G7, A710 IS, or A640?

[usjet333]

I'm struggling to make a decision, but am having difficulty, even after extensive research.

I'm an enthusiast who wants a great camera that will last several years, and give me an opportunity to get really creative as I learn more.

If money isn't an object, which is the best choice?

G7
A710 IS
A640

Thanks for all of your help and advice!!!

[BowerR64]

wow, now thats a tuff one. You can count me out on the G7 because its not worth $600. i dont care what anyone says. Ide get an SLR for that kinda money.

Now the A710 or the A640? BOTH! I like the iS on the 710 and the longer zoom. The A640 i like the larger CCD and the swivel screen. Its black thats a bonus.

[raven15]

If money is not an object, the answer is hands down no questions asked, the G7. Unless, a) you like the swivel screen b) you like the AA batteries c) you want a smaller camera. b and c apply to me, hence I have the A710. If you like a and b get the A640.

Other than that, the G7 is superior in every way to the other two as far as I can tell, sometimes by a large amount. The ISO dial, better LCD, better materials and build, and better low light performance almost make me wish I had one, in spite of the battery and higher price.

Disclaimer: I have never actually seen a G7.

[xophedebx]

Hello,

If for you "chromatic noise" at middle ISO rate is a point to consider, the G7 works with DIGIC 3 processor while the 2 A models work with the older DIGIC 2 processor. Compare on reviews, noise of the G7 at 800 ISO = noise of the A models at 400 ISO.

Xophe

[Setter Dog]

I just bought the A710 IS and think it's a really fine camera. I like the idea that it's got IS and a really good movie mode. If size had been no factor, I'd have bought the S3 IS.

The main advantage to me is the size. It fits in the shirt pocket of the shirts I wear on Quail hunting trips. I have seen no weaknesses to speak of. It is slow to recycle the flash. The LCD is not good in bright light but the viewfinder takes care of that.

The A710 has many features, most of which I'll never use. I consider the movie mode a big advantage.

[bludsawsaj]

hi, i just got hip to dcresource. their review of the A630,640, and 710 says they can only handle up to one GB card. But, the canon press release on these three cameras says they can go 4 gigs (just like the G7). so it looks like the difference between 8 minutes at hi resolution and 32 minutes. i'll be heading to a camera shop to check this out. the 630 looks like a pretty good deal at some stores (around 270 bucks), but not if it only can shoot 8 minute flics. consumer reports really liked the panasonic tz1 and the poor battery performance olympus stylus 720sw for video . they said the rest of the cameras they considered (at 30 fps) didn't come close.
my email is wsegen@hotmail.com i'd like to know what you find out.

thanks, and good luck

[Setter Dog]

The paperwork with my A710 says it will handle 4gb cards and also SDHC, so I suspect that it will.

About the TZ1,...I strongly considered this but after testing one at a local store, I didn't like it. I read one report that said, although it zoomed while recording, it did not focus in movie mode after the video started. To me, this seemed to be true in my quick tests. The A710 focuses beautifully. I also like having a viewfinder.

If I get around to buying a 4gb card, I'll let you know for sure if it works. I'm sure it will.