canon digital camera; which model to go for??

[timu]

my choice came down to:
Canon powershot s400, a80 and s45/50.
in the battery issue i think s- series camera uses rechargable batteries; so i don't have to buy battery anymore. don't you think its helpful?

this will be my first digital camera......
so shich one should i get ??(though i am a beginner i would like to have more options in my camera!)

i will buy the camera from italy (i am going next week).
can you guys tell the approx. price of these three models in italy?
thanx.

 

[LukFilm]

1. Price in Italy will be about $100 more per model (that's prices in Europe in general)
2. More features? Skip S400
3. Get A80 or S45 (S50 isn't as good)

 

[VTEC01EX]

I'm kind of in a similar situation, trying to decide between the A70, A80, and S400. I love the S400 form factor, but it doesn't do as well with manual controls. Hmmmm... I'll probably end up with the A70 just because that's where the best price/performance seems to be.

 

[UlricT]

Have you guys looked at the G5? i am thinking about getting that... but now, i am wondering whether it is that much better than these other models.

 

[timu]

why s45 is better than s50??
i thought s50 is same as the s45, except the fact that its 5 megapixel and it can use microdrive.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Yes, S45 > S50 (G3 > G5 too, IMO) because the 4.0mpx CCD sensor just "gets along" better with those lens sizes than the 5.0mpx CCD.

But don't take it from us.

From DPreview.com's review of the S50:

While it's true that the S50 carries all of the excellent features, control and image processing from the S45 it can't be said that the lens is as good a match for the sensor as it was with the four megapixel unit. This is clearly visible in the strong chromatic aberrations which can occur (this is the same thing we experienced with the G5). This is the reason I can't give this camera 'Highly Recommended'.

A80 uses regular AA batteries while the S400 and S45/50 use special lithium-ion batteries. The lithium batteries can be used for longer periods of time, especially when shooting with the LCD on, but when it comes time to replace them, they are far more expensive. One lithium battery tends to be good for 1-2 years of recharging, depending on how often it's used. The A80 has a swivel 1.5" LCD that the others do not have. The S45/50 have the most manual features. The S400 of course if by far the most compact and can fit in a pocket. You just have to decide what is most important to you. If I were you, I'd probably get the S45.

 

[abaez]

Agreed on the s45.. there are a bunch of cool accessories for it as well carry bags, the underwater case etc. I've got an s30 and looking to upgrade to the s45.

 

[Mem]

in the battery issue i think s- series camera uses rechargable batteries; so i don't have to buy battery anymore. don't you think its helpful?

The "A series" Canon models use "AA" batteries which come in rechargeable & alkaline/lithium form as well as few other types."AA" type batteries are the most popular type.

Another benefit is you can buy them virtually anyway ,so when your batteries go flat and you don`t have any spare "AA" batteries (or they too are flat ) you can run into the nearest store and buy some fresh "AA "batteries,try doing that to those special rechargeable batteries you get with the " S series" models,you`ll have virtually no chance of finding them at your local store .

Remember with "AA" rechargeable batteries you`ve a huge selection of brands and power ratings so another advantage, not to meantion cheap to buy as well.

 

[HardwareAddicted]

One vote for the S400 ... I have one and LOVE it !!

And as far as the batts go ... I bought 2 more on ebay for about $17 each ... 900mili-amps ones. (They last longer than the stock ones)

You really need to ask yourself how much of the manual featues you're going to use.

As for me... I just wanted a nice P&S camera ... and the 3 minute videos are GREAT !!

~ Mark

 

[whitelight]

I say s45 or the a80. the s400 doesn't have any manual controls, and even though you're just a beginner, you'll soon learn those manual settings come in very handy.

 

[YogiBear]

I have S40 and even thought I love my dig cam, one thing about Cannon's S series is their Battery life. For S40, rechargeable battery costs around $45 and they dont last long. Have heard many stories about the life of battery. When I first got cam/battery I was able to take around 600 shots (outdoor, no LCD) but now after about 2 years, I can take about 200 shots.

so if you are planning on taking LOTS of pictures with flashes, LCD, get A series or G series. IF compactness is your priorty get S45.