Ultra Compact: SD880IS?

[alkemyst]

I am getting ready to replace my wife's stolen SD450. She takes a lot of video, lower light shots mostly of our pets and theme parks.

She needs a small purse camera to always have on her. The SD880IS seems to offer a lot of bang for buck. She wants an optical viewfinder still as well.

The wide mode (28mm) seems great too.

I am still researching, is there another decent camera in the $300 or so ballpark.

I am probably going to end up with a G11 to replace my A650IS...I loved the AA batteries, but those and my chargers were stolen too...to replace my A650IS it's looking close to the same price as a G11 anyway.

 

[PurdueRy]

If she wants low light shots I'd seriously consider a S90 when it comes out. The SD series is not going to fair well there. No optical viewfinder though.

 

[alkemyst]

that's way outside the $300 ballpark.

Her SD450 did well in low light for her needs.

 

[randomlinh]

The SD880 is a solid camera. I'd vote for an s90 too, but yeah, outside of your range, and no OVF (though, the one on the SD880 is pretty useless IMO. but I say that about the SD200 I had too...). The fuji F31d was pretty good in low light too, just ugly, and well, at this point, impossible to find new. I think it's latest successor finally comes close to it's high ISO performance. I just can't remember which model it was. But again, aesthetically, fuji needs a makeover.

 

[alkemyst]

I was considering the SD940IS at first...but it seems it suffers from poor shot recycling...up to 6secs with flash one review said...there are none locally I have found to test.

I know the SD880IS is a decent camera...I only give up HD video really. she's warming up to no optical viewfinder. I keep telling her they aren't accurate for these types of cameras anyway.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
that's way outside the $300 ballpark.

Her SD450 did well in low light for her needs.

Do you need it right away? I guarantee the price will drop from MSRP after release. Anyway, I realize its over the price range. Just thought I'd throw it out there for the F2.0 lens and pretty amazing ISO 1600 performance.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: alkemyst
that's way outside the $300 ballpark.

Her SD450 did well in low light for her needs.

Do you need it right away? I guarantee the price will drop from MSRP after release. Anyway, I realize its over the price range. Just thought I'd throw it out there for the F2.0 lens and pretty amazing ISO 1600 performance.

Well being we have no camera, we need one now. All cameras will drop in price so it's a constant battle of either buying or waiting.

Also that camera is not an ultra compact anyway. This need is for a constant carry, we will have another camera (G11 probably unless I can find another A650IS)

 

[shortylickens]

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q408slimgroup/

In this range the Panasonics consistently score well.
Of course, that guide is 9 months old. There are probably more advanced cameras out now but not necessarily a better deal.

 

[alkemyst]

Went looking to test cameras today...who has the higher end models now? Best Buy and Office Depot only had up to the SD780...I may try a Tiger Direct but it's 20 mins+ away.

Used to be you could see the whole lineup at any B&M.

She likes the SD780...she uses optical viewfinders alot keeping the LCD off and learning the true frame she is dealing with. She loves the larger LCD's, but none have an optical viewfinder that still keeps the camera compact.

Unfortunately I wanted to have her try a Panasonic, but none were on display.

 

[alkemyst]

picked up the SD780. Oddly even camera shops have nothing more than the SD780, SD1200, and the SD970 on display...same as the B&M big box stores.