A710 vs A720

[lexstar]

Hi guys,

looking at upgrading my A540 to one of the above cameras

just read the review on here about the A720 and although it mentions that the A720 is good, it doesnt really say if its actually better than its predecessor.

So i am wondering what the biggset differences (except MP) between the 2 cameras are

Where I am (in NZ), the A710 is still more expensive than the A720, any reasons why?

Also can people confirm that the A720 has full manual controls? I am reading conflicting reports saying it doesnt.

Comments appreciated,

Thanks

[David Metsky]

Yes, the 720 has full manual controls, same as the 710.

At the top of the review Jeff lists the major differences:

* 8.0 effective Megapixel CCD (versus 7.1 MP on the A710)
* DIGIC III image processor (the A710 had DIGIC II)
* Expanded ISO range of 80 - 1600 (versus 100 - 800)
* Face detection AF/AE
* Longer movie recording times
* Improved battery life

The DIGIC III processor will give faster focus time, improved metering, plus is responsible for face detection, 4G file size limit, and wider ISO range. I don't see any real negatives with the 720 vs 710, only positives.

[Beowulff]

Hi guys...

I'd like to reiterate Lexstar's question about price.

I'm in Australia, and the A710 is selling for anything up to $60-$100 more than the A720. Is this indicative that the A720 is less robust/responsive/more 'plasticky' than its predecessor? Or that its IQ is inferior — even with the extra MP?

Or is it simply that retailers are still hoping for the sucker-sell to maintain their same profit margins on the A710 as when they bought them in from their suppliers?

Cheers.

[AdamW]

Or is it simply that retailers are still hoping for the sucker-sell to maintain their same profit margins on the A710 as when they bought them in from their suppliers?

That'd be my guess.

By the way, the Digic III is also responsible for the improved battery life and less noise at higher ISO. I've got an A700, but if I was faced with your decision, I'd run to get the newer and improved model at a lower price.

[Beowulff]

Thanks Adam...

My partner was out and about today and has decided on the A720. Thanks too for the heads up about the Digic III processor/IQ issue.

A710 RRP $384 (unbelievable!)
A720 RRP $292

Cheers :)

[AdamW]

Enjoy the new A720! It's really a great little camera. Get a bunch of rechargeable AA batteries and start posting some pictures here!

[lexstar]

so the A720 has no real drawbacks versus the A710 is there??

[gratefulgridleys]

Hi, This is my first post.I did the research and want to compare DCRP Iso test shots-couldn't figure out how on this web site. I go to CC tomorrow for either the A710is with canon cp730 printer for $144 or the A720is alone for $219. Please help-any feedback ok.{this our first digital camera.]

[AndyfromVA]

The difference between the 2 cameras is minor. For $144, I'd go for the A710.

[jj5225]

Newly released firmware modifications of the A 710IS as well as other DIGIC II based canon cameras are creating a buying rush on these particular models. Canon has changed some of its camera operating system firmware parameters on the new DIGIC III based cameras making modifications very difficult or impossible, hence resulting in the rush in the DIGIC II based models.
The new modifications are pretty phenomenal which include " live histograms, depth-of-field calculations, under and overexposure highlighting, and -- best of all -- shooting your pictures in RAW ". A google search should yield some results.
Best of luck.!

[roo]

Beowulff:

i am in the market for an A720IS, i went to Bing Lee in Sdyney CBD and they quoted a $320 for the the unit. are you able to tell me if your sub $300 Melbourne quote is a shopfront quote and carries AU manufacture warranty? many thank.

lexstar:

nice to know you can get the it under $300 in NZ!.

cheers

[Beowulff]

Beowulff:

I am in the market for an A720IS, I went to Bing Lee in Sdyney CBD and they quoted a $320 for the the unit. are you able to tell me if your sub $300 Melbourne quote is a shopfront quote and carries AU manufacture warranty?

cheers

Yep — bricks 'n' mortar store (with sadly no branches in NSW).
And yep again — full Canon Aust warranty (not grey market).

Good luck :)

[roo]

Beowulff,

Thanks for the prompt reply, i thought u wouldn't read this "old" thread anymore...

Cheers.

[Beowulff]

No probs Roo.

If you wanna save a few bucks (at $301), check out this site. Although they're primarily an online store, in Sydney you can pick up the product at their street address in Canterbury. (which is ummm... about 10km from the CBD?) They have only Aust warranty cams.

http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod409.htm

Cheers :)

[tim11]

This is an electronic store in Pitt Street Sydney. You can pick up or have it delivered. I bought 3 cameras from there.

A720 for under $300 with Canon Australia warranty.
http://www.digitalfunstuff.com.au/prod188.htm

[roo]

thanks both Beowulff and Tim11 for the price info. btw, i noted there was a post about a third party hack to the older A models but the new A720 and others with Digic III core are yet to be cracked...
apparently, there is some break through:
http://chdk.setepontos.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=2915a93ac2f69fb4a7c9ee46bb1c9b 95&topic=230.0;prev_next=prev#new
(you could see i am really bored:))

just in case you guys are interested in these kind of stuff....

[Beowulff]

Thanks Roo for that CHDK link. I'm thinking the RAW hack could come in handy in particular, also the extended shutter timing.

Cheers :)