Digital Camera Recommendation Please!

[CaptainKahuna]

Yes, I posted previously about this, but I've changed my criteria, info, choices, etc. Anyway...

I have my choice narrowed down to the following, in order of price, with bold being my favorites:

$243 - Canon Powershot A75 - 3.2MP, 3x optical, 3.2x digital zoom
$247 - Pentax Optio S - 3.2MP, 3x optical zoom, 2x digital zoom
$288 - Konica Digital Revio KD-500Z - 5MP, 3x optical, 3x digital zoom
$289 - Canon Powershot S45 - 4MP, 3x optical zoom, 3.6x digital zoom
$299 - Canon Powershot A80 - 4MP, 3.6X Digital, 3X Optical zoom
$319 - Canon Powershot S410 - 4MP, 3x optical, 3.6x digital zoom

Right now, I'm leaning toward the Powershot S410 because of small form factor and a decent assortment of advanced shooting modes. The S45 is a little bigger, but has more advanced features (manual focus, shutter priority, aperture priority, etc). Opinions between these two cameras? Experiences?

I love the image quality of the A80, but I think it's just too big. I want to be able to carry my camera in my side pants pocket easily.

Also, has anyone heard of/tried the Konica KD-500Z? It's a 5MP camera with a 4MP price, which makes me skeptical, but it's on special, which could account for the price. Any experiences or "I heard..." about this camera would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks all.

 

[DaveSimmons]

I just ordered the A80 from OneCall through the $309 link at GottaDeal.com

I had been leaning towards the S410 based on features and looking at test shots at www.imaging-resource.com, but then decided since I'm only getting one camera I'd rather have the better features and image quality of the A80 even at the larger size.

By the way, are the prices you're quoting for "grey market" without a real warranty? All of the authorized canon dealers I've seen are selling the s410 for around $340-360.

 

[CaptainKahuna]

Actually these prices are mostly from a local camera store that is having a sale

Sorry

 

[DaWhim]

I had this sd100, which is smaller than s410, it was a PITA to carry it in my front pocket. sd10 is the best for me.

 

[ElFenix]

i've got an S40. manual focus is a bitch to use. other than that its pretty golden

 

[KK]

I have the S230, and I really like the portability of it. You'll probably never need the manual focus or any of those other things the S45 has to offer.

KK

 

[CaptainKahuna]

Originally posted by: DaWhim
I had this sd100, which is smaller than s410, it was a PITA to carry it in my front pocket. sd10 is the best for me.

You mean front pants pocket or shirt pocket? The s410 (and sd100 for that matter) seem pretty small to me.

 

[CaptainKahuna]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
i've got an S40. manual focus is a bitch to use. other than that its pretty golden

How well does it fit in your pants pocket? Is it too big or too heavy?

 

[DaWhim]

pants pocket. it was PITA for the sd100. nowadays, I don't even feel the sd10 in my pants pocket anymore. sd100 is BIG compare to sd10.

 

[HiTek21]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
i've got an S40. manual focus is a bitch to use. other than that its pretty golden

I had an S40, excellent camera. Manual focus wasn't that bad, I just didn't like the odd size, its not quite compact and its not really big.

Edit: You would need a larger pocket to fit the camera in. I hardly used the camera because I dont like strapping the case to my belt to take it around.

 

[CaptainKahuna]

Originally posted by: HiTek21

Originally posted by: ElFenix
i've got an S40. manual focus is a bitch to use. other than that its pretty golden

I had an S40, excellent camera. Manual focus wasn't that bad, I just didn't like the odd size, its not quite compact and its not really big.

Edit: You would need a larger pocket to fit the camera in. I hardly used the camera because I dont like strapping the case to my belt to take it around.

Strapping a case onto my belt is exactly what I want to avoid... Hmmm, why can't we have small AND fully featured??

 

[Rankor]

I went from the A60 to the A70 and I finally have the A80.

I have no regrets purchasing it though I was looking at either the S400/S410 or the S45/S50.

I picked the A series b/c of availability of AA batteries and user friendliness.

If you can wait, you may want to check on the S60 that will be coming out soon.

 

[CaptainKahuna]

Originally posted by: Rankor
I went from the A60 to the A70 and I finally have the A80.

I have no regrets purchasing it though I was looking at either the S400/S410 or the S45/S50.

I picked the A series b/c of availability of AA batteries and user friendliness.

If you can wait, you may want to check on the S60 that will be coming out soon.

Hows the size of the A80? Any chance I'd be able to put it in my front pants pocket? I know the pictures are great, but I think it could be a little big for me. I might wait for the s60, if only so the price of the s45 and s50 will drop. I won't be able to afford the s60.

 

[CaptainKahuna]

bumpity!

 

[Achtung]

I have the Canon S45... great auto mode, and I can use manual features when I want. All the reviews are top-notch as well. I picked it up for $299 at Amazon back in January or so.

 

[kyutip]

You need to decide which is your priority, portability or feature ?

Feature wise, I'd consider A80 or S45. A80 has vari-angle lcd (very usefull for creative shot) and can use add on lenses. S45 has sleeker look and able to save RAW for ultimate editing.
If you want to learn further about photography, then get either of these. Try them on your pocket if you can to see how they fit.

For portability, I'd get S410.
The picture quality is top notch in full auto. You can have some sort of manual control over it but it is mostly automatic camera. But it does have long shutter for some nifty night (or fireworks) shot.

 

[Rankor]

Unfortunately, it may be a bulky for the pants front pocket.

I had my Canons in their cases and would fit no problem in my coat interior pocket.

 

[CaptainKahuna]

Originally posted by: kyutip
You need to decide which is your priority, portability or feature ?

Feature wise, I'd consider A80 or S45. A80 has vari-angle lcd (very usefull for creative shot) and can use add on lenses. S45 has sleeker look and able to save RAW for ultimate editing.
If you want to learn further about photography, then get either of these. Try them on your pocket if you can to see how they fit.

For portability, I'd get S410.
The picture quality is top notch in full auto. You can have some sort of manual control over it but it is mostly automatic camera. But it does have long shutter for some nifty night (or fireworks) shot.

I guess I really just need to go to the store and hold both cameras. Does anyone have any idea which store would carry both the S45/S50 and the S410?