Heard of a 5 Meg brother to Canon SD300/IXUS40??

[terrytj]

Hi, Maybe someone can shed some light on this. While looking at a Canon Powershot SD300 (IXUS 40 in Australia) in a large retail store I was told by an apparently knowledgeable sales assistant that if I preferred a 5 meg version I should hold off for a few weeks or so as Canon will shortly be releasing one (to be known here as an IXUS 50).

He said his company had back-orders for more IXUS 40's plus a quantity of the IXUS 50's. I rang Canon Australia but as the call centre person didn't have a price list listing for a IXUS 50 it "does not exist" and no-one else would be able to help me!! I googled the Net but found nothing.

Anyone heard about this camera or is it just a furphy? Seems a little strange that Canon should upgrade its S410/IXUS 430 with the SD300/IXUS 40 (with 2.0" LCD etc) but not its S500/IXUS 500??

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, Terry

[ProblemSolver]

Hi Terry,

As far as I know, Canon introduces upgrades one year from when the last model was made. In your case, Canon just released the Ixus 30 and 40 last Sept and they may only release the Ixus 50 at around that time - this year.

The Ixus 40 is not an upgrade to the Ixus 430 - They are both unrelated. The Ixus 40 is under the Ixus 10's and Ixus 430 under Ixus 100's. By observation, Canon introduces two new Ixus 100's around Feb - Apr every year. This year, they may just introduce the Ixus 600 and Ixus 530, hopefully with DIGIC II.

You may consider opting for the Ixus 600 if you don't want to wait and could sacrifice a few more mm in size for more features (Plus, Ixus 100's are more classy looking and CF cards are faster than SDs). I own an Ixus 500 which is not much bigger than the Ixus 40 - just a few mm. Or if you could wait, you could get the Ixus 50 later this year.

[terrytj]

ProblemSolver...thank you for the prompt reply and for your comments. I now better understand how it all works. Cameras seem a little like mobile phones (but not quite as bad) with new models being pumped out making it hard for the 'average-joe' to keep up with.

Waiting any length of time is not really an option for me as I would like to have a camera to use n-o-w, or at least within a fortnight. After checking out some 17 compact digital cameras (17! Yeah, I know, more patience than commonsense) I got my short list down to the Pentax Optio S5i and Canon SD300/IXUS 40. The Sony DSC P-100 also made my shortlist but only as a compromised standby, a last resort.

So, as you can see, physical dimensions and weight are an important factor for me. I would prefer a camera I could pocket comfortably without it feeling like I've got a small brick in my shirt/pants/jacket pocket. If I can get a quality camera that will do that and is also a good to very good camera in terms of performance and photo images etc then I'll pick it over a camera that might be a just a little better in some ways but is a bit too big or too heavy for what I'd prefer...if you can understand what I mean.

I had seriously looked at both the Canon IXUS S410/IXUS430 and S500/IXUS500. I actually was leaning slightly towards getting the S410 because of its reported better photo images. However after seeing all three in the flesh I went for the IXUS 40 despite its reported slightly inferior photo images to the S410, mainly because of its size and weight and a few other features like better video function.

My heart tells me to get the Pentax S5i, my brain tells me to get the IXUS 40 and the fussy Old Virgo in me tells me to keep thinking about it. Which is what I'll do tonight. :)

Thanks again for your post. If you have any other comments I'd appreciate hearing from you.

Terry

[David Metsky]

Both are good cameras, just buy one and start taking pictures. Every day you wait is a day you are missing opportunities! ;)

Seriously, you'll enjoy either camera. I love my SD300 and the tiny size allows me to take it with me all the time. Frankly, an extra megapixel won't change your enjoyment of the camera or the images.

-dave-

[terrytj]

Dave...Thanks for the reply. Your'e right in what you say. I've done the 'research', asked enough questions and I'm now needlessly playing mind-games with myself.

How does that old saying go..."I used to be undecided, but now I'm not sure." :) Time to make a decision and enjoy...

Terry

[terrytj]

Just to finish off this thread...I today ordered a Canon SD300/IXUS 40, should get it next week and then...happy snapping here I come. :)

Thanks Problemsolver and Dave for your posts, appreciated.

Terry