710 vs A630/A640 again

[domizia]

Hi everybody!
I know that mine is a frequent question in this forum but reading the threads I have not yet found the answers I'm looking for.
I'm not sure about buying a 710 IS or a A630/640.
I know the differences among the three models. Here are my doubts:

- Is the IS so important? does it really make the difference?
- Are Close-up lens available for A6xx too?
- Is Vari-angle LCD so useful?

what I like in 710 is:
- zoom (but can conversion Lens do the same for A6xx?)
- IS (but I don't really know if it's worth, I'm a newby)

What I don't like:
- sensor (10 is better than 7? and 8 with ccd 1/1,8 is better than 7 with ccd 1/2,5)

What I like in 630/640 is:
- vari-angle (it's said to be useful)
- sensor (8 or 10 mpx)

I know everything depends on how I use the camera. I'm not en expert user but I would like to move from a 3.2mpx anonymous camera to an higher quality one. I'm not going to change it sooner, so it should last and should have solid features. I chose Canon 'cause I have a film reflex and found Canon suits for me. I'm going to buy accessories to as I likes panoramas and macros.

thanks everybody!

[bascom]

Yes those are the differences. Which is better? It depends on the user. Only you can best decide.

Tele lens are available for the A6xx, too.

[tim11]

- - - - -
Is the IS so important? does it really make the difference?
- - - - -


IS is nice to have. It makes life much much more easier and sometimes photo opportunity is limited and you don't want your shaking hand to ruin that one shot. It's a luxury but not a must. And at 4x zoom, I personally don't need it. Anything above that, it becomes harder - though not impossible; providing how steady your hands are. IS minimises the effects of your handshake. It's handy to have for stationary subjects but has no effect for moving ones.

As for swivel LCD, can't you imagine how it can be handy? It can be handy for stealth shots of people or when your subjects is lower from the ground... or shooting from over the heads of a crowd.

[domizia]

thank you all!
yesterday I ordered my camera. Finally I chose the A630 model. That's why:
I look at the comparative shots in this site:

http://www.lesnumeriques.com/duels.php?ty=1&ma1=1&mo1=241&p1=1389&ma2=1&mo2=249&p2=1423&ph=2

I found the A630 and A640 clearer than the A710 IS ones (maybe do to the different sensor 1/1.8 vs 1/2.5).

I thought a lot about the IS opportunity and I decided I can do without. When needed I'll use a tripod.
Talking with friends, I appreciated the chance to better set self-timer shots with vari-angle lcd.

I chose A630 because there's no difference between the two A6xx cameras (in terms of shot quality), but the sensor, remote control and a 32mb vs 16mb memory (which I have to change anyway).

If I had had to choose a 10mpx camera, I would have chosen the G7, which, at least offers something more but it's too expensive for me.
So, with the money saved I'll buy rechargeable batteries and a 1gb/2gb memory!

bye!