Some recommendations please?

[Ellie]

Hey everyone!
I know you guys dont really care for canons, but....i was just wondering if you guys could give me some pointers?? I am trying to decide between a canon sd630 and a canon sd450? The cost difference is only about 15 or 20 dollars so that does not matter. Could you guys tell me which one you like better just from looking at the cameras' features? You know like is it better to have more mp or more optical zoom? i know you guys would say go with a nikon but could you just pretend that it is a nikon and see which one you think you would recommend based on its features? lol! thanks!

[Bob]

This isn't brand specific, and I'm not hands-on familiar with those two Canon models, but I've used other Powershots before, so here goes...

Q) More MP = Good: true or false

A) Depends, and not the adult undergarment. Physical sensor SIZE is actually just as, if not more, important than pixel count. These two cameras are of the same basic class and have similar if not identical sensor size with different firmware (different feature set). All other things being equal, if you plan on making prints > 8X12, go with the higher MP count, but I doubt you'll actually SEE a difference - even at 11X14.

Q) More optical zoom = good: true or false

A) False, mostly. How much more is the determining factor. It's easier (read that as more economical) to make a GOOD 3X or 4X optical zoom than a GOOD 5X or 6X lens. Considering the physical size limits and the necessity for the lens to be able to collapse into the body, it's pretty amazing that they CAN make a good lens for the P&S market segment.

Q) Digital zoom = good: true or false

A) False - ALWAYS! All digital zoom is doing is robbing you of sensor resolution - NEVER use it, zoom with your feet and move closer to your subject.

As for Canon vs Nikon, it doesn't make a bit of difference in the P&S market, they both make fine products. At the price point of the SD630, you're starting to get close to entry level dSLR prices. I don't know your specific situation, but if you can hold out for a D40, I think you'd be a LOT happier in the long run...

Hope this helps.

[Taylor]

Ellie, Id donate you the fifty dollars or so extra it might take for you to get a D40 .. but if you still want a canon just go with the more expensive one.. Ive never handled it but its priced that way for a reason Lol


Seriously though, Id mail you the fifty bucks just to know you got a good camera!

[Will]

Id go with Taylors offer

Anyway.. I have no experience with those cameras so i wouldn't be to helpful commenting on them So just listen to Bob!

[Ellie]

Thank you taylor i really appreciate it but thats okay! Bob, I really appreciate all that info thanks so much! I always use digital zoom i guess i better stop! Anyway ill look at the d40 i promise ill look at it K? Maybe ill just wait a little longer and work a couple more babysitting jobs and then get a better camera. I also have some jewlery i made that i can sell on ebay. Are you guys saying maybe i should not go with a p and s? but a dslr instead? Ill definatley consider it!

[Ellie]

wow i just looked at them! I would need a lot more babysitting jobs! i found the d40 for about 600 i wanted to spend like 200 or 250! also i kinda want to be able to carry it with me all the time! but maybe theres a different dslr thats a little cheaper? maybe 400? thanks!

[Will]

Yes, I think you should go to a DSLR (Or you could get film). Unless! Your not really into photography (But I think you are)


As for your price question. Theres a D50 which is about $500 (on amazon), I know theres at least 1 person here with a D50 (photojazz) and i think Bob said his wife had one. Ive never used the D50 but I've read some reviews (I was looking into the D50 before I got the D80) and it seemed like a great camera

[Taylor]

Hey Ellie! Where were you looking for a D40 that you found it for $600? Thats the price new! Check out some more ebay listings, there are so many on there for four hundred dollars!

Also, just in my converations with you, I dont think you truly understand a DSLR and what it is. Your just so skeptical about it.. Well here gos, Ill try to explain it a little better. A DSLR is basically an SLR, with the professional body, and a professional lense, which has alot better resolution, zoom, manuel focus, etc. But there is a problem that the major companies have realized.. nothing beats the practicality of a digital. So, they have put a digital camera inside an SLR body. That way, you get the best of both worlds.

The D40, while it only has 6.1 million effective megapixels (i.e the same as my point and shoot.....) has a ton of good features, which makes it twice as good as my point and shoot..

Just hear me out here though. I know you want a new camera now, but its always better to wait and think.. what happens if you spend the money now, then have your camera depreciate, only to figure out you want a D40!

And just a suggestion, if you want to save up faster, you should get a second job instead of babysitting. You could also try some stock photography, if you need any help check out my post what works and what doesnt.


Hope this sheds some light on DSLR's and also makes you reconsider your decision.. but Id like to end with one more thing Just make sure whatever you do you are happy about it. And even if you still dont want a D40, dont listen to us, do whats makes you happy. Its your money!


- Taylor

[Will]

Originally Posted by vistasucks

The D40, while it only has 6.1 million effective megapixels (i.e the same as my point and shoot.....) has a ton of good features, which makes it twice as good as my point and shoot..

a mega pixel is a million pixels so if you say a 6 million megapixels thats alot..

so to correct you on that you get 6.1 megapixels which is 6.1 million pixels

[Taylor]

Woops yeah my bad.. nice catch Will