Canon A95 or Powershot S1 IS

[newdc]

Hi,

I'm in a dilemma in choosing between A95 and Powershot S1 IS... I really like the 10X zoom which S1 IS offers whereas A95 offers only 3X... Now can some tell me how is the image quality and other things that compare between these two cameras apart from the Zoom... Are they both similar or which one you will suggest???

Thanks

newdc

[EAP]

I think it really depends on if you plan to print your photos, and if so, how large you will want to print them. The S1 IS is only 3.2 megapixels, so the best print sizes will be 8x10 or below. The A95 is 5mp so can handle larger size prints and more cropping. For online viewing or emailing, the difference in megapixels won't make much difference. I believe the overall image quality of the S1 IS is quite good. Have you looked at other ultra zoom cameras as well? The Panasonics have some 12x zooms that are about the best lenses out there. They are significantly more expensive than the S1 IS, though.

[agave]

I have been having similar thoughts myself. As much as I like the 10x zoom on the Canon, for me I have concluded 4MP is more important. The Olyumpus 765/770 both have 10x zooms too.

[ProblemSolver]

Hi,

I'm in a dilemma in choosing between A95 and Powershot S1 IS... I really like the 10X zoom which S1 IS offers whereas A95 offers only 3X... Now can some tell me how is the image quality and other things that compare between these two cameras apart from the Zoom... Are they both similar or which one you will suggest???

Thanks

newdc

I would highly recommend the S1 IS. It has a much better movie mode than the A95 and has lots of zoom.

[newdc]

Thanks for the responses so far... It was really helpful... I have narrowed down my search to Canon S1 IS, Canon A95 or Olympus 770...

What I would like to know is will there be any difference in Image Quality between these camera for a 8 X 10 image.... Also when I do cropping will there be loss in Image Quality... I also like the 4 MP and 10 X zoom of Olympus 770 but not sure about the resultant image quality of it... When i print an 8 X 10 image does all these camera give equal quality / colors??? If some one can provide me with some insights that will be great...

Also is it possible to increase the Zoom of Canon A95 by adding extra zoom lenses... If so how much can I increase it to... Does anyone have any suggestions and was it a good idea...

Thanks again...

newdc
still looking for the perfect digital camera

[EAP]

Keep in mind that the Olympus 770 does not have image stabilizer, while the S1 IS does. When using the camera at full zoom, this can be very important. Also, the Olympus does not have good low-light performance, and some people over on the Olympus thread have complained that it will not lock focus in some indoor settings. You might want to visit that thread and read through the comments over the past few weeks re: the 770 to get a better "real world" idea of that camera.

The A95 does have a telephoto lens that can be purchased (you also have to get a lens adaptor, but that's inexpensive). The zoom is approximately the equivalent of 200 mm.

I'm not positive about this, but I think all the cameras will yield the same image quality when printing an 8x10 photo, if you don't crop extensively. If you crop extensively and then enlarge the photo, the lower megapixel image may lose quality.

[newdc]

Thanks EAP for your replies... It was really informative... Thanks for the 770 thread info... I will look into it... So I'm back torn between S1 IS and A95... Looks like S1 IS is a good one... When we say 8 X 10 does it mean a picture big enough for a A4 paper... Is it possible to make prints greater than that??? Also you said about Telephoto lens for A95... Have you used it or will you recommend doing that, when done will it give good Zoom pictures or you will recommend to go with S1 IS... Except for the MegaPixel does A95 offer anything extra above S1 IS...

The reason why I'm asking is A95 seems to be the most popular one in almost all reviews I've read... So just wanted to gather some info before I get into the Digital Camera world...

Thanks again for your time... I appreciate it...

Thanks

newdc

[Beanboy]

The 1S has a much better movie mode if you are into that sort of thing. What type of light will you be taking pictures in? The 1S lacks a focus assist lamp, so indoor focusing can be a real PITA.

I for one am hoping Canon doesn't take three years to update the 1S like they did between their prior generation big zoom camera.

Add a less noisy lens, work on the purple fringing, speed things up with the digic II processor, add a a couple of megapixles and a focus assist lamp, and you would have my perfect camera!

-B

[newdc]

Thanks bean... Yeah I love the movie mode... Well I might take some Indoor Shots as well... As also some night photography of landscapes/buildings... How would those picture be in S1 IS... What is purple fringing??? Yeah hoping so that Canon comes out with a newer version of S1 IS...

Thanks

newdc

[dengar]

If its ok Id like to piggy back your thread on the comparison of these 2 questions. I guess my question is...what is more important, image stability or an AF assist lamp. For me, the primary use will be taking pictures of my son (due in May/June) and of the family. Having a camera with both of these features would be ideal but I noticed the price shoots up drastically :confused:

[Beanboy]

newdc
Purple fringing: Happens with objects backlight and high contrast, lens not focusing the different wavelengths of light onto the same plane.

Night photography of landscapes is fine... Long enough shutter and image stabilization would make it a little easier to hold the camera before having to go to a tripod. Indoor shots when people are waiting for you to snap the photo and you are using the autofocus could be a problem.

dengar
Taking pictures of people, I'd say focus assist lamp... Just because a camera has one doesn't mean it will be great in low-light though, just makes it more likely. I've found a couple of times I would like image stabilization on my next camera. Taking indoor shots at a conference when I wanted to get background in the picture, so no flash. Outdoors at sunrise and sunset and working in the shadows without a tripod.

Price-wise, I think there are plenty of cameras that offer af assist lamp and image stabilization (panasonic models come to mind) but they may lack other areas. My trusty ol' Powershot A40 and Nikkormat Ftn both take nice pics, no big rush to upgrade either one yet.

-B