A95 or SD500 for 1st time digital camera user?

[wildj]

Budget

No more than $525.00

Size

* What size camera are you looking for? Or does size not matter at all to you?

I would prefer a smaller camera - I have small hands.

Features

How many megapixels will suffice for you? 5+

* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x)

I guess standard (3x-4x) would suffice.


* How important is “image quality” to you? (Rate using a scale of 1-10)

9

Do you care for manual controls?

I would like to have manual and automatic.

General Usage

* What will you generally use the camera for?

Mostly indoor shooting, to download pictures to my pc.

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?

Maybe some day, would like to have the option to do so.

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?

Again mostly indoor but will probably take outdoor photos at some point too.

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?

Probably not - at least not right away.

Miscellaneous

Are there particular brands you like or hate?

Canon

Are there particular models you already have in mind?

A95 and SD500

(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)

I have seen the Rotating LCD on the A95 which looks pretty cool but is it a necessity? No

Additional Info: I want a camera to grow with me as I learn - to last a few years. I like the size of the SD500 better and the new color change feature but I like the Rotating LCD of the A95 and the fact that there are so many good reviews on the A95. I know it all comes down to personal preference but I'm still debating on which one to purchase - budget not really factoring into it.

[olias]

If by manual controls you mean having the ability to set aperture priority and shutter priority then you should probably go with the A95, or the A520 if you want something a tad smaller. Good luck with your decision!

[EAP]

The A95 has complete manual controls, whereas the SD500 only has manual white balance and shutter speed controls. However, the SD500 is smaller and lighter than the A95. Also, I think the SD500 is faster, although the A95 is no slouch in the performance department. I'd read the reviews on both cameras really carefully, compare the sample photos, and then make sure to see both cameras in the store and play with them a bit before making your decision. (Note: I just bought my A95 and am very happy with it, but if I'd waited until the SD500 came out I think I may have bought that one instead, because of the size, weight and performance noted above.)

[wildj]

Thanks! I have read about both cameras a lot but wanted to wait until I saw both models in person before I make a final decision. I haven't been able to find a retailer in my area that has the SD500 in stock...until today. I plan on going checking out the SD500 later today, see how it feels, hold it up to the A95 and hopefully I'll be able to make a final decision. Then I'll have a beer and drink to the Irish! :D

However, I have a few hours before I go to check out the cameras so please keep all the suggestions/advice coming - I appreciate it!

[ProblemSolver]

The SD500's movie mode is superior compared to the A95. The SD500 much faster, has a larger screen and smaller compared to the A95. However, the A95 has more manual controls, a lens thread and you can put in some AAs anytime. I would recommend the SD500 though - Lots of people in the DCRP forums are getting one, including me ;) . But it's totally up to you.