Please help me decide between these cameras

[raildogg]

A590

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16830120256

or

SD750

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16830120149

or

SD1100

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16830120253


I am leaning toward the SD series cameras because of their smaller size and the ability to recharge batteries. The A590 looks very nice so I am curious about that too. I am a first time user so I am not sure which is the best one for me. I want good picture quality.

Also, is there a better camera in the sub-$200 range? Please recommend.

Thanks.

 

[sivart]

I have the SD750 that I carry in addition to my DSLR. All of these will give similar picture quality. Unless you print a lot of prints 12x18 or larger, the pixel size really doesn't matter. I have been very happy with my SD750. I take it when I take the dog for a walk or just out and about....never know when the opportunity will arise for a great pic.

I opted at the time (August 2007) to go for the non-IS version. Since it is only a 3x zoom, I can hold steady at even some slower speeds without the aid of the IS. Also the SD750 has a little wider angle (35mm vs 38mm equivalent) at the wide end. If you had used film 35mm cameras in the past the widest on the SD750 is the same as 35mm camera, while the SD1100 is slightly 'zoomed in'

 

[ivan2]

hmm none of the above, IMO for point and shoot once you go wide you don't go back. might want to look at the panasonics for that purpose with a sub 200 price tag.

 

[ghostman]

Originally posted by: sivart
Also the SD750 has a little wider angle (35mm vs 38mm equivalent) at the wide end. If you had used film 35mm cameras in the past the widest on the SD750 is the same as 35mm camera, while the SD1100 is slightly 'zoomed in'

Some clarification here, since this is a point of confusion. The "35mm" referred to for film cameras is regarding the film's gauge (the actual size of the film, including sprockets), not the focal length. A film camera can use a lens of any focal length. Thus, the "35mm" referred to by the SD750 is not the same as the "35mm" referred to when talking about film.

http://www.panoramafactory.com...%20%2235mm%20camera%22

Maybe a better way to understand it is by considering that 50mm is approximately the normal field of view of our eyes. Both the SD750@35mm and SD1100@38mm are both wider than our eyes (sees more of the scene), but the SD750 is slightly wider than the SD1100. I have an SD870, which goes to about 28mm wide, I believe.

 

[Fardringle]

For a quick visual example why you will generally want the widest angle you can get (unless you specifically need a longer telephoto length), take a look at this gallery I put together a while back. Click on the thumbnail images to get larger versions of the pictures.

Canon has some really nice cameras in the SD line, but all three that you listed start at a wide angle of 35-38mm which means you'll get a field of view equivalent to the first (left) photo in my gallery. A camera with a 27 or 28mm wide angle (such as the SD870 that Ghostman mentioned) will have a field of view equivalent to the middle shot in the gallery. The SD870 does cost a little more than the cameras you listed, but if you'll be taking a lot of photos where a large field of view is important, you want a camera with 28mm or wider (smaller number) focal length.

 

[Throwmeabone]

Originally posted by: Fardringle
For a quick visual example why you will generally want the widest angle you can get (unless you specifically need a longer telephoto length), take a look at this gallery I put together a while back. Click on the thumbnail images to get larger versions of the pictures.

Canon has some really nice cameras in the SD line, but all three that you listed start at a wide angle of 35-38mm which means you'll get a field of view equivalent to the first (left) photo in my gallery. A camera with a 27 or 28mm wide angle (such as the SD870 that Ghostman mentioned) will have a field of view equivalent to the middle shot in the gallery. The SD870 does cost a little more than the cameras you listed, but if you'll be taking a lot of photos where a large field of view is important, you want a camera with 28mm or wider (smaller number) focal length.

The wide angle really is a nice feature. I've used that camera and it seems like it can capture everything that the human eye can and not look cropped. Can you recommend any other wide angle cameras that are less expensive?

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: Throwmeabone

Originally posted by: Fardringle
For a quick visual example why you will generally want the widest angle you can get (unless you specifically need a longer telephoto length), take a look at this gallery I put together a while back. Click on the thumbnail images to get larger versions of the pictures.

Canon has some really nice cameras in the SD line, but all three that you listed start at a wide angle of 35-38mm which means you'll get a field of view equivalent to the first (left) photo in my gallery. A camera with a 27 or 28mm wide angle (such as the SD870 that Ghostman mentioned) will have a field of view equivalent to the middle shot in the gallery. The SD870 does cost a little more than the cameras you listed, but if you'll be taking a lot of photos where a large field of view is important, you want a camera with 28mm or wider (smaller number) focal length.

The wide angle really is a nice feature. I've used that camera and it seems like it can capture everything that the human eye can and not look cropped. Can you recommend any other wide angle cameras that are less expensive?

Panasonic LZ10, Panasonic FX33/55, Panasonic FS3/FS5, Panasonic TZ5 (10x zoom here in a relatively compact body)

In the case of the LZ10, you're getting 30mm wide angle, full manual mode, 5x optical zoom with IS, and the convenience of AA battery operation in a package that costs less than the Canon SD cameras which simply cannot be compared on features.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Has Panny fixed the detail smearing that their P&S are infamous for?

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle
Has Panny fixed the detail smearing that their P&S are infamous for?

The Venus IV image processor they use now is better than in previous generations. ISO 400 is perfectly usable, and even ISO 800 is usable for smaller prints. I posted some sample images a while ago here

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: 996GT2

Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle
Has Panny fixed the detail smearing that their P&S are infamous for?

