Canon A95 vs Sony W1 vs Kodak DX7440

[limey]

Hi!

I am looking for my first digital compact camera which should have lots of manual-control options but I would like it to be good enough for quick point-and-shoot shots as well. Size is not so important but image quality has to be very good from the camera.
It should have 4 or 5 megapixels and at least 3x optical zoom.

I read good reviews on all three above. Sony uses a Zeiss lens, does that mean it makes the best photos?
How are A95, W1 and 7440 taking landscape, macro and night shots?
I read something about bad jpeg-compression with Kodak cams, is that true?

Thanks in advance,

limey

[speaklightly]

All three of these digital cameras take excellent digital photos and have generally similiar features. However, there is indeed a difference between them photo quality-wise and selling price-wise.

The Sony W-1 at 5mp, has a bit fewer features, in terms of manual overrides, than the Canon A-95. For example, it does not have an aperture preference mode. However, it is a bit smaller in size and has a Zeiss lens. It uses two AA size batteries. A nice battery charger and two nickel metal hydride 2300 MA batteries are packaged with the digital camera. The camera also has a focus assist light. It uses the more expensive Memory Stick.

The Canon A-95 at 5mp, has literally got all of the bells and whistles that you would expect of a digital camera in this range, and a very nice Canon lens. The Canon A-95 uses four AA sized batteries and no Nickel Metal Hydride batteries nor charger is packaged with the camera. The camera also has a focus assist light. It uses the less expensive CF chip.

The Kodak DX-7440 at 4mp, has a very creditable Schneider-Kreuznach lens, all of the usual bells and whistles in a suprisingly easy to use format with the camera using a simple menu structure. Yes, it is somewhat larger than the Sony W-1 and about the same size as the Canon-95. The Kodak DX-7440 uses a Kodak Lithium Ion battery and charger that are packaged with the camera. The camera does not have a focus assist light. It uses Kodak's hybrid focusing system which seems to be quite effective. It uses the average cost SD chip.

In my opinion only, in terms of image quality, the Canon A-95 leads the three followed by the Sony W-1 and then the Kodak DX-7440. Price-wise, the Canon A-95 is the most expensive with an internet price of about $US 395, followed by the Sony W-1 with an internet price of about $US 330, and the Kodak DX-7440 with an internet price of about $US 255. So, the spread price-wise between the Kodak DX-7440 and the Canon A-95 is rather substantial at $US 145, or almost one half of the cost of the most expensive digital camera, the Canon A-95, in the group.

Stop by your local camera dealer and see how each of these digital cameras feel in hand. Consider your own digital camera experience, your projected uses, read the reviews and the user comments on these three digital cameras to make a decision.

Sarah Joyce

[limey]

Thank you very much Sarah for your helpful post :)

Here in Europe the Canon costs about € 315 (internet price) which are ~ USD 378, the Sony is not much cheaper with € 300 ~ USD 360 and the Kodak would cost about € 250 ~ USD 300.

As you can see there is not much difference between the Canon and the Sony. I think I will wait some time and then go with the Canon when it is available around € 300 although the Sony is a bit smaller and has a very nice body but i can get CompactFlash Cards much cheaper than MemorySticks - i think this should also be an important criterion between these two.

[LoveOfSelene]

Hi!

I am looking for my first digital compact camera which should have lots of manual-control options but I would like it to be good enough for quick point-and-shoot shots as well. Size is not so important but image quality has to be very good from the camera.
It should have 4 or 5 megapixels and at least 3x optical zoom.

I read good reviews on all three above. Sony uses a Zeiss lens, does that mean it makes the best photos?
How are A95, W1 and 7440 taking landscape, macro and night shots?
I read something about bad jpeg-compression with Kodak cams, is that true?

Thanks in advance,

limey

this is opinion.
i go w/ the A95 b/c for the canon quality.
Working with my friend in his shop, they have so many complains about Kodak camera. So i'll stay away.
Personaly i don't like Sony....that memory stick *rolls eyes*

Go with the Canon. Nikon is good as well if u can find one. :)

~LoveOfSelene

[mikeS]

Hi limey,

Where did you see an a95 for €300? that's a massive deal.

[limey]

Some online-shops in Germany have it already available. I think it will not last very long and the prices are brought down to € 300. The cheapest offers it for € 310 (not included shipping costs, which are quite different!). That's where I look every day: http://geizhals.net/eu/a115964.html

[mikeS]

Thanks Limey.

That is a truly great price for the canon. I'd jump on it. I'm going to get a buddy of mine to translate the page and see if they deliver to Ireland.

[limey]

I think they often require prepayment for shipping abroad and a additional charge of € 20 or so.

[mikeS]

You're dead right. Again.

Of the few who deliver outside of Germany, the cheapest was €330 (about £230). This did include delivery by a courrier company (€22). This is still very cheap.

This was what I gathered using google's translate tools and I wouldn't have the cahunas to purchase from these guys without advice from someone with a good command of greman