A710 vs S3

[rk219]

Forgetting that the S3 has much more optical zoom than the a710, what would make me want to purchase the S3 over the a710?? The cameras look fairly similar to me (except the optical zoom of course). So what should compel me to purchase the slightly more expensive and bulkier S3 over the a710?

Many thanks.

[BowerR64]

swivel screen, better flash, 4 cells so it is faster from shot to shot, super macro, sports mode.

Just a few quick ones.

[leyo04]

swivel screen, better flash, 4 cells so it is faster from shot to shot, super macro, sports mode.

Just a few quick ones.

This is more than enuff to convince me, hope it works for you too. Also add to that good ergo IMHO.

[lathe]

If you haven't already, go to Canon's WWW site. You can check-off the cameras you are interested in and click the "Compare Now" button. This will give you a detailed comparison the cameras. Here's a quick link here:

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=113

Also, if you are considering the A710 IS, you might want to consider the A640 as an alternative. You lose the IS and some optical zoom (drops from 6x to 4x), but you gain more megapixels, a flip-out swivel screen (for difficult shots), and faster shooting speed due to 4 batteries. The main advantages the A710 and A640 have over the S3 is their size and weight is less and their LCDs are little larger, if that matters to you. Other than that, the S3 has most of the advantages.

[BowerR64]

The A640 is good because it has a larger CCD, the A710 and the S3 use the same CCD i think. Shot for shot the A640 will shoot better looking shots because of the CCD and it has really good glass in it. Its fairly small, swivel screen and 4 batteries. Im not sure if it has a sports mode but i think it has ISO speeds around 800 like the A710.

Its hard to chose wich is the better camera i have an A700, the S3 and an A620 and i use them all for different things. It just depends on what your going to shoot what to use. The A700 is so handy because its fairly small but has a decent zoom. The A620 i use indoors with a slave flash and it gives me some awsome shots. The S3 i used for sports and those long zoom shots.

Dont want to mix you up though. Ide recomend the S3 if you dont mind the little larger size.

[Setter Dog]

I have an A710 and I love it. I carry it in the field all the time on quail hunting trips. It has several things that are important to me such as a viewfinder, a good movie mode, 6X zoom and very easy one handed operation. The limitations such as slow flash recycle, lack of zoom during videos etc, just don't impact my operation.

Having said all that, what I really wanted was the S3 but it simply didn't fit in the pocket of my hunting shirt. Other than that, it will do everything the A710 will do and then some. I will probably be buying an S3 before my next Yellowstone trip.

You would really like either camera. It's hard to believe they are available at such reaonable prices.