My first digital camera

[scottfree]

I'm about to buy my first digital camera.

I just want a point and shoot for the moment. Not worried about price as long as it's not too extravagant (ie. 1000+). But I don't think many point and shoots go that high.

I really like the look of the Canon G7 and the Canon IXUS 900. I figured I should get a high resolution (both are 10mp I think). Any opinions as to which might be best.

The 900 is smaller and sleeker but I love the retro look of the G7. Apart from aesthetics though I don't really know much about their performance. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Scott

[Noonan]

The 900 is a basic P&S with hardly any manual controls. The G7 can be used as full auto but also lets you take full control of the camera. If you're looking to learn about how cameras work and eventually want to be able to manually control your shots go with the G7. If you looking to just turn it on and take pictures go with the 900 (or the 800IS since it has image stabilization).

[mattdm]

Please fill out the little form from the top stickied post.

And, don't obsess about megapixels. Once you're up to 6 or so, it's not the biggest factor.

[scottfree]

Thanks

I've used a 30 year old SLR all my life so I know how to use a camera (basically). I'm not trying to replace it with a point and shoot either (that I will do when I have more money). I just want a really good all purpose camera that I won't regret buying 1 month down the line.

I've read some more about the 900 and G7 and have come across some negative reviews so I'm back to square one.

Budget - Not really a factor.

Size - Pocket size would be great but i don't mind if it is a bit bigger. Not SLR size though.

Features - I like as many as possible. Manual features are great. Average zoom would be fine. Image quality is of utmost importance!! as is battery life!!

General usage - General...everything from social to holidays to semi-professional situations for work. Inside and out. I would like to be able to make big prints (but not paramount).

Misc - I don't mind which brand or model.

Help...

Scott

[Norm in Fujino]

Believe me, in a P&S camera with its tiny sensor, you do not need 10MP. How big to you plan to print? A 4-5 MP camera is fully sufficient for printing up to A4 or A3 even, particularly at low ISOs. Forget the megapixel myth (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28641), and look for other, more important features, like optical quality of the lens.

[scottfree]

Consider it forgotten [the myth that is].

So what camera should I buy?

I was just reading about the Canon A640. It seems good but I'm not sure about using AA batteries. Any opinions?

Which camera takes great pictures, has a great battery life, lots lots of features and fits in my pocket? Is that too much to ask from a point and shoot?

Scott

[SpecialK]

Well, you said the magic word, sort of - "Canon Axxx".

My digital camera experience started with the A95, 5 MP camera. I thought it was really neat, especially the rotating LCD, and the movie mode. Shutter lag was a bit tough on trying to capture, say, jumping killer whales at the top of the peak. As the 3X zoom was a bit limiting, I had 2 Canon conversion lenses and 2 more fair-to-poor quality, "more" conversion lenses for it.

All that got stolen in a burglary, so I replaced it with a Canon A620, with 7.1 MP and bigger rotating LCD. It has a faster processor which helps with shutter lag. The 4X zoom was still limiting, so I again tried some non-Canon conversion lenses - yuck. I have to say I like it very much though, and again the rotating LCD is a big plus. It actually changes the way you take pictures, particularly candid people shots. Instead of looking through the camera directly at your subject, which either makes them frown or get self-conscious, you can look down at the camera and LCD, and catch them in a more natural mood. That feature, plus the movie mode, is why I kept the A620 even though I have gone to a DSLR for almost all my "regular" photography.

So, yes, the A630 or A640 is nice. Red-eye can be a problem with flash, and the zoom range is not the greatest. Apart from that, thumbs up.

Oh, I forgot. Love the AA batteries (which work in my Pentax and flash). Get some 2500 or more rechargeable NiMHs. Use alkalines from the corner store in a pinch.

[Chile]

The G7 is a gorgeous camera although it is a little more expensive than the 900 series (SD900). Personally, I prefer the menu system on the G7, the adjustable eyepiece diopter (visual focus), the manual controls (as noted by others) and the slighter longer telephoto.

You can also purchase a converter lens or add a larger flash for the G7 which you can't do with the 900.

Both the 900 and G7 bodies are metal. Cosmetically, and ergonomically, I prefer the G7 over any of the other cameras mentioned, but that's just an opinion. :p

[scottfree]

Thanks everyone!!!

I've just ordered a G7 and should get it tomorrow. I can't wait. There were a few cameras in that range that I would have been happy with but (and I know this sounds pathetic), the look of the G7 swayed me. I figured I'd rather pay a bit more and be completely satisfied. I found the Axxx range looked a bit cheap (although I'm sure it's not) and i liked the fact that the G7 had a hot shoe.

So thanks again for all your help.

Scott