SD 950 durability

[drke]

I have a SD800 that just died – “lens error – please restart”. Now I need to get a new camera. The SD800 was a decent P&S camera and so I’m thinking of getting another Canon. As I look at the SD800’s dead body it is pretty well beat to death – scratches and dents all over. I do lots of hiking and am not likely to treat a new camera with more delicacy than my old one. My question is – Is the titanium body on the SD950 likely to be any more sturdy in real world terms? Also, any thoughts on whether or not the price will drop significantly soon.
Thanks, Kevin

[David Metsky]

Are you sure your SD800 is dead? Have you tried the standard approach for any small camera with an extending lens -- whack the camera firmly on the side while trying to turn it on.

I also use my SD800 for hiking and skiing, and while I'm very hard on it I don't have the scrapes and dents that you seem to have accumulated. You might want to try a silicone skin like this - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/533886-REG/Delkin_Devices_DDSC950_960_B_Canon_SD950_Snug_It_C amera.html

I'm not thrilled with the SD950. Too many megapixels on such a small sensor. I think the SD890 is better in most respects for a backpacking camera. I just wish the SD870 or another wide angle ultracompact had an optical view finder.

[drke]

I have whacked it, popped it, tried to pull the lens out and done everything short of jumping up and down on it and no go. My question is: is the Titanium merely a marketing trick or is it a studier camera. Would I be better off buying 2 SD 1100s.

Thanks for your response.

[drke]

Also. I cannot do without an optical viewfinder - no matter how inadequate. Too much sun in the SW US.

Thanks again

[drke]

Also, sorry David, I'm not trying to beat a dead horse. But i understand that an increase of megapixels on a small sensor may not add much but, can it be detrimental to taking a variety of shots - bugs to vistas?

Kevin

[David Metsky]

More MP on a small sensor means noisy shots, especially in low light. The titanium body isn't going to make the camera any sturdier so don't count on that.

I'd go for the SD890 or the SD1100 myself, the SD950 just isn't that impressive.