need help in choosing a camera for hubby

[Rachel76]

Hi Guys,

My husband is sort of a high-tech geek and it is quite a challenge for me to pick the right gift for him. That's why I prefer giving him cash to let him get whatever he wants. But this time, I'd like to show him that I do can get him a gift (with a little help of course).
He has a 3-4 years old Canon SD300. but he says he wants a bigger screen, rounded corners like SD300, better zoom and resolution. He also likes taking sceneric pictures and claims he is a good photographer.
My budget is $500-$600.
I hope you can advise a few models matching his wishes.
Thanks!

 

[andylawcc]

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsx100is/

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong9/

 

[Rachel76]

Thanks, Andy.

 

[jpeyton]

The G9 that Andy pointed out is Canon's best point-and-shoot digital camera right now, but it is a good deal larger than the SD300.

Can you tell us if your husband wants to upgrade to a larger camera, and if so, how much larger? Is photography just something he does on occasion, or more of a serious hobby?

For $600 or less, you can get him anything from another small pocket-sized Canon SD series to a Digital Rebel SLR.

Here are my recommendations:

Small, shirt-pocket-sized digital camera: Canon SD1100 IS - $230, it's small, thin, has a 2.5" LCD while keeping the optical viewfinder, 8 megapixel resolution, and built-in image stabilization (which is becoming a standard, essential feature in most digital cameras these days).

Medium, coat-pocket-sized digital camera with professional features: Canon G9 - $450, has a longer 6x zoom lens, great ergonomics, excellent 12 megapixel sensor with better low-light performance, built-in image stabilization, 3" LCD and professional features like a flash hot-shoe and RAW image capability.

Large, interchangeable lens digital SLR: Canon Rebel XTi Kit - $600, entry level digital SLR with 3x standard zoom lens, it offers a lot more options and versatility than any point-and-shoot digital camera, and will reward you with much better images if you invest some time in learning how to use it.

 

[andylawcc]

jpeyton: no love for the SX100? I preceived it as something in between the A-series and the G. I never follow on the A-series so I don't know which one to recommend, but as Dpreview.com described, the SX100 is like a glorified version of the best A-series, which isn't necessarily a bad thing imo.

also, how about the S-series? I know the G9 is legendary but it's a full 100-150 bucks more than the S5. I know for OP it's not a problem since all those aforementioned camera are still within budget.

 

[Rachel76]

Thanks, jpeyton. Canon G9 may be a good option. Although he would definitely prefer to be able to carry a camera with higher pixels and zoom in his jeans, I guess he would not be upset with a slightly bigger size cameras. He just likes to take pictures of the nature whenever we go on a vacation together; lakes, mountain sites or high waves, animals, etc.
Thank you again for all three suggestions.

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: Rachel76
Thanks, jpeyton. Canon G9 may be a good option. Although he would definitely prefer to be able to carry a camera with higher pixels and zoom in his jeans, I guess he would not be upset with a slightly bigger size cameras. He just likes to take pictures of the nature whenever we go on a vacation together; lakes, mountain sites or high waves, animals, etc.
Thank you again for all three suggestions.

Here is a fun 'real-world' review of the Canon G9 that you can check out.

Originally posted by: andylawcc
jpeyton: no love for the SX100? I preceived it as something in between the A-series and the G. I never follow on the A-series so I don't know which one to recommend, but as Dpreview.com described, the SX100 is like a glorified version of the best A-series, which isn't necessarily a bad thing imo.

also, how about the S-series? I know the G9 is legendary but it's a full 100-150 bucks more than the S5. I know for OP it's not a problem since all those aforementioned camera are still within budget.

Both the SX100 and S5 IS are good cameras; I prefer the SX100 for its low price. But I'm just not someone who needs a 10-12x optical zoom; I rarely find myself zooming past 85mm for most of my photography.

 

[ElFenix]

wide angle lens and large touch screen

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: Rachel76
Thanks, jpeyton. Canon G9 may be a good option. Although he would definitely prefer to be able to carry a camera with higher pixels and zoom in his jeans.

in that case:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonyt300/
my coworker has the T200, and the picture look quite pretty. T300 is a minor step up and not that much more than the T200

 

[Rachel76]

these cameras are so cool, maybe I can also treat myself with one when I shop for the hubby.

thanks a lot, guys! you definitely enlightened my day!!!