A95 vs W1

[Newbie]

I've seen many threads talking about one or another or about both, but I have yet to see a real comparison...

I have noted a few points where one is better than the other and I'd like to know what people think and which camera is the best as I am considering buying one of those camera, but I am still undecided.

Sony W1:
- Noise reduction(I am concerned about the noise A95 seems to have at higher ISO and I read that the NR from W1 was too aggressive, but I do not see it)
- 2.5" LCD screen
- Real manual zoom(unlike the A95 it doesn't have 7 positions)

A95:
- 270° Rotating LCD
- LCD visible in dim light
- Real manual aperture(unlike the Sony manual doesn't mean 2 choices)
- Manual white balance

I realize that both camera are weak with the red eyes, and would like to know for sure how they compare for the noise at higher ISO(200-400), because I do not want to base my judgement on a picture taken with fog fearing that it creates more noise(thus disadvantaging the camera).
Also, how do the cameras compare in terms of image quality and shutter speed ?

Also, feel free to add as many arguments as you can... I am not very knowledgeable in cameras am more than willing to learn more. I have never owned a digital camera before.

Finally, if I want to get larger pictures, how large can I get them without losing quality and detail(with a 5MP camera) ?

[D70FAN]

I've seen many threads talking about one or another or about both, but I have yet to see a real comparison...

I have noted a few points where one is better than the other and I'd like to know what people think and which camera is the best as I am considering buying one of those camera, but I am still undecided.

Sony W1:
- Noise reduction(I am concerned about the noise A95 seems to have at higher ISO and I read that the NR from W1 was too aggressive, but I do not see it)
- 2.5" LCD screen
- Real manual zoom(unlike the A95 it doesn't have 7 positions)

A95:
- 270° Rotating LCD
- LCD visible in dim light
- Real manual aperture(unlike the Sony manual doesn't mean 2 choices)
- Manual white balance

I realize that both camera are weak with the red eyes, and would like to know for sure how they compare for the noise at higher ISO(200-400), because I do not want to base my judgement on a picture taken with fog fearing that it creates more noise(thus disadvantaging the camera).
Also, how do the cameras compare in terms of image quality and shutter speed ?

Also, feel free to add as many arguments as you can... I am not very knowledgeable in cameras am more than willing to learn more. I have never owned a digital camera before.

Finally, if I want to get larger pictures, how large can I get them without losing quality and detail(with a 5MP camera) ?

If noise is a primary concern...

...for $29 you can purchase Noise Ninja. Noise gone.

The A95 and the W1 are both good cameras, so don't fret over the small details when, in all likelyhood, most of your pictures will be shot in full daylight, or with a flash where noise is generally not an issue. Redeye will likely be a problem on almost any pocket sized camera, so get used to post processing. It's not that hard, and works great.

If you are planning to print beyond 8 x 10 inches then maybe 5 MP makes sense. Below 8 x 10 even 2MP will give you a decent print (without cropping). Again, the A95 and W1 will work fine, but maybe there is a camera with a smaller sensor and nicer lens that should be on your short-list. The Panasonic FZ3 or FZ10 for instance.

If you look at all of the sample pictures, and all of the members pictures, on this and other sites, you will notice that 99% look pretty darn good, and if you print them, they look even better. Just don't over analyze them.

I can't tell you the number of pictures I have rejected, only to find that they looked great on a 8 x 10 print (even some of my old 1.3 MegaPixel shots).

So. Buy a camera that feels good, has an auto focus (AF) assist lamp, and meets your needs. I have found that I can take good and bad pictures with just about any camera. Some cameras just make it easier, and more fun.

[Newbie]

I wouldn't say noise is a primary concern, I'm just saying that I don't know what conditions it takes for noise to be there... and I don't like it when its too present.

You are right that most of my shots will be in daylight or with proper light, but if I do want to take a night shot(preferably without flash because it is not so powerful), then I would want my picture to come out quite nice.

