camera advice

[CSMR]

Hi I am about to buy a digital camera.
Thinking of the Canon A570IS or the smaller IXUS 800.
Wondering how much is lost in image quality in the smaller camera. And how much it would cost not to have manual controls. I haven't really used manual controls before but having a larger aprerture from time to time might come in handy. Could more experienced users comment?
Other camera suggestions welcome too in the $150 to $300 range. Image Stabilization is a definite requirement.
Thanks!

 

[TheChort]

Originally posted by: CSMR
Image Stabilization is a definite requirement.

wouldn't that rule out the ixus800 then?

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: TheChort

Originally posted by: CSMR
Image Stabilization is a definite requirement.

wouldn't that rule out the ixus800 then?

that is the SD700 IS here in the states, heh. And I wouldn't say much IQ is lost.. aren't these all packing very very similar sized sensors? Manual controls are where you want to focus on more. This is a very personal opinion, so you're going to get a whole slew of answers from both sides.

I personally could care less about the manual features. I want a small camera for a reason, pocketable, and quick shots. Ideally, an SD870IS, but lighter. But that's me. The ergonomics of the tiny ultra compacts might push you away from them as well.

 

[CSMR]

No this camera has image stabilization.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Probably the biggest thing you'll sacrifice is your telephoto range...some of the newer compact Canon's (Axxx) have 6x zoom versus 4x on the ultra-compacts (SDxxx). IMO, the difference in IQ is pretty insignificant.

Other than that, I'm with randomlinh. I buy a compact/ultra-compact for quick and super ease of use, not manual features. I mean, if they've got it then great, but it won't make or break a sale for me with that category of camera.

 

[Pabster]

Don't get caught up with the optical zoom on a compact or ultra-compact. Even with hardware IS anything beyond 4X begins to result in jitter. Unless you like the tripod, which is pointless on such a camera.

I like the Canon 850IS or 870IS.

 

[davestar]

Originally posted by: Pabster
Don't get caught up with the optical zoom on a compact or ultra-compact. Even with hardware IS anything beyond 4X begins to result in jitter. Unless you like the tripod, which is pointless on such a camera.

I like the Canon 850IS or 870IS.

Not really true. I've taken plenty of handheld x10 and even x15 shots with my Panasonic TZ3 without any signs of blur.

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: davestar
Not really true. I've taken plenty of handheld x10 and even x15 shots with my Panasonic TZ3 without any signs of blur.

The TZ3 only has a 10x optical. If you're doing 15x, you are in the digital zoom zone, which is a big no-no. That is, if you care about quality

People always get caught up in zoom and megapixels.

 

[CSMR]

Thanks. Yes I am not worried about megapixels and not much about zoom. I worry a little that there is no aperture control the images will come out super sharp at all depths (default aperature tends to be very narrow?)?
I could increase my budget and get a new fuji f50fd which I think is small, has image stabilization and some manual controls.