposed to the 35mm on the SD700. You do give up a bit on the long end though, zoom range on the SD700 is 35-140mm, on the SD800 it is 28-105mm. Those seem to be the two biggest differences between the two.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

The SD800 has a 7.1 Meg sensor instead of the 6.0 sensor on the SD700. It also has a new zoom lens that is wider at the low end than the one on the SD700. The wide end of the zoom is now 28mm as opposed to the 35mm on the SD700. You do give up a bit on the long end though, zoom range on the SD700 is 35-140mm, on the SD800 it is 28-105mm. Those seem to be the two biggest differences between the two.

Thanks for the info. Can I ask you a question? What do these differences ultimately mean in terms of the photos taken with either camera? Thanks!

 

[ndelaware]

The megapixil difference is meaningless, unless you are concerned about making very large prints. So I would consider that a wash. That leaves the lens as pretty much the only difference. Do you want to have more wide angle (SD800) or more zoom (SD700). Picture quality should be identical no matter which one you buy.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

If picture quality is pretty much the same and the extra megapixels make litle difference, I think more zoom would be my choice. Looks like I am pretty close to choosing the SD700.
Thanks again!

Btw, if anyone has the SD700 I would love to know what you like/dislike about it.