I am not planning to print 100% of my good pictures in large size, but I know that I will not hesitate to do so if I take shots which I am particularly fond of.

I admit that I had not taken the time to look at the FZ3 and FZ10, having such a nice telephoto possibility is quite nice, but having no wide angle possibility isn't that great. I know that the W1 and A95 don't offer wide angles when purchased, but at least there is a lense I can buy to enable me to take some wide angle shots.
The FZ3 costs quite a lot for a camera of 3MP with no possibility to have wide angle. The FZ10 costs even more, its a 4MP and even tho it has a possibility to have a wide angle lense added, its suggested retail price is nearly twice as much as the W1 or the A95(I think), so both of these cameras are not to be considered... Of course, I did not looked at them in details.

I am not over analyzing any pictures, I am just reading what they say, because I know that a vendor will never tell me the not so good aspects of a product unless he wants to prove me another product is good. That is something I despise from vendors... For me a good vendor tells me that this product is the best because it has this and that flaw, but that is also has this and that quality.

Also, I can't go to a shop and try the cameras just yet because it seems like the A95 will not be sold here for a few days, so i am trying to know as much about the product before it comes out.

I am still looking for more impressions, comments or advice.

By the way, thank you for your input George

[D70FAN]

I wouldn't say noise is a primary concern, I'm just saying that I don't know what conditions it takes for noise to be there... and I don't like it when its too present.

You are right that most of my shots will be in daylight or with proper light, but if I do want to take a night shot(preferably without flash because it is not so powerful), then I would want my picture to come out quite nice.

I am not planning to print 100% of my good pictures in large size, but I know that I will not hesitate to do so if I take shots which I am particularly fond of.

I admit that I had not taken the time to look at the FZ3 and FZ10, having such a nice telephoto possibility is quite nice, but having no wide angle possibility isn't that great. I know that the W1 and A95 don't offer wide angles when purchased, but at least there is a lense I can buy to enable me to take some wide angle shots.
The FZ3 costs quite a lot for a camera of 3MP with no possibility to have wide angle. The FZ10 costs even more, its a 4MP and even tho it has a possibility to have a wide angle lense added, its suggested retail price is nearly twice as much as the W1 or the A95(I think), so both of these cameras are not to be considered... Of course, I did not looked at them in details.

I am not over analyzing any pictures, I am just reading what they say, because I know that a vendor will never tell me the not so good aspects of a product unless he wants to prove me another product is good. That is something I despise from vendors... For me a good vendor tells me that this product is the best because it has this and that flaw, but that is also has this and that quality.

Also, I can't go to a shop and try the cameras just yet because it seems like the A95 will not be sold here for a few days, so i am trying to know as much about the product before it comes out.

I am still looking for more impressions, comments or advice.

By the way, thank you for your input George

I think the FZ series have both wide-angle and additional telephoto (!) adapters. John Reed has been using them with great results with his FZ10 for quite a while.

Anyway, just thought you should know that.

Good luck on your hunt.

[Newbie]

Thanks for your time George...

Another thing which I was wondering...
What exactly does Jeff mean when he says "The A95 isn't going to win any awards for shooting performance -- it's average in all respects, but it gets the job done every time."

It's average in all respects... I don't quite understand in what it is average... and how do those average features compare with the W1's.

[D70FAN]

Thanks for your time George...

Another thing which I was wondering...
What exactly does Jeff mean when he says "The A95 isn't going to win any awards for shooting performance -- it's average in all respects, but it gets the job done every time."

It's average in all respects... I don't quite understand in what it is average... and how do those average features compare with the W1's.

You will have to ask Jeff.

[Newbie]

And how do I ask Jeff ? does he just look at posts and answers from time to time ?

[D70FAN]

And how do I ask Jeff ? does he just look at posts and answers from time to time ?

Just go to the "DCRP Site Feedback" forum (first one).