S3 IS or A710 IS ?

[Benjamin]

I am on the fence as to trying to decide on which to buy. they both look like really great cameras and they are priced just about the same too.. I like SLRish look of the S3 Is over the A710.. the only real differance I see in the two cameras are that the A710 has 7 mp with 6x zoom and the S3 6.mp and a nice 12x zoom. How do these two cameras compare?.


Thanks Ben

[dhbailey]

I can't compare them since I haven't held a 710 in my hand, but I can tell you that I was originally thinking of getting the 710 first, but then looked more deeply into the S3 and ended up buying the S3.

My major reasons:
1) 12x optical zoom -- I like taking candid pictures as well as pictures of birds. For such pictures, in my experience, you can never have too much zoom, so the 12x was far preferable to 6x.

2) the swivelable LCD -- I was looking for a carry-everywhere camera to complement my 20D and its lenses. Not every situation is an ideal dslr situation, often for weight issues and other times for simplicity's sake. And since I was looking for a camera I could essentially toss in a pack or toss on the front seat of the car, I was very attracted to the fact that the S3 LCD screen can be swivelled out of harm's way and stay protected.

Not worth considering, unless you want to make really large prints -- megapixel count. For most printing purposes up to 8x10 or even 10x12, there isn't an appreciable difference between 6mp and 7mp.

So that's the logic behind my decision to go with the S3, and I'm thoroughly enjoying using it.

I hope others who have actually worked with both cameras can give you a real comparison.

[BowerR64]

I have the 700 and its a neat camera but its lacking in a few ways. Its a cool A series but its missing the swivel lens. LCDs are hard to see some times and they are a one direction display. If you ever tried to look at one from the side you really can see anything sept directly infront of it. It can be tricky so focus on stuff if you cant see the display no matter how big it is.

The 6X and the IS is about the only thing that makes it good but its not enough IMO. I still prefer the A620 or A640 over the 700 the sensor is better, swivel screen and faster flash refresh times.

Between those 2 the S3 is the better camera to get. It really depends on what your going to do with it though. The S3 can be a bit bulky to lug around all the time, the 710 you might have more fun with taking on the go because of its size.

[cvicisso]

How do these two cameras compare?.Ben - I have the predecessor to the S3 (S2) that shares many of it's features, and I can tell you that one of the biggest selling points for me was the ability to use the optical zoom when shooting video. You can't do this with the A710 (you can zoom and then record at a fixed magnification, but you can't move the zoom mechanism while you are recording). If you don't plan on shooting much video, it's not really a big deal though.

Be advised that the S3 is BIG (in terms of digicams that is). I find myself bringing my S2 (essentially the same size as the S3) with me less and less simply because I don't want to lug it around (something I admitedly should have thought about more carefully before I made the purchase). If however, you're used to a dslr like dhbailey's 20D, and just plan on tossing it in a pack or on the front seat like he does - the S3 will seem small. :D If you want something you can stuff in your pocket, there's no way to do this with the S3.

As Bower64 mentioned earlier, if size just doesn't matter, the image quality and just general overall photographic capability of the S3 is superior to the A710. Either way - good luck, and let us know how it turns out!

[Benjamin]

Right now the only thing that bugs me about the S3 is that it has the swivel LCD..how long is that going to last before it breaks? I have a camcorder and it has a swivel viewfinder that went limp/broke in less than a year. So I am now kind of hesitant to buy a digital camera that uses a swivel for anything. Other than that I like the look of the S3 and it's features. I occasionally do work for a wedding photographer doing candids with my trusty Nikon F4. If my SLR camera broke during a wedding Could I get away with using the S3 for back up?? I think the A710 might look to toyish if it was used as a quick back up
Sorry, I can't afford a real DSLR right now.


Cheers
Ben

[BowerR64]

They seem like a pretty good design to me. I havnt seen anyone with a problem with it. They use metal inside the swivel and its protected fairly well. THe good part is you can swivel it face down so it doesnt get beatup when its not inuse. One thing about my A70 is the screen is trashed.

I have 2 S2s and an S3 and the 2 i got new are still very tight, the one i got used was dropped really hard it still works fine. its a little easier to swivel but its not broken

[PhoenixFx]

Right now the only thing that bugs me about the S3 is that it has the swivel LCD..how long is that going to last before it breaks? I have a camcorder and it has a swivel viewfinder that went limp/broke in less than a year.

Why do you worry about the swivel screen? You can always leave the screen facing up if you are afraid of breaking it. Unlike in camcorders you don’t have to take it out every time you want to shoot. I keep my screen always facing up. For me swivel screen is a plus point, cos you can take self portraits or take photos holding the camera over your head.
When comparing S3 and A710 I think S3 better with regard to features and image+movie quality. The only drawback as I see it, is the size. You might find the LCD a little bit smaller, but I think the size is quite OK.

[Benjamin]

Thanks everyone. I ordered the S3 last night.

[steveLe]

great buy.. youll love it =)

[spacefish]

Thanks everyone. I ordered the S3 last night.

Woot. And I ordered mine just now. I'm so excited! :)