Decisions, decisions

[MuppetMissy]

Hi, everyone. I'm new to the forum. For the past few weeks, I've been on a search for a new camera to replace my dinosaur-era Sony Cybershot.

I have been reading the reviews on the Resource Page, and find myself narrowed down to the Powershot A640 and the A710 IS. I like the 710 because of the image stabilization.

But then I keep thinking, maybe an ELPH would be good. They just seem so easy to grab and go. Unfortunately, there are only reviews up for a couple of them. I would have liked to have seen what some of the later models can do.

I would like a camera that is easy to travel with, both for big trips (my husband and I are really into travel) and for just taking to family events and parties, etc. I want something that will produce images that will retain quality if I crop them and if I want to create large prints. The Sony I have now is just so old - it's huge, and the prints are okay, but certainly not anywhere near what the newer cameras can do. When I got it 5 or so years ago, it was great, but it's just time to retire it!

I welcome any advice you are willing to give. Thanks in advance.

Missy

[David Metsky]

Do you want to use manual controls? The A-series (most of them) have them, the SD-series doesn't. IMO, you'll be able to take better images if you are willing to take advantage of the manual controls. Not that pure P&S will take bad images, but a skilled photog can do better then the camera chip.

The SD-series is very compact, easy to use, and have excellent image quality. The A-series is less compact (but still quite small, go to a store and pick one up) has manual controls and in the A710 considerably more zoom.

The A-series also takes AA batteries, the SD uses proprietary Li-Ion. This can be a factor if you're going to be away from a charger for extended periods of time, or if you just like to be able to grab some Alkaline AA's off the shelf in a pinch.

What's important to you?

[David Metsky]

I forgot, don't get hung up on MegaPixels. All of these cameras have plenty for large prints. And extra 1 or 2 MP won't do anything in the long run.

[SpecialK]

The A630 may be a better choice than the A640. The A630 has a few less MP (does not matter) and no remote capture (uses the keyboard of your computer to release the shutter).

If you have small kids or pets you might want to have the camera down at their level, or perhaps raised up over a crowd - in which case you will appreciate the rotating LCD of the A630/A640.

If you always want to hold the camera in front of you (best against your face for stability) the A710 IS would be the better choice as it has more zoom range and the stabilization.

[MuppetMissy]

Thanks so much for the input!

I would like the option of using manual controls, definitely. So I guess I'm looking at the A series. As for the bit of extra bulk, I guess that doesn't matter, since I usually carry a purse or bag.

SpecialK, what about the A630 vs A640? Is it a question of cost? Or is there some other feature in the A630 that the 640 doesn't have?

Again, many thanks for helping me to navigate the many choices!

[SpecialK]

Thanks so much for the input!


SpecialK, what about the A630 vs A640? Is it a question of cost? Or is there some other feature in the A630 that the 640 doesn't have?

Again, many thanks for helping me to navigate the many choices!

I believe the only differences are the two I mentioned above, plus the A630 is silver and the A640 is darker gray. So, I don't think the A640 is worth the extra money.