Buying a camera for uni course, Canon, or Pentax? Or....

[Oli-G]

Hi guys

Im starting Uni, and need a camera - as its a multimedia course, it has to fit certain criteria for me.

It has to be new, and preferably not a brick. I want it to be able to overexpose, so I can get cool night time effects, and also fast shots, without too much grain. I would also LOVE to be able to get quality black and white shots... like still life, people, etc. If I could slip a lens on for macro shots/panorama shots...then better still. Big ask, I know.

I have $550 AUD. So lets say I have $450 USD to spend, as I can get cams for cheaper than most places retail. For this cash, I can get the Canon A95, A85 plus a few bells and whistles, IXUS 40, Pentax Optio S5i, and Pentax Optio S5 plus a few bells and whistles.

I have been directed to the Canon A series, due to the fact they are mechanically the same as the IXUS series, but at a lesser price. The Pentax are appealing due to their price and resolution advantage against the Canons.

The IXUS and Optio cameras appeal to me most due to their size and looks, and on reading a recent post about how resolution and camera/lens brand generally mean jack, im more inclined to buy on aesthetics. And if I can get an A85 or Optio S5 at the prices I can, I can then get things like larger memory cards, cases etc with the money left over, which would make sense.

Also, a dude I know brought a nice Fujifilm finepix which looks nice and small at a good price, and serves him well. Also the new A520 that is coming out... or even a Nikon 4200, which ive heard good things, particularly its stock macro capabilities. Agghhhh!! What about Sony? Panasonic? *sigh*...

I want a nice, functional camera that is capable of taking quality photos, but at the same time, is convenient to take anywhere. And if it comes to a choice of one better made for macro shots and crisp black and white shots of still life, people etc, then I would take that over one suited more for happy snaps. So something for about $450 USD. If megapixels are sacrificed to fulfill the above needs then so be it!

So unless someone can direct me to something different, these are the main contenders, on pure aesthetics:

Pentax S5i - Not sure of quality though, as many places stock only canons etc against Pentax, not to mention the fact these are rarely mentioned as opposed to the Canons, but I love the look.

Canon IXUS40 - Yet to hear a bad word, unless the in built battery dies after a couple of years AKA the ipod, love the look of em.

Canon A85/95 - Their size is the only thing putting me off, which the A520 may fix.

Its a lot to absorb and im kinda indecisive... can anyone help?

Cheers!

[Rex914]

From your description, you'd be best off with an A95. It really isn't as big as some people make it out to be. Go the store and try it out.

If size really becomes an issue, you can wait for the A95's successor, but I don't know if it's coming out now or later.

[Jack C]

It appears that you are looking for a primary camera. If I am right, then steer clear away from the ultra-compact digital cameras like Canon IXUS, Pentax Optio, Sony DCS-150. These cameras are point-and-shoot with little very little advanced options.

I would advise a digital SLR for you but it seems that you are looking for something less bulky. I agree it the previous poster about Canon A95. It is a very good camera for both beginner and advanced users and it would fit well for your task. It is very affordable. It captures respectable pictures for its size. Its start-up and shutter speed is not as speedy as a D-SLR but the Canon A95 ranks well when compared to the rest of the digi-camera market.

[Oli-G]

Cheers guys. Yeah, the a95 is the general consensus, but what are the advantages of this over the IXUS40? As I can get the two for about the same price, and I would rather carry the IXUS around... can anyone fill me in?

And regarding Digital SLR, I guess i would go down that path. But I doubt theres much decent going, for that price.

cheers

[Jack C]

If you do not love to use the camera and it is not with you, buying the camera is pointless. You should buy what you love to use. The only reason I suggested the Canon A95 over the IXUS40 is from the statement that you are starting school soon. The Canon A95 has more manual features than IXUS40.

Canon A95: Exposure compensation, focus, shutter speed, aperture, white balance

IXUS40: Exposure compensation, white balance, shutter speed

My final advise is just go to the store and play around with all the cameras. Have a fun time looking around and get the camera that you will love to use all the time.

[Oli-G]

Cheers dude, just what I needed. I'm surprised they didnt put those features into the more expensive IXUS.

If the only difference between the A85 and A95 is 1 megapixel, it would seem more worthwhile to get the A85, and spend the remainder on maybe a telephoto lens and other knick knacks. Agreed? And can anyone comment on the Optio SV in comparision to some of the aforementioned cams? Seems to be getting flawless reviews, and its a great lookin cam. cheers.

Otherwise, the A95 is in the lead!

[Rex914]

On paper, the SV looks like a superior camera in a smaller form factor, but it doesn't take good photos. Read Jeff's review for details. Most Pentax ultracompacts are the same story. Really well designed, super compact cameras with lots of zoom but so-so pictures.

[Oli-G]

Yeah, the other Optios havn't gotten rave reviews really....

What do people think of the Panasonic Lumix FZ15 of FZ3? It's within the price range... but picture quality seems to be not *that* much different from the A95, aside from night shooting... I know i'm contradicting myself here with regard to size...

[gary_hendricks]

Hello

My comments on the following models:

Pentax S5i - A few serious flaws exist. For one thing, the on/off switch is next to the shutter and has a green light. This will result in numerous accidental switch offs. Second is that the shutter has two 'levels' the first of which has almost no use whatsoever. By pressing halfway, the camera gives you a 'preview' of the photo, which is basically useless. I also find the set-up menu hierarchy is entirely non-sensical.

Canon IXUS40 - No comment, but I'd go for the A95 instead simply due to the abundance of manual controls and the AA batteries.

Canon A85/95 - They're big, but they are the best in terms of functionality - gives you full control over shutter, aperture and ISO.

Hope this helps. :p

[Rex914]

If you are willing to put up with the extra bulk and price of the Panasonics, then they are a stronger choice, but I still think the A95 is a better deal overall. It's a lot more portable and general-purpose than the Panasonics.

[gary_hendricks]

If you are willing to put up with the extra bulk and price of the Panasonics, then they are a stronger choice, but I still think the A95 is a better deal overall. It's a lot more portable and general-purpose than the Panasonics.

In terms of camera optics, I certainly trust the A95 more. Here are some more reasons why go should go A95:

1) The fold out lcd makes taking photos of yourself easy.
2) The macro zoom function allows decent shots at less than 6 inches.
3) Most important - f.stop, iso speed and shutter speed (you can adjust these all manually!) ;)
4) It uses 4 AA batteries (cheap as chips to buy rechargeables and when they get old, just get some new ones - no mucking around with dodgy internal batteries - and you get about 400 pictures per charge, even more in low power mode)

[Oli-G]

Cheers guys, been a huge help!

Unless anyone can sway me otherwise, looks like the A95 is it.

That, or i'll wait for the A520 to be released here.

Thanks!