Help me pick a new digital camera

Beason · 06-24-05, 06:24

I have been using a Sony DSC-P8 3.2mp for awhile and never really have been impressed with picture quality especially outside in the sun. I was looking into upgrading to a 5mp Canon camera, but not sure which one I want. I have it narrowed down to the two following. Also I will be going to England and Ireland trip for 10 days so I will be purchasing either a 512MB or 1G card.

Canon S60

5.0MP
3.6 Optical Zoom
USB1.0
Manual and Auto Focus
Apperature and Shutter Priority
Larger then SD400 and more expensive

Canon SD400

5.0MP
3.0 Optical Soom
USB 2.0
Auto Focus Only
Fast and Slow Shutter Speed setting, but no priority
Ultra Compact and Cheaper

I've seen the SD400 in person and love the size especially since I will be traveling, but best buy and circuit city didn't have an S60 to look at. Anyone that can offer advice would greatly be appreciated. Is shutter and apperature priority worth the bigger size and higher price. Im not trying to take professional quality photos, my brother has a SLR if I need that.

ScubaStevo · 06-24-05, 06:30

I'm really into manual focus. SO I'd choose the S60.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beason

I have been using a Sony DSC-P8 3.2mp for awhile and never really have been impressed with picture quality especially outside in the sun. I was looking into upgrading to a 5mp Canon camera, but not sure which one I want. I have it narrowed down to the two following. Also I will be going to England and Ireland trip for 10 days so I will be purchasing either a 512MB or 1G card.

Canon S60

5.0MP
3.6 Optical Zoom
USB1.0
Manual and Auto Focus
Apperature and Shutter Priority
Larger then SD400 and more expensive

Canon SD400

5.0MP
3.0 Optical Soom
USB 2.0
Auto Focus Only
Fast and Slow Shutter Speed setting, but no priority
Ultra Compact and Cheaper

I've seen the SD400 in person and love the size especially since I will be traveling, but best buy and circuit city didn't have an S60 to look at. Anyone that can offer advice would greatly be appreciated. Is shutter and apperature priority worth the bigger size and higher price. Im not trying to take professional quality photos, my brother has a SLR if I need that.

JDookie · 06-24-05, 06:31

My fiance bought a PowerShot SD500 just like the 400 model you have in the pic, and we love it. It's small enough to fit in your pocket, and takes magnificent pics that can be printed as big as you want.

Beason · 06-24-05, 06:45

I briefly considered the SD500, but I didnt need the 7.1MP and It was slightly bigger then the SD400 and not a fan of the shape

TnM6i · 06-25-05, 05:48

I own the SD500 and love it. It's small enough to tote around in a shirt/pants pocket and does a fantastic job outdoors in any of the shooting modes. If you want a high-quality point & shoot, go for the SD400. If manual controls and customizable settings are more to your liking, get the S60. Either one will take some great shots.

JDookie · 06-25-05, 06:29

Hmm, they must have changed the SD500 because ours is identical to the SD400 but with 6.0 megapixels. They upped the mp's and the size a bit. Still a great camera though. I actually like the new version you have in the picture better. Technology just never stops does it.

Beason · 06-25-05, 07:44

could you be thinking of the S500 maybe?

JDookie · 06-27-05, 04:49

It's a PowerShot Digital ELPH just like in the pics above, and I know it's a 500. Whether it's a S500 or an SD500, I can't remember. I'll have to take a look at it when my fiance gets home....she keeps it in her purse. Regardless, we got it right after Christmas and it looks identical to the SD400 in the pic above but with more of all the goodies.

Like I said, IMO, the new version SD500 is a perfect choice for an awesome all around camera.

EDIT: You were right, it's a S500 and not a SD500. I just went to Canon's website and saw it. I could have sworn it was 6mp too, I guess I got it confused with my Digital Rebel SLR. All in all, I don't think you could wrong with any of them. I love my SLR but it's just too bulky to carry around. I only use it for task specific pictures, you know? Which is why I like the little ELPHs so much.

Beason · 06-27-05, 05:12

I decided on the SD400 I was wondering if $380 was a fair price including a 512mb memory card?

JDookie · 06-27-05, 07:34

I think you chose wisely. It appears that the SD400 and the S500 are very alike, which is what we have and you already know how I feel about it. Good choice.

As far as the price, $380 sounds pretty good. I looked it up on Ebay and they are selling for anywhere from $309 to $469, depending on what extras you buy with it. Check it out:

http://search.ebay.com/SD400_Digital...trypageZsearch

splattj · 06-28-05, 05:00

$380 is good with a 512 card. Costco sells the camera with the OE 16mb for $350.

nightmare · 06-28-05, 05:23

I recently purchased a new Casio 7.2 megapixels with a 1G card. Fits in the back pocket of a pair of jeans, good pictures, great zoom. A muhc better buy than my Olympus.