The Venus IV image processor they use now is better than in previous generations. ISO 400 is perfectly usable, and even ISO 800 is usable for smaller prints. I posted some sample images a while ago here

Thanks. Definitely an improvement over the Venus 3.

I'm fascinated by the TZ5 - really all the TZ's since they first came out. The form factor, lens, construction all stand out. The average sensor, average processing and over-the-top noise reduction were always the biggest minuses, as well as lack of manual controls. Would love it if it had a manual mode and RAW support.

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: 996GT2
and the convenience of AA battery operation...

I heard that quite a few times, but I don't find using AA or AAA battery a better alternative economically. If I haven't invested in a rechargeable set (AA/AAA batteries and a charger) then yes, then i much prefer using the rechargable ones that the camera maker provide.
granted, the only down side to this is when the battery dies, I cannot walk into a store and buy a replacement unlike AA/AAA.

 

[Kaido]

Just make sure you get one with IS (Image Stabilization), really helps improve anti-shake in handheld shots. Also, the A2000 IS is being released this month I believe, MSRP $249. If you can budget the extra $50, I'd totally recommend it:

http://www.usa.canon.com/consu...ryid=183&modelid=17482

+ 10 megapixels
+ 6x optical zoom
+ Image Stabilization
+ Huge 3" screen
+ Standard AA batteries (you can get rechargeable NiMHs!)

I'd totally go for the A2000 IS if I hadn't just invested in batteries and other goodies for the SD890 IS.

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: andylawcc

Originally posted by: 996GT2
and the convenience of AA battery operation...

I heard that quite a few times, but I don't find using AA or AAA battery a better alternative economically. If I haven't invested in a rechargeable set (AA/AAA batteries and a charger) then yes, then i much prefer using the rechargable ones that the camera maker provide.
granted, the only down side to this is when the battery dies, I cannot walk into a store and buy a replacement unlike AA/AAA.

A set of Eneloop low discharge rechargeables with a charger costs as low as $7 (Link), so it doesn't add much to the price of the camera at all. Rechargeables like Eneloops can hold their charge for over a year, and when they do die you can just run into the nearest gas station and buy a set of alkalines for emergency use. This is especially useful if you are traveling to more remote places (for example, a hiking trip) that do not have a readily available supply of electricity...just bring some extra AAs and you're good to go.

Plus, once the batteries reach the end of their useful life after 500-1000 charges, you don't have to shell out for an expensive OEM replacement battery.

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: 996GT2
A set of Eneloop low discharge rechargeables with a charger costs as low as $7 (Link), so it doesn't add much to the price of the camera at all.

ah, thanks for your side of the story.

 

[raildogg]

Thanks, I would like to stay under $200. I saw the A590 and the SD750 side by side today and could not decide which I liked better.

 

[996GT2]

Looks like you're set on Canon...so no point recommending other brands/models for you.

So since you're so set on the 2 models you listed, go with the A590 IS if you don't care about an ultra-small form factor and want extra features like IS and manual controls. Otherwise, SD750. The choice is very simple really...all you need to do is evaluate your needs.

 

[raildogg]

Originally posted by: 996GT2
Looks like you're set on Canon...so no point recommending other brands/models for you.

So since you're so set on the 2 models you listed, go with the A590 IS if you don't care about an ultra-small form factor and want extra features like IS and manual controls. Otherwise, SD750. The choice is very simple really...all you need to do is evaluate your needs.

I don't really care that much for brands as long as its a good value. The models I've listed are the only ones I know much about but I am open to other brands and models as well.

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: raildogg

Originally posted by: 996GT2
Looks like you're set on Canon...so no point recommending other brands/models for you.

So since you're so set on the 2 models you listed, go with the A590 IS if you don't care about an ultra-small form factor and want extra features like IS and manual controls. Otherwise, SD750. The choice is very simple really...all you need to do is evaluate your needs.

I don't really care that much for brands as long as its a good value. The models I've listed are the only ones I know much about but I am open to other brands and models as well.

Then read a few posts above for my recommendations of several Panasonic models, especially the Lumix LZ8 and Lumix LZ10. Both offer 5x zoom with much better wide angle coverage than the Canon cameras, Optical IS built in, full manual mode, better continuous shooting (2.5 FPS) than the Canon models, and many other desirable features you just won't find in either of the Canon models.

Both are also noticeably smaller than the Canon A590 IS despite having a longer zoom range and better wide angle coverage.

Best of all, the 8 megapixel LZ8 is only $129.99 at J&R and the 10 megapixel LZ10 is only $169.99 here

I also suggest that you check out the other Panasonic compacts, such as the FX series TZ series, and FS series. All offer great value for the money, great build quality, and a wealth of desirable features.

IMO they offer a better value than the Canon models with more features and comparable image quality at just about every price point.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: raildogg

Originally posted by: 996GT2
Looks like you're set on Canon...so no point recommending other brands/models for you.

So since you're so set on the 2 models you listed, go with the A590 IS if you don't care about an ultra-small form factor and want extra features like IS and manual controls. Otherwise, SD750. The choice is very simple really...all you need to do is evaluate your needs.

I don't really care that much for brands as long as its a good value. The models I've listed are the only ones I know much about but I am open to other brands and models as well.

In that case, you should be checking out real camera review websites, like DPReview, Imaging-Resource and DCResource.