Ok, new camera comparison, opinions?

[mmessler]

Still trying to decide on a new P&S digital. Shopping around while waiting for gift card to arrive which will pay for it.

Canon A630 - Canon A710IS

Right now, this week, same price at Circuit City after sale price on the A710IS. I've heard a couple of complaints on both, but both seem like good quality cameras to me. The A630 has one more MP, the A710IS has a 6x versus a 4x zoom. The A630 has a swivel screen, the A710IS has image stabilization. The A630 uses 4 AA, the A710IS uses 2 AA. I plan to mainly use it for vacation, travel, just general everyday photos, if I got the A710IS I might be tempted to try it in substitute of my rebel for sports photography.

Anyone want to weigh in? I had all but decided on the A630 until this week's flyer came out.

 

[allie5]

Id go for a bigger optical zoom over MP everytime. The IS system works very well (I have a Canon SD 800IS) and I even managed a couple of night shots, handheld (naughty I know!) which came out with very little blur.

Im not familiar with either of these models, but from the spec you have given the A710IS sounds a much better bet.

 

[jann1033]

the only thing i wonder is are the speeds ( ie lag flash etc) the same ? wondering what you might lose with the 2 batteries...if so i'd go for the larger zoom and is as well.

 

[mmessler]

the only thing i wonder is are the speeds ( ie lag flash etc) the same ? wondering what you might lose with the 2 batteries...if so i'd go for the larger zoom and is as well.

I've been reading reviews on both cameras, and I've read in lots of places how speed of some functions is lost with fewer batteries, but I'm really not sure it's enough of a loss to deter me from the larger zoom and IS, with the deal on the price. At regular price of $100 more, I'd definitely go with the A630. But right now at the same price, it's coming down to 8MP-swivel screen versus 7MP-IS.

 

[ukcatfan]

I've been reading reviews on both cameras, and I've read in lots of places how speed of some functions is lost with fewer batteries, but I'm really not sure it's enough of a loss to deter me from the larger zoom and IS, with the deal on the price. At regular price of $100 more, I'd definitely go with the A630. But right now at the same price, it's coming down to 8MP-swivel screen versus 7MP-IS.

I would ignore the MPs b/c that little differance would not mean anything. I would think of it as larger zoom and IS vs. swivel screen. Any reason you are not considering the S3? It is a larger camera, which some do not like, but you get an even larger zoom, IS, and swivel screen. It is also a higher quality lens than the other two. Again, the MPs are not very important to the decision once you are to 5-6MPs. Sometimes more than that actually gives you higher ISO noise with no true increase in resolution.

Kevin

 

[jann1033]

my one daughter has a canon a6?? ( either 610 or 600, i really need to find out since i can't remember) and it has 7 mp, same sensor as the s2 IS which also gets nice shots..her photos are nice..the 8 mp on that smaller sensor( if it's the same one )might be a getting to "too many" imo. espec. if you've seen reviews where some complain about image quality, that could be why.

 

[mmessler]

I would ignore the MPs b/c that little differance would not mean anything. I would think of it as larger zoom and IS vs. swivel screen. Any reason you are not considering the S3? It is a larger camera, which some do not like, but you get an even larger zoom, IS, and swivel screen. It is also a higher quality lens than the other two. Again, the MPs are not very important to the decision once you are to 5-6MPs. Sometimes more than that actually gives you higher ISO noise with no true increase in resolution.

Kevin

That's what I was figuring too, on the MPs. As for reason on not considering the S3, it is because of size. I already have a larger DSLR, and what I am looking for is something that is small enough to just kind of throw in my pocket or purse (and take on vacation without much bulk) that still will give me quality images. I like the idea of the swivel screen, but in reality, I'm not sure how often I would actually use it. The zoom on either of the cameras I'm considering is good enough for those purposes and either one has enough MPs that cropping and enlarging, should I desire, won't be a problem. Thanks for the input.

 

[ukcatfan]

That's what I was figuring too, on the MPs. As for reason on not considering the S3, it is because of size. I already have a larger DSLR, and what I am looking for is something that is small enough to just kind of throw in my pocket or purse (and take on vacation without much bulk) that still will give me quality images. I like the idea of the swivel screen, but in reality, I'm not sure how often I would actually use it. The zoom on either of the cameras I'm considering is good enough for those purposes and either one has enough MPs that cropping and enlarging, should I desire, won't be a problem. Thanks for the input.

We had an S1 and now have an S2. Both have the swivel screen. I use it more often than I thought I would. I sometimes even grab the S2 instead of my K100D if that feature will help me. Keep in mind that I am only 5'5" so it has been useful for getting over things. It has also been nice for getting down low and not having to lie on the ground to get the shot. The last advantage I can think of is that it lets you close up the LCD to protect it. If you are going to use a case, this is probably not important.

If you are short like me, you might want to consider it. Otherwise, I say go for the IS.

Kevin

 

[mmessler]

We had an S1 and now have an S2. Both have the swivel screen. I use it more often than I thought I would. I sometimes even grab the S2 instead of my K100D if that feature will help me. Keep in mind that I am only 5'5" so it has been useful for getting over things. It has also been nice for getting down low and not having to lie on the ground to get the shot. The last advantage I can think of is that it lets you close up the LCD to protect it. If you are going to use a case, this is probably not important.

If you are short like me, you might want to consider it. Otherwise, I say go for the IS.

Kevin

I'm 5-8, I don't USUALLY have a problem that's height related, that's why I think the IDEA of the swivel screen intrigued me. IS intrigues me more. Seems to give me the best chance of getting good shots on things that are typically NOT digital friendly. I do like the idea of closing up the LCD to protect it, but I would be putting it inside a small compact case on a strap.

Thanks again for all the advice.

 

[jann1033]

one thing about the swivel screen. it came up in a thread a while back that is is good for candids or kids in particular to be able to shoot with the camera at hip level rather than eye level and that would be perfect for that...jus thought i'd throw a little more wood on the fire

 

[mmessler]

Ok, just picked up the A630 today, so any tips are welcome and appreciated. I look forward to just kind of messing around with it this week.