OT- Which Camera for Christmas?

[drag n' fly]

I want and really need a new digital camera for Christmas. I have it narrowed down to the Canon Powershot SD 900. There seems to be a lot of electronic experts on this board. I do not want to move up to a SLR camera because I feel it is more camera than I need. Any opinions on this camera or a better choice suggested would be helpful! Also I would appreciate some opinions on a new video camera. When we last bought ours in 2004 we did not like it and want to replace it. At that time the dvd camcorders were junk and picture quality was poor at its best. Has this been improved? Any suggestions for a new camcorder or dvd camcorder also would be helpful.

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

I don't think you could go wrong wiht a canon - we have one but not sure of the model - has lots of bells and whistles on it though - dh's choice

 

[drag n' fly]

bump....help please!

 

[sherry66]

I have a canon powershot A540 and i love it we are getting a canon for my mom for christmas( she is going to WDW in may). I love my canon.

 

[misslissa]

This is a good link

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1272577

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

As for a digital camera, I have an HP R717 that we ended up buying in Orlando last year as our old digital quit on us that I absolutely love. As for a camcorder, we just purchased a Canon Elura 100 prior to our last trip and we both thought it did a great job.

HP R717 Digital Camera

Canon Elura 100

Bonny

 

[Cass]

Is the SD900 the new 10 megapixel camera? I was looking at that one the other day. We have a 7 mp Canon that we like, but I need another for my DD so I was thinking of giving her the 7 and buying the 10 for me.

 

[drag n' fly]

Is the SD900 the new 10 megapixel camera? I was looking at that one the other day. We have a 7 mp Canon that we like, but I need another for my DD so I was thinking of giving her the 7 and buying the 10 for me.

Yes that's the one. Our current camera is so obsolete it's crazy. We purposely bought a plain jane so we could see what we needed and not needed. If I go any higher to a SLR it is too many bells and whistles for me. I also need some suggestions on a camcorder. Did you have any problems with your 7?

 

[Cass]

No we like the 7 a lot, it's easy to use and takes nice pics... the only problem I had with it is that it will STILL take pics even if you don;t have the little film card thingy inside. Last week I took a whole bunch of pics and went to put them in the computer and there was no film card - no pics - it was all for not. I don't think it should operate if the card is missing - I would have been broken hearted had it been a special occasion or something.

Maybe the 10mp is doesn't do that though, not sure.

I am going to have another look at it this weekend - it was 599 at best buy - have you seen it cheaper elsewhere?

 

[drag n' fly]

No we like the 7 a lot, it's easy to use and takes nice pics... the only problem I had with it is that it will STILL take pics even if you don;t have the little film card thingy inside. Last week I took a whole bunch of pics and went to put them in the computer and there was no film card - no pics - it was all for not. I don't think it should operate if the card is missing - I would have been broken hearted had it been a special occasion or something.

Maybe the 10mp is doesn't do that though, not sure.

I am going to have another look at it this weekend - it was 599 at best buy - have you seen it cheaper elsewhere?

It was showing 549 at best buy here and 599 at Future Shop which will match 110% which is silly because they are owned by the same people. At our local camera store here it is 599 also. I was watching redflagdeals.com to see if a e-coupon comes out.

 

[F4disneyfan]

I want and really need a new digital camera for Christmas. I have it narrowed down to the Canon Powershot SD 900. There seems to be a lot of electronic experts on this board. I do not want to move up to a SLR camera because I feel it is more camera than I need. Any opinions on this camera or a better choice suggested would be helpful! Also I would appreciate some opinions on a new video camera. When we last bought ours in 2004 we did not like it and want to replace it. At that time the dvd camcorders were junk and picture quality was poor at its best. Has this been improved? Any suggestions for a new camcorder or dvd camcorder also would be helpful.

Well on teh Camera front I would look at the Fuji line not the SLR but the line under it they look like an SLR but no removeable lenses and great image quality. I would also reccomend the Nikon lineup nothing wrong with the Canon stuff I just prefer the other 2 brands myself. As for teh camcorder I would personally hold off for about a year as Sony and I think JVC can't remember now have just released 1080i HD miniDV camcorders so if you wait about a year then all the players will have them available with better features and so on for far less than the 1600.00 dollar MSRP they are currently at.

Fuji link.
http://www.fujifilm.ca/x8272.xml

Nikon link.

http://www.nikon.ca/digital/#Coolpix

 

[F4disneyfan]

oops double post.

 

[cabmom]

Check out this site for info on digital cameras.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/

We are looking to upgrade ours as well. Do you have a Henry's they are pretty competitive. www.henrys.ca

Marilynn

 

[drag n' fly]

We don't have a Henry's here,, but I checked their prices and they are the same as out here. In Calgary Saneal cameras is the best place to go if you want to buy local.

http://www.sanealcamera.com/

 

[esdras]

Hi there:

I don't know if you've made the decision on which camera to buy yet - but I'd like to make a suggestion if you are still seriously considering sticking with Canon.

