Which camera should I keep/use: Powershot vs Stylus

[mwallach]

Hi Everyone,

I am a complete amateur when it comes to photography so I apologize if my question sounds foolish. In the past two years I have purchased two digital cameras, and have alternated between the two in a rather random manner. I am planning a vacation and would like to pick one camera to become familiar with and use on a regular basis, and of course would like to maximize the quality of my pictures. The two cameras are a Cannon Powershot SD870 IS and an Olympus Stylus 600.

Based on my little knowledge of digital cameras, I can see the Powershot has 8 mega pixels compared to the Stylus' 6, and the Powershot has image stabilization while the Olympus is 'weather proof'. Is there anything else I should be looking for?

Thanks so much for any help you can provide!

[cm_mtb]

http://www.photographyreview.com/reviewscrx.aspx

[JamesV]

Welcome to the forum..

It depends on the vacation location. Are you talking about a cruise or beach vacation, then I would take the Olympus. With the waterproof feature being the key reason. As far as mega pixels, either one is fine since most are printed at 4x6, even and 8x10 will be fine.

Also it comes down to comfort, which camera feels better to you? That will be the camera that you will WANT to take everywhere with you.

Good luck and have fun,

James

[jimb12345]

i would definitely stay with the powershot. this is my favorite camera.

[opus]

I once had a powershot and now I have a stylus. Of course there's a few years difference between the models, but I like my olympus far better than I ever liked my powershot. I was never satisfied with the color in the powershot, everything seemed blown out on the auto settings, and I never felt comfortable with the setup of the camera. I eventually pulled it out of my purse one winter morning and found the screen completely broken; I don't know if it got hit or if it froze.

My olympus is shockproof and waterproof. I carry it everywhere. I love the pictures it takes and I love the versatility to be able to freely use it in wet places: rain, spray, underwater. I have never tried printing anything larger than 4x6 though, and I do use it more for documenting memories than I do for taking fine pictures. Since I have a 5D (and before that, a Rebel with a long lens), of course that's what I turn to for the Good Shots.

But I must say I'm perfectly comfortable taking the olympus with me on local weekend trips and leaving the Big Camera at home.