Need help choosing between 2 cameras

[kamklutz]

Hello.

I am looking to buy a digital camera in the next few days. To help me pick between the Canon PowerShot SD1000 and the Sony W55, I have provided some background (hopefully not excessive).

I am a novice point-and-shoot type low-end digital camera user. I am looking for a camera primarily to take pictures on vacations, and for the occasional fun get-together. The vacation pictures tend to be outdoor pix of European city buildings and street scenes, though this summer it might be more for pix of mountainous highlands and rolling emerald hills. The indoor pix will tend to me in fairly dimly lit bars.

What is important to me is that I have a camera that I can take a quick shot with, from either being off or having just take a pic. I tend to fire off tonnes of shots (to sort out later), and often I'm am on the move. I'll be with a group, wander off a sec when I see a shot I'd like, frame and fire quickly, and then hurry to catch up. Also, I have even been known to fire off pix from inside a bus, and other sub-optimal conditions.

I tend to use the 2 or 3 MB settings on whatever camera I have, because I fire off so many pix, saving the higher settings for special stuff. To my relatively untrained eye, pictures are not always about the beauty of the picture itself, but the underlying experience it will remind me of.

Movie mode is nice to have. I found that useful one time in a low-light, moving setting, where none of my group's pix were turning out, but movie mode saved the day to record a spectacular view.

Like everyone else, I'd love to have clear, beautiful pictures, with colours that look like "real life". However, my pix are generally going to be viewed on a computer. The pix that I print out will be around 4"x6" size, maybe even 8 1/2" x 11", from one of those store kiosks, or an Epson Stylus Photo R320 printer.

I first thought of the Canon SD1000. I have read comments that it is compact, yet sturdy, which appeals to me, as I occasionally might bump or jar the camera, or might be taking pix in the rain. It apparently is quick to click, which suits my picture-taking style. The fact that I can use my old SD cards (if I can find them) is also attractive. However, I've read some criticisms about its low-light indoor pictures (the technical details of which I didn't grasp).

Then someone mentioned the Sony W55. It is also small and quick. Its battery charge will work on any voltage (assuming the plug fits the socket), and I'm told it shoots loads of pix on one charge. Also, it is about $55 cheaper where I am looking. However, I'm a bit nervous about the rumour that it is not as sturdy. Also, I have no memory sticks... with my tendency to fire off 100's of pix, I would probably get a couple of 1GB sticks, which eliminates the price advantage (assuming my SD cards are not lost). It too has had the odd comment about low-light pictures somewhere.

I am grateful that you have already read this far and would be even more grateful for any advice you might have.

Thank you!

The klutzinator.

[Photo-John]

That is a great, detailed post! Most people give us far too little information to work with.

May I suggest another camera? I would recommend looking at the Canon SD800 IS. There's a new model, the SD850 IS, but I'm not sure if it's actually available yet. The reason I suggest that camera is the "IS" image stabilization feature. Since you're moving quickly and taking all kinds of photos in all kinds of conditions, image stabilization should give you more confidence because it will mean you don't have to worry so much about blur due to camera shake. I actually believe that image stabilization is one of the most valuable features a camera can have. And I would happily give up some resolution to ensure that my photos are sharp. Since you're already planning to shoot at a lower resolution, there's no need to pay for Canon's highest resolution PowerShot SD camera. Trade the 10-megapixel sensor for the IS model.

Sony also has cameras with image stabilization, if you want to look more at their stuff. And in my experience, Sony digital cameras are excellent. I would also recommend taking a look at Panasonic. All of their digital cameras have their MEGA O.I.S. image stabilization and I really like the simplicity of the controls on Panasonic digital cameras.

Here's a link to our main reviews page >>
And here's a link to our detailed digital camera pro reviews >>

Let us know if you have more questions. And welcome to the site!

[kamklutz]

Thanks for the reply. One thing that I didn't mention, though, is that I'm looking for more of a budget camera... somewhere in the $200-$300 (Canadian) range. However, I will follow up and research some Sony and Panasonic products. Thanks for the leads!

[Photo-John]

As I said, I'd happily give up some resolution for image stabilization. I think 7 megapixels is the sweet spot as far as resolution goes. If you search around you might be able to find a Canon SD700 IS, the older model. People I know who own that camera have been very pleased. And I've enjoyed the point-and-shoot Panasonics I've used. But I don't think the image quality is as good as Canon's. Not that it's bad. Most people probably wouldn't know the difference. But I think it's hard to beat Canon when it comes to image quality.

One more camera you might want to look at is the new Canon PowerShot A570 IS. It's got image stabilization, it's a 7-megapixel camera, and it has more controls than the cameras you've been looking at. It's brand new so it's got Canon's latest processor, too. What you'll give up is size - it's not going to fit in your pocket. But it's a camera you can grow with, if you're interested in more manual controls. I just did a review of the 10-megapixel PowerShot A640 and was very impressed. Canon's A-Series digital cameras have been in our Top Ten lists for years because they offer such great features and quality for the money. I think any of them would be a good choice, although I would encourage you to get a camera with image stabilization, if at all possible. If you want to know more about why, we have a good article on image stabilization in our learn section.