Canon PowerShot S2 IS or A620

[johngalt]

Budget: +/- $400

SIZE: mid-sized or slightly larger

Features: *Between 5 and 8 megapixels
*4x-12x optical zoom / can't really decide.
*10 for image quality
*some manual controls would be nice

General Usage:

*Idoor, outdoor, close up, I am an art major
*Large prints: Yes, not sure how big or how often
*Indoor photos or low light: Yes
*Sports and/or action photos? Possibly action shots

Miscellaneous:

Brands?
Like: Canon, Sony, Minolta
Hate: Kodak

Are there particular models you already have in mind?
Canon PowerShot A620
Canon PowerShot S2 IS

Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD):
*All would be nice, esp. Image Stabilization

I am absolutely torn between the zoom and Image Stabilization of the PowerShot S2 IS and the megapixels of the PowerShot A620. I am an art student so this camera will be used for whatever miscellany comes with college level art classes, basically I need versatility and something that will be reliable for the next few years. I would also like a camera that is efficient with batteries. I am open to suggestions outside of the two cameras I listed.

Also, what do you suggest regarding warranties? Is it a good idea to buy a camera off the Internet and rely on the one year mfg warranty or is it better to buy from Best Buy or Circuit City and purchase an extended warranty? If you think ordering from a website is safe can you suggest some sites that are historically reliable and offer good deals.

Thank you.

[TampaJim]

Neither of the cameras are "pocketable", so I would (did) pick the S2. You won't ever be sorry that you have 12X optical that can be boosted (via converter lens) to over 18X optical.

I would take the best deal from a HIGHLY respected online dealer - Crutchfield, Vanns, Dell, Costco, etc. Don't go "dumpster diving" to save $20 or $30, - it simply isn't worth it.

I wouldn't buy the "extended warranties" that most retailers offer - they tend to be backed by companies that enjoy loopholes. What I would highly recommend is purchasing the camera with a Platinum VISA or MasterCard - you get your warranty doubled for free and they even give you another warranty that covers accidental damage, theft or loss for the first 90 days!

As far as battery efficiency - nothing can beat the S2. The thing runs forever on a set of NiMH AA cells. I get over 600 shots on 4 Energizer 2500MAh batteries (charger and cells for $17 at Wally World).

Also, don't get caught up in the megapixel war - the S2 at 5MP, takes better pictures than almost all other P&S cameras.

[S.C.]

Neither of the cameras are "pocketable", so I would (did) pick the S2. You won't ever be sorry that you have 12X optical that can be boosted (via converter lens) to over 18X optical.

I would take the best deal from a HIGHLY respected online dealer - Crutchfield, Vanns, Dell, Costco, etc. Don't go "dumpster diving" to save $20 or $30, - it simply isn't worth it.

I wouldn't buy the "extended warranties" that most retailers offer - they tend to be backed by companies that enjoy loopholes. What I would highly recommend is purchasing the camera with a Platinum VISA or MasterCard - you get your warranty doubled for free and they even give you another warranty that covers accidental damage, theft or loss for the first 90 days!

As far as battery efficiency - nothing can beat the S2. The thing runs forever on a set of NiMH AA cells. I get over 600 shots on 4 Energizer 2500MAh batteries (charger and cells for $17 at Wally World).

Also, don't get caught up in the megapixel war - the S2 at 5MP, takes better pictures than almost all other P&S cameras.
Thank You for this answer. I have also been wondering between these two cannons.

[StrixVarius]

Hi I'm actually considering the same two cameras for similar reasons. I don't require the zoom and video functions on the S models, and the A620 beats the S2 and S3 in price, but I'm wondering if the image qualities of the units are comparable? Is there a clear winner in image quality between the S2/S3 (I'd buy the S3) and the A620? If so, do image samples exist to check out? Thanks!

[TampaJim]

If you are absolutely positive, forever and ever, that you don't need zoom - buy yourself the A610 for about $239, in the door, and save quite a bit of money. The photos from the A610 are very high quality and it is an incredible value. The S2 is a better value than the A620 or S3 due to the current price drop - in the door around $369.

And yes, there are photo samples on this site (in review section) and on the Canon site of all of the cameras you mentioned.

[StrixVarius]

I notice that the more expensive S models have lower sensor megapixels than the A models. Does this mean that the A models have higher quality images and the S models are pricier due to their zoom/movie technology? Or are the S sensors lower resolution but higher quality?

Thanks! H

[elazarus]

Thank you for your input