There is a great camera review site www.dpreview.com - and I got this side by side comparison here - the SD 900 you are thinking of, compared to Canon's S3-IS

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_sd900%2Ccanon_s3is&show=all

Now, clearly there is a BIG difference in megapixels - the S3-IS is ONLY a 6MP camera, but unless you are planning on making posters, 6 is MORE than enough. Any 8x10 done with a good quality 6MP camera will look outstanding (as long as the shot wasn't done with digital zoom).

That brings up the next topic - zoom.

The S3-IS has a 12x optical zoom. I have the previous model Canon (S2-IS) which has the same zoom lens, but only 5MP and a couple less features. I cannot speak highly enough of the zoom feature of this camera. To give an example - when we were in Disney back in September, we went to the Animal Kingdom for the opening of the park. For any of you who have seen this, you know that while you are held back near the main entrance, Mickey makes an appearance at the Tree - but from that distance, he looks like an ant rather than a big mouse. Using the full optical zoom, we got a shot of Mickey that looks as though we were standing about 5' away from him. Additionally, "IS" stands for "Image Stabilization". On the long zooms, this is an absolute requirement to keep from getting a blurry shot - and the shot of Mickey was crystal clear. IS also helps considerably for normal shots without zoom - our previous camera didn't have IS, and we have noticed far fewer blurry shots with the IS.

You will also note that the S2-IS is just marginally cheaper, but this has more to do with the lower MP than anything else. It's also been on the market longer. With Christmas coming up, you should find some good deals.

Another point in favour of the S2-IS (although it might be a drawback, depending on what you want) - this camera "feels" more like a D-SLR. It is larger and heavier, but I find that I can support it better due to that. If, however, you want a camera that you can easily slip into a pocket - this is not the camera for you.

Other aspects that are nice - it is NOT a D-SLR, but allows you to grow in camera skills with some SLR-like functions. You can manually focus, set the f-stop or AP manually, etc. OR, you can just put it on Auto and use it like a point-and-shoot.

One warning, the LCD on the back is smaller than most newer cameras (only 2" as opposed to the 2.5" on the SD-900. HOWEVER, the screen flips out like on a digicam - allowing you to take shots of yourself perfectly framed, or hold it up high to shoot over people or obstacles. The screen can also be folded facing into the camera for protection - a VERY nice benefit.

In terms of the actual "eye" viewfinder - the SD-900 has the benefit of being an optical viewfinder, while the S3-IS is a small digital screen. Some people HATE this, but I have found the one on this camera to be decent.

One final point - the SD-900 has an internal battery with charger - the S3-IS uses 4AA (alkaline or rechargeable). If the SD-900 runs out of juice (I'm not completely positive on this, but I think I'm right), you are out of luck until you can recharge. Now, the S3-IS EATS alkaline (especially if using the flash), but if you invest in two good sets of NiMH rechargeables and a rapid charger, you should be fine. Should you EVER run out of juice with both - get a set of 4 alkalines, and your good to go for at least another 100 shots, even with using the flash for all of them.

Anyway, I just thought I'd put in a plug for my (admittedly updated version) camera. The biggest selling point is the zoom with IS. Go to a place with a demo model and just see how amazing the zoom really is.

Happy snapping!

 

[drag n' fly]

Hi there:

I don't know if you've made the decision on which camera to buy yet - but I'd like to make a suggestion if you are still seriously considering sticking with Canon.

There is a great camera review site www.dpreview.com - and I got this side by side comparison here - the SD 900 you are thinking of, compared to Canon's S3-IS

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_sd900%2Ccanon_s3is&show=all

Now, clearly there is a BIG difference in megapixels - the S3-IS is ONLY a 6MP camera, but unless you are planning on making posters, 6 is MORE than enough. Any 8x10 done with a good quality 6MP camera will look outstanding (as long as the shot wasn't done with digital zoom).

That brings up the next topic - zoom.

The S3-IS has a 12x optical zoom. I have the previous model Canon (S2-IS) which has the same zoom lens, but only 5MP and a couple less features. I cannot speak highly enough of the zoom feature of this camera. To give an example - when we were in Disney back in September, we went to the Animal Kingdom for the opening of the park. For any of you who have seen this, you know that while you are held back near the main entrance, Mickey makes an appearance at the Tree - but from that distance, he looks like an ant rather than a big mouse. Using the full optical zoom, we got a shot of Mickey that looks as though we were standing about 5' away from him. Additionally, "IS" stands for "Image Stabilization". On the long zooms, this is an absolute requirement to keep from getting a blurry shot - and the shot of Mickey was crystal clear. IS also helps considerably for normal shots without zoom - our previous camera didn't have IS, and we have noticed far fewer blurry shots with the IS.

