Digital Camera Question

gimmefeedback · #1 08-31-2007, 11:28 AM

Here's a question for those that are heavy into digital cameras.

I've googled around, but couldn't come up with an answer. I'm also unsure which features really matter, so I was hoping someone w/ a photo background could offer some advice.

I'm looking at picking up a point&shoot canon camera.

There is the SD630, SD700, and SD1000 cameras all in the entry type price range.

Looking at the specs, they all seem to be almost identical (same megapixels, same lcd screen size, same optical zoom,etC).

Is there any real advantage of one of these cameras over the oter?

Here are the specs:
SD630- 6.2mp,3" screen
SD700is- 6.2mp, 2.5" screen
SD1000- 7.4mp, 2.5" screen - $192ish

What's the actual difference between the SD630 and SD700is?
Is it worth upgrading to the SD1000?

I'm not really sure what features are important in a P&S, so I'd like to know what I should be looking for.

Thanks!

kerowo · #2 08-31-2007, 11:30 AM

Check out www.kenrockwell.com, he has good real world reviews of digi cams.

Clarkmeister · #3 08-31-2007, 11:30 AM

I have the SD800IS and it rules. I'm totally point and click, but it has plenty of advanced stuff if you end up getting into it. I have gotten lots of compliments on the picture quality from photos I posted on this forum.

guller · #4 08-31-2007, 11:49 AM

The "is" stands for image stabilization, which would make the 700 an upgrade over the 630. The 1000 has no "is" but has more pixels. You want to get the 700is if possible. The "is" works better in low light and full zoom situations. Anything around 6mp is all anyone needs for picture size unless you want to print poster size pictures.

I have the sd600 and it is a great walk around camera although the screen scratches very easily - be careful. I also have a nikon d40 slr for more serious stuff.

vistaplayer · #5 08-31-2007, 03:25 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Check out www.kenrockwell.com, he has good real world reviews of digi cams.

[/ QUOTE ]

I bought a Canon SD700IS based on his review and have no regrets. I'm not a serious photographer but wanted something compact with good quality.

nsdjoe · #6 08-31-2007, 03:29 PM

The 630, 750 and 850 have gorgeous 3" screens.

BigPoppa99 · #7 09-02-2007, 04:44 PM

http://www.dpreview.com/

This place has good reviews as well.

optical zoom is better than digital zoom.

4 High · #8 09-02-2007, 04:52 PM

I have a pretty old 3.2mp Digi with little to no features from like 5 years ago. If i wanted to start taking pictures again would this be ok for a novice, or am i better off just getting a $150 Quickshot 6mp type camera?

Ray Zee · #9 09-03-2007, 12:15 AM

i went with the panasonic lumix. it had rechargeable battery. some dont. 10 or 12 x optical zoom. believe me having a big zoom is nice unless you just take pictures of people close by. it also has alot of digital zoom. i get both up to 50x. digital just magnifies the optical zoom so it isnt really zooming in more but you get more close up but with picture degredation. cannon is good also and probably a better camera. but alot of features are only used very rarely and get in your way.

kerowo · #10 09-03-2007, 12:19 AM

What are you trying to do photographically? Are you trying to get big prints or just shots for the web? 3.2mp isn't very much and probably would struggle to print bigger than 8x10 without looking crappy. The stuff I took here: http://gallery.mac.com/kerowo were done with a 6mp Nikon D70S which I've printed as big as 10x14 with no problems. I would be more concerned with how good the glass on the camera was, how good it focused and how much shutter lag there was when you pushed the button.