What brand camera to buy ?

[cjstarr]

Thanks for all this info everyone. How do DSLR cameras do in low light or for fireworks?
Can anyone recommend a camera for such situations? Point & shoot or otherwise

AlwaysEeyore I would look at the Canon G7 that Mike has if I wanted something other then a DSLR. The pictures that he posted are the cleanest pictures I have seen taken in the dark without a flash. I can't say how it would do if you where using the zoom. Use the two links that I provied above and you can find the answers.
DSLR's cameras are no more then P&S now days with the Auto function that they have.

 

[kc5grw]

AlwaysEeyore I would look at the Canon G7 that Mike has if I wanted something other then a DSLR. The pictures that he posted are the cleanest pictures I have seen taken in the dark without a flash. I can't say how it would do if you where using the zoom. Use the two links that I provied above and you can find the answers.
DSLR's cameras are no more then P&S now days with the Auto function that they have.

You beat me to it. Anyway here are the links to my original post and additional info.

As far as performance with the zoom. It does very well in ISO3200 mode. There are limits of course because use of the zoom will decrease the aperture, but I have been extremely statisfied with its performance.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24132105&postcount=12

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24158036&postcount=17

 

[cjstarr]

You beat me to it. Anyway here are the links to my original post and additional info.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24132105&postcount=12

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24158036&postcount=17

Mike you need to type faster!!!!

Charles

 

[05MM08MM]

I currently have a Canon S2 IS and it's a great camera. The features of it I like the most are:
flip LCD screen (get pictures over a crowd of people & of yourself)
12x zoom

The things I don't like about it is the bulkiness of it. It's a pain sometimes to have to actually carry a big camera bag around in addition to my purse.

Right now I am looking for something that can fit into my purse and hand better than the S2, but still want good image quality. Most outdoor pictures in good light will come out decent with any camera. So I want something that I can take pictures of inside in a lower light setting. I do like the Canon's "Indoor" option on most of their cameras as I have used that a lot on my S2. I know I am most likely going to have to give up the flip LCD screen as very few Cameras have that, especially the more compact ones. As far as zoom goes, I don't really need 12x for an everyday camera but I would like something more than the average 3x.

I'm pretty stuck on buying a Canon, so at least I have that narrowed down. 2 Cameras I keep looking at are:
A720 IS: viewfinder, 6X zoom $199 - $230
SX1000 IS: no viewfinder, 10x zoom $250 - $300
Pricing listed is what you find a most retailers (Best Buy, etc)
The SX1000 is slightly bigger than the A720, but definately smaller and less bulkier than my S2. What I am struggling with is the price difference and the viewfinder. I have had to use the viewfinder quite a few times on very sunny days on my S2 so that is why I am not sure. It's hard to test this also since you cannot take the camera you are testing outside of the store to use it. The bigger the screen and the more pixels it has, would that make it easier to see in the sunlight?

 

[Disneyonmymind]

Right now I am looking for something that can fit into my purse and hand better than the S2, but still want good image quality. Most outdoor pictures in good light will come out decent with any camera. So I want something that I can take pictures of inside in a lower light setting. I do like the Canon's "Indoor" option on most of their cameras as I have used that a lot on my S2. I know I am most likely going to have to give up the flip LCD screen as very few Cameras have that, especially the more compact ones. As far as zoom goes, I don't really need 12x for an everyday camera but I would like something more than the average 3x.

I'm pretty stuck on buying a Canon, so at least I have that narrowed down. 2 Cameras I keep looking at are:
A720 IS: viewfinder, 6X zoom $199 - $230
SX1000 IS: no viewfinder, 10x zoom $250 - $300
Pricing listed is what you find a most retailers (Best Buy, etc)
The SX1000 is slightly bigger than the A720, but definately smaller and less bulkier than my S2. What I am struggling with is the price difference and the viewfinder. I have had to use the viewfinder quite a few times on very sunny days on my S2 so that is why I am not sure. It's hard to test this also since you cannot take the camera you are testing outside of the store to use it. The bigger the screen and the more pixels it has, would that make it easier to see in the sunlight?

I am also looking at these two. I want at least a 6x zoom with IS and would prefer a viewfinder (have one on my current Olympus Camedia). The thing I really hate about my current Olympus is the shutter lag time, especially with the flash. I have missed more shots than I ever got. Plus I never thought it took very good pictures. My cheap film camera was way better on those two issues.

Is lag time an issue for you as well? If so, do you know if these two cameras are "faster"?