should I get the konica milnolta diamage, Cannon S2IS or S3IS?

[Mom Possible]

I cannot decide. I want image stabilization, large zoom as my main desires.

The minolta has got excellent reviews but I know they are out of the business. Will that make a big difference??

I know the S2IS is amazing from the reviews but is there much of a difference between it and the much cheaper Minolta? quality?

The S3IS looks good but doesnt the S2IS do pretty much everything it does?

I am not a professional photog. I would be using it mainly for disney and family photos. So the reviews that speak of "noise" etc mean nothing to me. I just want nice, clear pics of my family and an occasional firework and some movies here andthere.

Can anyone help me figure out what to do?? Thanks!!!

 

[geetey]

I don't have any experience with the Canon S2 or S3 (although I would buy the Canon S3 if it fit into our vacation plans better), but the reason I am in the camera market again is because of our Minolta S414 which also got good reviews. It has stopped focusing, eats batteries like you wouldn't believe, frequently shuts off (with lenses fully extended). We are out of warranty, but I wouldn't consider another Minolta for myself. I have had great experience with my film Canon Rebel so I am going back to the Canon family.

Not sure if that helps, but it is my experience. Good luck!

 

[FergieTCat]

I would get the Canon S2. You can find it for under $350 now that the S3 has been announced.

 

[Greg K.]

I'd cast my lot with the Canon camp. Whether you get the 2 or 3 is a toss up. The S3 coming out in May is sexier, has a larger LCD, and can reportedly shoot better in lower light, (due to the iso 800 capability.) But it will cost you. The suggested price is $499, but with a little shopping, you'll certainly find it cheaper.

If you've got the money, go for it.

 

[makinorlando]

My Canon S2IS is one month old today teeth: ), and I absolutely love taking photos with it. I am an real amateur, and am trying to learn all the features, but having fun just the same! I bought it after the reviews I had read on this board - I was not really in the market for a new camera, but I sure am glad I splurged.


I love love love the zoom. I took this picture from in front of Crystal Palace.

 

[mhutchinson]

With Konica/Minolta no longer in the camera business and their camera assets going to Sony, I would personally stay away from there for a little while:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0601/06011901konicaminoltaout.asp

I would go with the Canon which has always served me well or even consider Panasonic.

Mike

 

[mlg32]

I have bought the dimage last year, based on great reviews and mainly because it had a alot of zoom power--However ,and I am just an amateur, I have really problems with camera shake when I zoom way out. The camera takes good pics but I am thinking definetly next time I will go with a canon, mainly because my video camera is a canon and I love it!

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I'd go with the S3 if it is just for the ISO800 capability.