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A Camera Quandary

03/05/07

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11 comments

I'm in the market for a new digital camera to replace my aging (not to mention battered) PowerShot A80.

After endless evenings of research, I've narrowed the field down to two potential cameras, both at roughly the same price-point; the Canon IXUS 850IS and the Sony DSC-N2.

Unfortunately, this is where the problem begins - I can't decide between the two. As such I thought I'd throw the question out there and see what you, dear readers, would recommend.

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Essentially, I'm after a compact digital camera that is capable of producing some pretty reasonable shots. Substantial control over the usual settings is also required - I'm not exactly a professional photographer, but neither am I a point and click kinda guy. And while I'd love an SLR, I really can't justify spending £400+ on a camera that wouldn't get enough use and can't be stuffed in a pocket.

Here's a quick run-down on the main features of each camera;

Canon IXUS 850IS

Canon IXUS 850IS

  • 7.1MP
  • 3.8x zoom
  • 28mm wide-angle lens
  • Image stabiliser

Sony DSC-N2

Sony DSC-N2

  • 10.1MP
  • 3.0x zoom
  • 3" touch-screen display
  • Image stabiliser

The huge plus point for the Canon is the 28mm wide-angle lens. The Sony on the other hand packs in 10.1MP and a larger, not to mention touch-screen, display.

I'm well aware that whilst the touch-screen on the Sony would be nice, it is more of a novelty than anything; you'll end up with fingerprints all over the display, it'll probably suck the battery more and when all is said and done you can get by just fine without it.

The real question is, which will come in more useful - a 28mm lens or the extra 3MP?

Would a 28mm lens be nice? Definitely, but then I've managed just fine without one so far. Is 10.1MP rather than 7.1MP really going to make that much of a difference? Probably not most of the time, but perhaps now and then.

I have to confess that I'm leaning slightly in favour of the Canon. However, that could be down to familiarity and good experiences with Canon's cameras.

At the end of the day, I don't want to buy either camera and then wonder if I should have purchased the other. Any advice would be appreciated.

Comments are closed for this journal entry.

Digital Cameras

4 May, 2007

I’d sway towards the Canon 850 IS. The MP count doesn’t really do much for me. I have a S3 IS and it’s pretty good. What I find restricting is the quality of the lens (eg: AF at the long end), not so much the MP count. Canon’s image stabilisation is very good, assuming that the 850 IS has the same IS as the S3.

7.1 is still a fair whack of MP anyway! Cheers, Dan

franky

5 May, 2007

I’d also go for the Ixus, but I always have been a fan of Canon cameras. I don’t know about recent Ixus models, but I must say that the Ixus’s I’ve had aren’t that great for profile shots: they show too many details (read errors in the face) and require quite some photoshopping to get rid of those little errors. I’ve had an Ixus 2 and an Ixus 500.
One of my favorite digital cameras all time is the Canon Powershot S45.

Personally I’ve had enough of compact cameras and I think my next one will be a Canon EOS 350. Not that expensive anymore nowadays, but I think much more fun.

Btw, nice to see you like the newest AIR album. :)

kitsimons

7 May, 2007

Thanks for the advice guys. Out of the two, I definitely think the Canon is the one for me.

However, a secret option number 3 has made an appearance and tempted me at the last minute; the Leica C-Lux 2 has just been released.

The Leica would quite honestly be my dream camera. I had disregarded the C-Lux 1 due to price, but the C-Lux 2 packs in a 28mm wide-angle Leica lens – and a Leica lens is what it’s all about. It would be beautiful.

The problem is that it costs £200 more than the Canon. That’s SLR money. Can I spend that much on a compact? Even if it’s a Leica?

@Franky - I love the new AIR album :-) It's their best in a long time.

Steve Tucker

7 May, 2007

Id go for the Canon, mate. You’re gonna get more benefit from the bigger lens than the extra MPs. The Leica looks pretty funky, but at an extra £200 its a bit steep – you be better spending that on beer :D

franky

7 May, 2007

400+GBP ??? Then I’d rather have an EOS350D, or even look around at ebay for a secondhand Nikon D1. Leica or not. ;-)

It certainly is a typical AIR album, one of their better ones.

kitsimons

7 May, 2007

You’re both absolutely right; the Canon is the right choice.

The Leica is roughly the same cost as EOS 400D – I’d rather have that too Franky, but you can’t stuff it in your pocket ;-)

One way to look at it – save £200 on getting the Canon over the Leica and I’m halfway towards the 400D. That and the Canon compact would suit me just nicely. Although the Canon and £200 worth of beer wouldn’t be too bad either ;-)

Simon

8 May, 2007

I’d be hard pushed not to go for the Leica – it’s all in the lens, it’s such a quality piece of kit! Failing that, the Carl Zeiss lens on the Sony should be pretty great. And you can get the beers in :)

Simon the Barman

13 May, 2007

Sounds like you’re decided but I thought I throw my thoughts into the hat.
I’m with the guys on the Canon. I loved Canon functionality and design for years. Mind you, I did have to get the display on my G3 once but it was covered by guarantee.
7mp vs 10mp, I came across this which is a tidy piece of reference for print quality when considering megapixels. As you’ll notice, there’s a couple of inches in it but at the same time you’re mainly posting pics online so… I guess if you needed top quality print you’d borrow your mate’s /office’s super res cam.

Daniel

14 May, 2007

Hello Simon!

I would recommend you a new hasselblad H3D-39!

With 22mp it is a real monster!

Guess what?! – your shiny beloved MAC is mine now!
No more problems now I hope!

How are you doing anyway?

kitsimons

14 May, 2007

Hi Dan – things are good thanks. Glad to hear you’ve got the Mac!

I’d love the Hasselblad H3D-39 but at $31,000 I think I’ll have to pass for now ;-)

I almost bought the Canon over the weekend, but I stopped myself. There was a little voice singing in my head “Leica, Leica, Leica…” I’ve gotta do it – I’m going to get the Leica. Have mercy on my soul.

Will

21 May, 2007

Yo Si – hope things are good with you bud!
Its Will from the Eikon days. I got a digi about chrimbo time and I would recommend it!

Its a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2. The camera is really good, has automatic and manual function and can shoot 16:9 wide.

To top it off it has a Leica lens. It is basically the same camera as the Leica you posted here, the only difference is the internal settings which Leica change for their cameras. Its exactly the same but about £200 cheaper! I was gonna get a Leica but found this baby!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/
ASIN/B000IM9UII/interactiveda3009-21

Hope ya good!

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