Canon S400 vs A80, which would you buy?

[LegMaker]

Hey all,
Maybe someone can point out some reasons for choosing one camera over the other. I've researched many and I'm down to these two.
Any personal opinions or experiences appreciated...

I have a 10D and want a camera to have with me at all times. Is the A80 too big to hide in your pants pocket?
What do you guys think?

[Tom W]

I'm a proud owner of 2 Canon film bodies, 4 lenses, and a digital P&S known as the S-400. It is a good camera. I honestly cannot comment on the Sony P10 as I'm not familiar with it. I simply have had very good luck with Canon and chose to stick with the brand. Sony products have provided good service as well, so I'm not about to knock them.

That said, if you find both to be suitable, then you ought to do a feature-to-feature comparison. Plus, check out some of the on-line test reports. Check out www.dpreview.com , www.photo.net , and www.steves-digicams.com for test reports. You may find that one stands out with the quality and features that you desire.

[stopbath]

I have the A70, and it's too big to squeeze into a pocket comfortably (Ok coat pocket...)

I use a carry case that works great. A fanny pack (previous camera) is nice since it doesn't bob about.

Hiding it in your pocket exposes the camera to the lint and dirt collected in your pocket. Don't expect years and years of worry free service if that's to be the cameras home. Look at weatherproof cameras (like the Olympus) if it is as the seal will protect it better than no seal.

[Tom W]

Right now, I'm trying to figure out how the title of the thread changed for my response, and then returned to what appears to be the original title (unless it was edited). Anyway, I can't comment on the A80 either since I'm not familiar with it.

You can still consult the sites I mentioned for additional information, plus you might take a look at them in the store. The S-400 is shirt pocket-sized, but I keep mine in a very small belt-mounted case. Its pretty unobtrusive there, and the case is padded enough to provide protection.

[pradeep1]

My mother who does not know much about photography and needs to just take photos without a lot of fuss would like the S400. I like the manual settings and all the control options and the flip out LCD would sacrifice the smaller size for the features and go for an A80. You can put an A80 into your pant pockets without too much trouble. Not as small as a S400, but easily pocketable, compared to a G3 or a 10D!

:)

[LegMaker]

Thanks all.
I'm going with the S400 as I have the 10D for all the bells and wistles!
Thanks again.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Stop back in a let us know how you make out with the s-400 :)

As you know,. "some of us" are juggling the same decision :D

[jlocatell]

A80 has two custom presets and a flip LCD display useful for taking fotos of your own and when you get late to your daugther School meet, for taking pics with a crowd in front.

BTW S400 in more pocketable and its in the way of get discontinued by Canon (as S230).

-jl

[pradeep1]

It's really a tough call. I like both cameras and I have played with both of them. The S400 is very sexy and very nice to slip into your pocket. The A80 is more of a tool. Not as sexy, but something you can carry anywhere and still have enough functionality to make wonderful pictures. It just all depends on how and who do you think will be making use of the camera. If I had to make a choice right now, I'd go with the A80, even though I have a G3 and will be getting a dSLR soon. Why? just because. One day I'll end up being out with my wife and she'll have an A80 and something will come up and then I can feel confident in being able to make a shot which I would not feel the same way if I was with an S400.

Also, the A80 lets you grow with it as your abilities grow. The S400 doesn't. Then again, if you already have a 10D, then you may not care.

Choices, choices....

[UK_Terry]

I have the S45 as my back up and for casual use.
10D for the more thought out Photos.

love both of them.