I’m embarrassed to admit that I have never owned a digital camera. However, I am leaving for a trip next week and I am finally going to break down and buy one. I’ve been reading websites for a week now, including the archived threads here and DCRP Review, and I think I’ve narrowed down my choices to the following two cameras. For the experienced camera folks out there, which would you recommend? I’m looking for a digital camera that will be transitional - something easy to use but that I can use to learn with. However, it also needs to be easy enough to use point-and-shoot style. I will be taking basic photos, nothing fancy.
The SX100 doesn’t have a viewfinder, you must use the LCD to compose the picture. For many people, that’s not a problem. For me, that’s a deal breaker. I won’t buy a camera with an optical viewfinder or at least an EVF because I take pictures with the camera held up to my eye.
Both cameras take 2 AA batteries and SD cards, so that’s a wash. Both cameras have full manual controls, so that’s a wash. The A590 only takes video at 20 fps, the SX100 takes video at 30 fps, and the difference is noticeable.
For a few dollars more then the A590 you can get the A720, which has 6x zoom and a faster lens to boot, plus the full 30 fps video and an optical view finder.
I don’t know how dusty thing are where you will be shooting, but out here in the desert, that ‘wedding cake’ style extend-a-lens is a real no-no. We get tourists in our shop, every day, whose cameras are shot because they get dust inside those little cylinders. I’d get something that has an actual lens barrel with the goodies inside.
British Columbia isn’t very desert-like. It can be a problem in very harsh environments but I’ve used my cameras with extending lenses for skiing, hiking, and all sorts of mountaineering and they’ve held up fine.
I just bought the A590, it is much nicer than my old Fuji. I shopped around a bit and found one on eBay new in box for only $135. But like anything, buy the best you can afford, the other camera is nicer but will cost you more too.
I’ve got 4x zoom and sometimes I do wish for a little more, although 10 might be overkill. The 6x sounds like an excellent compromise. I’ve been really happy with my Canon–I hope yours works out too!
I’m not really into photography and know next to nothing about cameras; my picture-taking is limited to obligatory family snapshots. That said, after years of using Sony cameras, I just bought a Canon PowerShot A470 and I LOVE this thing. Much better than the Sonys I’ve used. Easier menu navigation, more logical (to me) set-up, better feel to the thing (it just feels like it’s more durable). I’ve been taking many more pictures than I ever was before just because I enjoy using it. I heartily agree with your decision to go with a Canon.
I’ve had one since Christmas and like it ok. One thing I suspected even then was that I’d want something with a wider angle. I’m often taking pictures of large groups (20, 30, 40 people) indoors so I have to back up, but the 12’ flash range limits how far back you can go.
[Sorry for the double post…I thought the first one didn’t go through and I wanted to add this anyway]
Mundane, pointless, but: one day I was taking a group picture outdoors. It was really bright and I couldn’t see the LCD. I had a jacket, so I draped it over myself and the camera, like the old-time view cameras.
Here’s a widget I found…I’m thinking I only paid Wally $10 for it though. Mine is silver.
The nice thing: the collapsible shade protects your LCD. However it can be completely removed from the frame it sits in, which is held to the LCD by adhesive.