You will also note that the S2-IS is just marginally cheaper, but this has more to do with the lower MP than anything else. It's also been on the market longer. With Christmas coming up, you should find some good deals.

Another point in favour of the S2-IS (although it might be a drawback, depending on what you want) - this camera "feels" more like a D-SLR. It is larger and heavier, but I find that I can support it better due to that. If, however, you want a camera that you can easily slip into a pocket - this is not the camera for you.

Other aspects that are nice - it is NOT a D-SLR, but allows you to grow in camera skills with some SLR-like functions. You can manually focus, set the f-stop or AP manually, etc. OR, you can just put it on Auto and use it like a point-and-shoot.

One warning, the LCD on the back is smaller than most newer cameras (only 2" as opposed to the 2.5" on the SD-900. HOWEVER, the screen flips out like on a digicam - allowing you to take shots of yourself perfectly framed, or hold it up high to shoot over people or obstacles. The screen can also be folded facing into the camera for protection - a VERY nice benefit.

In terms of the actual "eye" viewfinder - the SD-900 has the benefit of being an optical viewfinder, while the S3-IS is a small digital screen. Some people HATE this, but I have found the one on this camera to be decent.

One final point - the SD-900 has an internal battery with charger - the S3-IS uses 4AA (alkaline or rechargeable). If the SD-900 runs out of juice (I'm not completely positive on this, but I think I'm right), you are out of luck until you can recharge. Now, the S3-IS EATS alkaline (especially if using the flash), but if you invest in two good sets of NiMH rechargeables and a rapid charger, you should be fine. Should you EVER run out of juice with both - get a set of 4 alkalines, and your good to go for at least another 100 shots, even with using the flash for all of them.

Anyway, I just thought I'd put in a plug for my (admittedly updated version) camera. The biggest selling point is the zoom with IS. Go to a place with a demo model and just see how amazing the zoom really is.

Happy snapping!

OOOOOOH Your Good! Thanks for the great info will pass onto DH!

 

[bev r.]

Hi there:

I don't know if you've made the decision on which camera to buy yet - but I'd like to make a suggestion if you are still seriously considering sticking with Canon.

There is a great camera review site www.dpreview.com - and I got this side by side comparison here - the SD 900 you are thinking of, compared to Canon's S3-IS

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_sd900%2Ccanon_s3is&show=all

Now, clearly there is a BIG difference in megapixels - the S3-IS is ONLY a 6MP camera, but unless you are planning on making posters, 6 is MORE than enough. Any 8x10 done with a good quality 6MP camera will look outstanding (as long as the shot wasn't done with digital zoom).

That brings up the next topic - zoom.

The S3-IS has a 12x optical zoom. I have the previous model Canon (S2-IS) which has the same zoom lens, but only 5MP and a couple less features. I cannot speak highly enough of the zoom feature of this camera. To give an example - when we were in Disney back in September, we went to the Animal Kingdom for the opening of the park. For any of you who have seen this, you know that while you are held back near the main entrance, Mickey makes an appearance at the Tree - but from that distance, he looks like an ant rather than a big mouse. Using the full optical zoom, we got a shot of Mickey that looks as though we were standing about 5' away from him. Additionally, "IS" stands for "Image Stabilization". On the long zooms, this is an absolute requirement to keep from getting a blurry shot - and the shot of Mickey was crystal clear. IS also helps considerably for normal shots without zoom - our previous camera didn't have IS, and we have noticed far fewer blurry shots with the IS.

You will also note that the S2-IS is just marginally cheaper, but this has more to do with the lower MP than anything else. It's also been on the market longer. With Christmas coming up, you should find some good deals.

Another point in favour of the S2-IS (although it might be a drawback, depending on what you want) - this camera "feels" more like a D-SLR. It is larger and heavier, but I find that I can support it better due to that. If, however, you want a camera that you can easily slip into a pocket - this is not the camera for you.

Other aspects that are nice - it is NOT a D-SLR, but allows you to grow in camera skills with some SLR-like functions. You can manually focus, set the f-stop or AP manually, etc. OR, you can just put it on Auto and use it like a point-and-shoot.

One warning, the LCD on the back is smaller than most newer cameras (only 2" as opposed to the 2.5" on the SD-900. HOWEVER, the screen flips out like on a digicam - allowing you to take shots of yourself perfectly framed, or hold it up high to shoot over people or obstacles. The screen can also be folded facing into the camera for protection - a VERY nice benefit.

In terms of the actual "eye" viewfinder - the SD-900 has the benefit of being an optical viewfinder, while the S3-IS is a small digital screen. Some people HATE this, but I have found the one on this camera to be decent.

