A95 v. A510 v. SD300

[Lewiedude]

I stopped by at the local digicam retailer specifically looking at the record/shutter lag/next shot speed differences of these three cams.

Well, the SD300 blew the other two away, shot review was turned off in each. The A95 was faster than the A510...and about the A510, it really seemed to take a long time to get to "ready" mode for the next shot, especially with the flash on. But, I am surprised that the SD300 only comes with 4MP. The A510, although smaller and lighter than the A95, seems to be less of a camera than the A95-obviously. And as for the A95, with CF storage and all, possesses the most manual settings, I am back to being confused. I enjoyed the software/screens of the SD300 much more, and especially enjoyed the ability to switch on the fly among the 5 or 6 settings for the builtin flash. I wish the A95 came with the new screens of the SD300 and some of the additional settings, but I can't justify the additional money for 1 less MP and less ability to control the settings in strange lighting situations...ISO settings/Aperature/Shutter Speed. Image quality seems to be compromised with the SD300 as that is a steady complaint I have found in and among this web site.

I know there are trade-offs for each of the models, including the price. If price is not object, which to choose among the A95 or the SD300? I am really wondering what the other 2 new cameras to be released from Canon are going to be...any thoughts?

[FAUguy]

The only reason the SD300 is faster than the A95 and A510 is because it uses the newer DIGIC-II chip.
I have not seen the A510 in person, so can't say anything good or bad about it.
However, I did try the SD300 and A95 out at BestBuy back in the first part of Dec.
I ended up buying the A95. The grip on it felt better in my hands, and I loved the swivel display. The manual controls are also a plus.
The main thing I didn't like about the SD300 was the blurry corners on the pictures; due to the lens that is uses, and it feeling to tiny in my hands.
I used the A95 for a week vacation up in Orlando and took about 450 pictures, then at home for Christmas and NewYears. All the pics came out great.

If you can wait, maybe Canon will have an updated version of the A95 with the new DIGIC-II.