Deciding between 2 Digital Cameras

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jpeyton

Moderator in SFF, Notebooks, Pre-Built/Barebones
Moderator
Aug 23, 2003
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So many people recommending the Canon, when I think the Sony is a much better camera (especially if it costs less). Regarding the DSC-S90 vs. A520:

Sony has a much bigger 2.5" LCD (Canon has a 1.8").
Sony has a 30FPS VGA movie mode (Canon has a 10FPS VGA movie mode).
Sony includes AA NiMH rechargeable batteries and a charger (Canon gives you a pair of AA alkalines); Sony has vastly better battery life with the included batteries.
Sony handles red-eye much better.
Sony has much better low-light focusing.
Sony is more responsive (faster focusing, shot-to-shot speed).
Sony has 32MB built-in memory (Canon has none).

As far as Memory Stick prices, Outpost.com has the 1GB Lexar Memory Stick Pro for $30-$40 after MIR almost every week (or you can pick it up at Fry's if you have one nearby).

Regarding build quality, both are solid-feeling cameras, and I can't say one brand is more reliable than the other (I have had luck with both; those who have experienced Canon's E18 first-hand may not feel as jolly about that brand).

DCRP reviewed both:
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a510_a520-review/
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/sony/dsc_s90-review/
 

zoiks

Lifer
Jan 13, 2000
11,787
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Get the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 for 159.99 with free printer at CommieUSA. You will need to check the B&M's since they are sold out online.
 

Pocatello

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 1999
9,754
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The Canon has my vote, it takes beautiful pictures. I gave my mom the A520, and she really loves it.
 

BobDaMenkey

Diamond Member
Jan 27, 2005
3,057
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I'd have gone for the A520 myself. I've got an older A300 and love it. It's not a bad cam at all, especially for being a P&S.
 

yhelothar

Lifer
Dec 11, 2002
18,409
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Canon makes great cameras. But they are not the end all, be all people make them out to be here.
 

imported_Condor

Diamond Member
Sep 22, 2004
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Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
I'm trying to decide between Sony Cybershot DSC S90 and the Canon A520. The former can be had for $149, and the latter for around 30 bucks more. The review sites give similar reviews, but I keep hearing people rave about the A520. Is the A520 worth spending another $30 over the DSC S90?

Sony's color sux! Get the canon.

 

ZoomStop

Senior member
Oct 10, 2005
841
0
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I just bought the A520 last night and it is really nice. Took a few dozen pics and they look great. Think has a ton of features and a manual mode where you can manually adjust focus, aperture, white level, speed, etc. Way more than I know how to use right now :)
I know some people knock it for it's battery life but I took about 36 pics total with lots and lots of LCD use, playing with the zoom, etc and barely made a dent in the 2200 NiMH batteries I have in it.