One final point - the SD-900 has an internal battery with charger - the S3-IS uses 4AA (alkaline or rechargeable). If the SD-900 runs out of juice (I'm not completely positive on this, but I think I'm right), you are out of luck until you can recharge. Now, the S3-IS EATS alkaline (especially if using the flash), but if you invest in two good sets of NiMH rechargeables and a rapid charger, you should be fine. Should you EVER run out of juice with both - get a set of 4 alkalines, and your good to go for at least another 100 shots, even with using the flash for all of them.

Anyway, I just thought I'd put in a plug for my (admittedly updated version) camera. The biggest selling point is the zoom with IS. Go to a place with a demo model and just see how amazing the zoom really is.

Happy snapping!

I was wondering about the S3-IS. How long will a set of batteries typically last? I tend to use the optical view finder with my current digital camera and most pictures are taken outdoors. On vacation I could go a few days before I had to recharge the battery. I have a Canon Powershot SD300. I love it for it's size. I pretty much take it everywhere I go as it easily fits into my purse, however I would like to upgrade to something with a higher optical zoom.

 

[esdras]

Hi Bev:

You asked:

I was wondering about the S3-IS. How long will a set of batteries typically last? I tend to use the optical view finder with my current digital camera and most pictures are taken outdoors. On vacation I could go a few days before I had to recharge the battery. I have a Canon Powershot SD300. I love it for it's size. I pretty much take it everywhere I go as it easily fits into my purse, however I would like to upgrade to something with a higher optical zoom.

That's hard to say for sure - there are three main factors that affect battery life and they are:

1. The type of battery you are using.
2. How often you are using the flash.
3. How much you use the full screen rather than the "eye" view finder.

I'll try to mention a few things for each, considering what you stated in your post.

Going in reverse order - you mention that you usually use the optical view finder - this will help you get a few more shots - but this probably isn't the main issue for drawing upon battery power.

You also said that you take mostly outdoor shots - and in that case, you probably aren't using the flash as much as you would for indoor shots. This will help a lot. If I remember correctly - some reviews that I read for my S2-IS regarding battery life (using good rechargeables) had a difference of anywhere from 100-200 shots less when all of them used the flash - using no flash at all, the estimate was about 500 shots. So, using the flash all the time would lower this into the 300-400 shot range.

Finally, the MAIN consideration IS the type of battery that you are using. Alkalines (even the kinds "designed" for digital cameras) are the worst, and should only be used when you are stuck with no other option. This would be where your rechargeables run out, and all you can do is get to a variety store and get a pack of alkalines. If you are using the flash all the time, don't expect much more than 100 shots - no flash, you MIGHT get around 200, if you're lucky. If using alkalines, try to avoid using the screen if at all possible as well.

In terms of rechargeables, the one's to use are NiMh - get two sets (eight in total) and a good rapid charger (one that will give a full charge in one hour or less). Whenever you go out, make sure that you have a set in the camera, and the backups fully charged in your camera bag. You will need a small camera bag for the S3-IS - we found a nice Samsonite one at Zeller's for less than $20.

Finally, the main thing to consider on the rechargeables is their CAPACITY! Not all NiMh batteries are created equal. Cheap no-name brands might only have an 1850 mAh capacity - this is the maximum amount of power that they can hold. I can tell you from personal experience, that the 1850 mAh are only marginally better than a good set of "made for digital cameras" alkaline. DO NOT waste your money on these.

You can now get rechargeables with 2500 mAh capacity (I have a couple of sets of 2300 - but bought those two years ago when that was the highest available). Read the package and look for the number!

So, what does all that mean?

Best guess - considering I use the S2 and not the S3, but I think they SHOULD be similar...

If you get the 2500 mAh type and use the camera in the way you have mentioned, I would think that you should be getting at least 500 shots on a full charge.

You didn't mention how many shots you take each day - so I can't give you an estimate as to whether the batteries would last a "few days" as you stated in your post. But, if you take about 100 shots per day - I would think that you would be able to go at least 3 or 4 days with one set of charged batteries.

But, as I mentioned, ALWAYS keep a second set that are charged in the camera bag. They will lose a little charge just sitting there, but if the set in the camera goes, switch the set, and then charge them and put them in the bag as the backup for the next day. Run down the ones you just put in until they go and repeat the process as necessary. Doing that, you should NEVER be caught with having to find a set of emergency alkalines.

I hope that helped!

 

[ChocolateMouse]

I've found that the smaller the camera, the easier to carry with you and the more you'll use it.

 

[drag n' fly]

I think I am going to have a lookyloo this weekend. Dh wants to put up the outside decorations because of our wonderful chinook right now. It was 12c at 8pm last night! I will talk to someone and make a decision as dh is buying it and needs to know what it is I want. Lots of good info on this thread tho!