Help me choose a new digital camera!

[PHOEN$X]

The recent rash of digital camera pic postings have got me going. I'm thinking about getting a Canon A70. I saw one at Fry's Electronics and really liked the form factor. I can get one for $290 shipped to my door. Those of you that shopped around for cameras lately, do you know how it compares to the models you looked at? Are you aware of anything better with the following features for about the same (or slightly more) outlay:

-Uses Compact Flash card
-Takes AA batteries
-Can take video clips
-Has 3X or better optical zoom
-Can take semi-decent night time shots

My #1 criteria is picture quality, and I want to stick to point-and-shoot models. My current 2mp HP 315 just doesn't cut it anymore.

Here are a couple of A70 reviews I found on the web:

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a70-review/index.shtml

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/a70.html

Thanks!

 

[RSO 34]

That is a good choice at a good price but you might want to consider spending a bit more and going with a 4 mp model. The quality on enlargements is worth upgrading but you will need to remember that your CF card will need more memory to store the larger file sizes (I would not recommend shooting in anything other than the best resolution).

I have a Canon D60 digital slr with 6.3 mp and also have a Nikon Coolpix which originally was "state of the art" when it became one of the first megapixel at 2.1. Obviously, the digital slrs are extremely pricey but you could probably get a 4 mp canon powershot series for about $125 more if you shop around.

Bob

 

[NetViper]

Look the Canon S45.. it has great picture quality and isnt all that expensive.

 

[PHOEN$X]

Yeah, I looked at all the Canon S models, however they only use proprietary Li-ion batteries instead of the standard AAs.

 

[RSO 34]

Digital cameras eat regular AA's like they are candy. No matter what camera you settle on, invest in a charger with at least 2 sets of rechargeable batteries. The rechargeables last longer than a fresh set of AA's and will save you money in the long run.

 

[PHOEN$X]

Digital cameras eat regular AA's like they are candy. No matter what camera you settle on, invest in a charger with at least 2 sets of rechargeable batteries.

Good advice. I have several sets of 2000 mAh AA NiMH rechargeables, thus the desire to stick with 'em. Plus in a pinch, I can substitute regular AAs if I happen to be somewhere that has no outlets accessible. According to the Digital Camera Resource Page review, the A70 will get 675 photos (or 280 mins in playback mode) per charge, which ain't half bad!

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Hey Guys,

I work for Minolta and could go on about glass quality and buy one from us and all that blah, blah, blah.

I can only say one thing. If Bob "RSO 34" makes a recommendation on this topic TAKE IT. I have seen his work and his equipment, it really does not get better. He has been around the block with this stuff, I can tell you that .

LarryB

 

[Hrant]

Larry,

Now that we know where you work heh heh, when will the new DiMage F200 be released? Besides ergonomics, is there other improvements .....

The F100 has been heavily marketed and discounted, and I was deciding between the F100 and Cannon S45 until I saw the F200 .....

Hrant

 

[RSO 34]

Hey Guys,
I have seen his ..... equipment, it really does not get better.

LarryB

I will never share a room with Larry again...............(but thanks for the compliment - I think)

 

[cpmoran]

I have the olympus c5050 it has 5.1mega and 3opt zoom and 10 digital. Takes awesome pics and is easy to use.

 

[PHOEN$X]

Got the Canon A70...

Here are some sample pics/videos.

Pics:
http://members.cox.net/phoensx1/mustang.jpg (395K)
http://members.cox.net/phoensx1/flowers.jpg (476K)
http://members.cox.net/phoensx1/dinner.jpg (347K)
http://members.cox.net/phoensx1/closeup.jpg (183K)

Video clips (QuickTime, or Windows Media Player with DirectX8 or higher required):
http://members.cox.net/phoensx1/NSX_high.avi (1311K)
http://members.cox.net/phoensx1/NSX_med.avi (2022K)
http://members.cox.net/phoensx1/sunset_med.avi (843K)

And for you animal lovers (I need to get a kitty!):
http://members.cox.net/phoensx2/wabbit.avi (6172K)

Comments?

 

[NeoNSX]

Comments...

mustang.jpg - MOVE OVER FURYNSX! WHO'S DA BAD BOY ON DA BLOCK!
dinner.jpg - you shouldn't play with your food.
closeup.jpg - when are you going to lower it?


NSX_high.avi - Clean car, Clean Floor... wish it was longer.
NSX_med.avi - LOL...next time wear slippers, not white sneakers. Seriously though... that is a BEAUTIFUL LADY IN RED!!! In my opinion, you have the best NSX on prime... i'd want mine to be just like yours.


I hope this means we'll get to see some video postings on prime... Pictures say a thousand words, but Video's SCREAM a million!!!

 

[PHOEN$X]

Thanks for the compliments bud; I'm honored that you would want an NSX just like mine. You are very observant for noticing the reflection of my tennies on my NSX too!

I'll post more videos as I get the chance, the problem is of course space. Those high quality clips (esp. VGA) take a lot of space, so I'll have to figure out a way to compress/shrink them down..