New Camera

[JPS35]

Well, my wife's G9 is just about at the end of its life after 37,599 pictures. Although it could probably be fixed for a few hundred dollars, she is more interested in purchasing a newer camera. So, she is interested in both the Canon SX280 or the Canon Elph 330 for around $200. Based on a few reviews so far, I tend to lean towards the SX280 as it has a newer CMOS, better zoom, and control features that more closely resemble those of her G9. However, the Elph seems to have a better range for Aperture. Thoughts on either?

 

[fralexandr]

If you're not in too much of a hurry, the canon s100 has been on sale pretty frequently lately. you recently missed out on the s100 from adorama ebay for $259 .

also, the canon elph 530 is $150 atm, if you don't mind the slightly older tech
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...PH_530_HS.html

if portability isn't too much of a concern, there're lots of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras in the sub $300 range too
if you don't mind waiting, amazon has the canon m for $300 with 22mm lens (waiting 1-3 months)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

and there's also the olympus e-pm1 for $250
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/olympus...rorless-camera-with-14-42mm-ii/224090429.html

and there's always the pentax q for $230
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...mera_with.html

 

[shortylickens]

Before you buy:

http://www.dpreview.com/

Best site on the interwebs.

 

[CuriousMike]

However, the Elph seems to have a better range for Aperture.

SX280 Aperture Range = f/3.5 – f/6.8
Elph 330 Aperture = f3.2-6.9

I assume you mean it has a greater aperture at wide angle; the Elph gets slower at the telephoto end.


Generally:
6.9 does not mean it's better than 6.8 ... it means it worse. It will let slightly less light in when you're zoomed in.

3.2 is better than 3.5 - It will let more light in when at wide angle.


Edit:
Her G9 has much better aperture range and a much better (bigger) sensor - either of these cameras you're looking at will likely be a downgrade.

 

[IronWing]

I used the G9 extensively for work. I went to the Sony RX100 after that. The RX100 has great image quality and handling similar to the G9 (one hand shooting from pouch to picture) which makes it a great field camera as was the G9. But it ain't cheap. If you go with the RX100 get the aftermarket grip from kleptography.

 

[iGas]

SX280 Aperture Range = f/3.5 – f/6.8
Elph 330 Aperture = f3.2-6.9

I assume you mean it has a greater aperture at wide angle; the Elph gets slower at the telephoto end.


Generally:
6.9 does not mean it's better than 6.8 ... it means it worse. It will let slightly less light in when you're zoomed in.

3.2 is better than 3.5 - It will let more light in when at wide angle.


Edit:
Her G9 has much better aperture range and a much better (bigger) sensor - either of these cameras you're looking at will likely be a downgrade.

Not particularly. One manufacture lens may have larger aperture setting but it may have low light transmission with higher light fall off than the other.

F6.8 or f6.9 are practically the same aperture size, and f3.2 is only 1/3 stop faster than f3.5. And, it doesn't mean that the slightly faster lens produce better IQ.

That said, I think the OP should get a camera that comfortable to hold and easy to carry, because it will likely see more usage than a cumbersome and heavy camera.

To the OP, the Canon EOS M camera is quite a camera if your wife do not need a view finder.

EOS-M with 22 mm pancake lens at $349.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...mera_with.html

Or, EOS-M with 18-55mm IS lens for $349.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...al_Camera.html

 

[JPS35]

Before you buy:

http://www.dpreview.com/

Best site on the interwebs.

Agreed...I know it well. Unfortunately, there has not been a review on these two particular cameras yet. But, it was great for when we were shopping for the G9.

 

[fetoma]

Before you buy:

http://www.dpreview.com/

Best site on the interwebs.

I agree here. I do all my camera research with that site included.