Mid-range Digital Camera?
GHoosdum
Icrontian
My coworker purchased the Nikon D40 and he's enjoying it greatly. Now I need a digital camera recommendation for myself! As it turns out, I had to cut a deal with my wife, and she keeps the camera, a Canon Powershot A620. It's been a nice camera since we got it, and I like the Canon better than any camera I've had before. Nice solid feel, fast digital image processor, great battery life, flexible flip screen design, and good grip ergonomics but still portable.
I've got a pretty open mind, but here are my needs:
Here are some things I don't care too much about:
Here are the cameras that have made my short list and my favorite features of each:
The G7 is really a bit on the pricey end for me, so I'm weighting against it a little for that (though I love the added flexibility of the hot shoe). I particularly like the balance of features on all of these cameras, so I am having a lot of trouble deciding between them.
How important is megapixel image size once you get above 6MP? My current camera is 7.1MP and I really like that, so I'd be wary of taking a step back down to 6MP.
I'm not ruling out other manufacturers, but I really have enjoyed the Canon A620, so I haven't looked too far outside of Canon so far...
Keep in mind this is going to be my only camera. I don't expect to be able to fit it in my pocket, but I want it to be able to do as much for my money as possible.
What thoughts does everyone have on my predicament?
I've got a pretty open mind, but here are my needs:
- 6+ MP
- At least 4x Optical Zoom
- Manual control options
- SD card only
- AA batteries preferred
- Fast camera speed
- Good image quality!
- Flexibility is key!
- Price <$500 definitely, <$400 preferred
Here are some things I don't care too much about:
- LCD size
- LCD pixel count
- Camera size (I don't need a pocket camera)
- Light weight (actually I prefer a bit of heft)
- ISO above 400 (too much noise anyway)
- Camera/Printer dock or connectivity to PC (I use my card reader)
- software that comes with camera
Here are the cameras that have made my short list and my favorite features of each:
- Canon A630: price, similarity to A620, flip screen, AA batteries
- Canon A640: similarity to A620, flip screen, AA batteries, looks
- Canon A710 IS: Image Stabilization, 6X zoom, AA batteries, 2.5" CCD
- Canon S3 IS: Image Stabilization, 12X zoom, AA batteries, flip screen, EVF, 2.5" CCD
- Canon G7: hot shoe, DIGIC III processor, looks
The G7 is really a bit on the pricey end for me, so I'm weighting against it a little for that (though I love the added flexibility of the hot shoe). I particularly like the balance of features on all of these cameras, so I am having a lot of trouble deciding between them.
How important is megapixel image size once you get above 6MP? My current camera is 7.1MP and I really like that, so I'd be wary of taking a step back down to 6MP.
I'm not ruling out other manufacturers, but I really have enjoyed the Canon A620, so I haven't looked too far outside of Canon so far...
Keep in mind this is going to be my only camera. I don't expect to be able to fit it in my pocket, but I want it to be able to do as much for my money as possible.
What thoughts does everyone have on my predicament?
0
Comments
I also like the AA batteries.
How large of a camera do you want? If size isn't an issue then there are also a couple of Kodaks that you should look at.
Use the 'buying guide' at www.dpreview.com to search for cameras and compare.
I love that dpreview site. That editor really knows his business!
I am very impressed with this camera and would recommend it highly.
Any thoughts on the Fujifilm S700?
It looks like a good value, but I can't find any reviews on it...