Canon A95 vs A510/520 vs A610/620 HELP!

[nickelsmurf03]

I have always loved canon cameras, my first was a rebel 0S, and then I purchased the A70 model. I unfourtunately have recently lost my A70, and thus am on the lookout for a new camera. Being out of the loop, I am finding that I have more choices than I did a couple of years ago.

I have read some posts about the differences between the older A95 model vs the newer a510, and am still not sure how I feel about the responses. Overall, do the "improvements" of the a510 outweigh claimed problems of flash recharging time and more red eye? And are the improvements necessary?

I am an amateur photographer, and an archtiecture student. I need to use my digital camera for taking really good pictures of models, expecially sometimes using the macro function. I would appreciate any camera that would take excellent pictures of my work. secondly, I like the ability to change the color balance in a camera, and am fond of manual controls. An important factor is also the camera's ability to focus under low light conditions, as my A70 was not that good. and lastly, I like the video setting options, and am not sure if I need more than 30 sec intervals.

So, i am wondering if, for my purposes if I should jump up to the a610 canon as a proper choice. Does anyone have any opinions on the quality and control options in the a510 versus the a610?

thanks so much,

I am sorry if my questions are vague. I guess I am really wondering if I should spend the extra money to get a better model, or if the a510 is satisfactory in picture quality. (and if I chose the lowe end, why not the a95?).

Nicole

PS --- does anyone know a realy good thin and cheap camera (no need for different shooting controls) for going out at night (clubs, etc)...?

[Screenclutter]

I think it's best to go for A610/620. The grip of the A520 felt a bit weird in my hand and its indoor pictures were not as good as the A610's. I don't have any experiences with the A95.

If you're looking for an older/thin model, why not consider the SD400? I've found it a bit hard with my new A610 to get perfect indoor/nighttime shots.

[Nick C.]

The A610 will do most shooting situations, and is resonably priced for the outstanding pictures you will get from it. the A620 is also great, but is also a decent amount more money, a little slower at low light focusing. They both have a 1/1.8 sensor, and their lenses are the same build as the $600 G6's. You can also take over 500 pictures on a single set of NiMH recharcgeable batteries with both models.

As for the smaller camera, the SD 400 is the best of canons sd series when it comes to size and price. The SD 500/550 have more mp's and larger sensors, but are also more money, and a little bit larger(just 7 mm wider).

[Nhuto]

If you're planning to print 4' x 6's, then all of those cameras will give you exellent image quality, so I have no comment on that. For me, I personally like the flip-out/rotating LCD screens of the A95, A610 & A620. The 5.0mp A610 & 7.1mp A620 are succesors of the 5.0mp A95. You should look into the newer models for improvements and I believe Cannon had discontinued the A95 after they introduced the two new models, A610 & A620.

[nickelsmurf03]

thanks for all the replies!

I am definietly keen on the durability factor, and it seems that the a610 series is more hefty. Also, the complaints about flash recharge on a510s seem annoying to me. Again, thanks. I was hoping to spend less money, but it sounds better and better to me to get the a610 (the extra pixels/print size of the 620 is not too important for me).

How do people find the flip LCDs? are they very useful?

[nickelsmurf03]

I was curious to see if anyone knew of an even cheaper model for a slim camera, like less than $120....