consumerism

[alphacygni]

I'm contemplating buying a digital camera. I would say "a new digital camera", but it's been so long since I bought my first one (and a while since I lost it, too), that it feels like the first time.

After contemplation (and one rave review from a co-worker), I am eyeing the Canon Powershot SD 700 IS. After research on dpreview.com, I feel torn between it and the Fuji Finepix F30. Almost entirely because of dpreview's comparison pictures, and the Fuji's notably low-noise high ISO results. I'm still leaning towards the Canon, since I like having more optical zoom, the capabilities in macro mode seem to be better, and IS sounds lovely for a shaky-handed person like myself who often likes to take pictures through the windows of moving vehicles.

At this point, I'm seeking personal experiences with either camera that might inform my decision. Anyone? If you have some other model you must recommend over both of those, I'm open to hearing about it. Know that my level of photogeekery is very low, and simple and small are two of my biggest considerations. Use of SD is good (which is a strike against the Fuji).

Comments

[spatch]

From what I hear, Canon seems to be the manufacturer of choice when it comes to digital cameras, SLR or non. Dad's got a Canon Powershot; I'm not sure of the model, it's at least a year or two old, but he is extremely happy with it. Coming from the man who held out for the longest time shooting color slides and b&w film, I think it's a decent endorsement. When I was looking for a digital camera last year I solely looked at Canon products; then I discovered my low-fi cameraphone and am still having fun challenging myself to take pics with its restrictions (and, honestly, the freedoms it gives with regards to sticking yer lens where some lenses won't go.)

[bookly.livejournal.com]

I went through this a few months ago. dpreview is really good, but you might also want to check out the picoreviews on photo.net, which mentions both the cameras you're considering:

http://www.photo.net/equipment/best-digital-camera/

[bookly.livejournal.com]

BTW, I ended up going with a Canon A630. Given how long it takes the shutter to do its thing in low light, I'd buy something with IS if I were doing it again.

[tcb.livejournal.com]

I have a PowerShot A610, in addition to my D30 and 20D, and really like them all.

[coffeebeanben.livejournal.com]

I'm looking for a new digital camera too, actually. And have been seriously considering the same Canon PowerShot SD700IS as well. I took it for a test-drive at the local best buy and was extremely impressed. I've had a Fuji FinePix S5000 for a few years and while it's generally a decent camera, it's friggin' huge and doesn't do low light pictures at all.

Canons generally have the phrase "legendary optics" associated with them. Though I will say that I've always preferred the UI/menu interfaces of Fuji cameras over any other brand. Definitely the easiest to use.

[coraline]

actually, i much prefer canon's UI to most of the others i've tried... it's really a very personal thing.
that's one thing i'd recommend: try to get a chance to play with one in a store and see if you find the UI intuitive or not.

[(Anonymous)]

I like my old Canon S40, and IS (which I have in my awesome new lens for my Nikon DSLR) rocks. Go for the Canon.

[eisenbud.livejournal.com]

Oh, that was me, by the way.