s230 users. Vivid or not in manual mode?

[S45_fornow...]

Hi, I presently own an S45 and an S230. While doing some back to back testing the other day between the two cams, I noticed that the pics taken from my S230 were not as saturated as the pics from my S45 when using manual mode with the effects turned off (i.e. vivid effect off). I had to set the effect on the S230 to vivid to get the missing "punch" of color saturation when compared against S45 with effects turned off.

Pics were taken outdoors on a sunny day. I used the same resulution (1600x1200) and same compression (superfine), ISO 50, no flash, sunny outdoors white balance, AiAF off, 2 second timer with tripod.

This doesn't appear to simply be a difference in the # of CCD pixels between the two cams, at least to my eyes and based upon experience with using many other Canon P&S type digicams.

Is this just the manner of the S230 to have a slightly washed-out look with the Vivid effect off? I've heard that the S400 has the same problem in very bright natural light. Possibly the difference in lens on the S45 and S230/S400? I'm wondering if other S230 users use the vivid effects mode exclusively or if they have it turned off to achieve most realistic saturation (or maybe effects set to Neutral) ?

[jlocatell]

I'm owner of a S230 too. My question is about the difference of use Neutral Effect or Effect Off.

I've not used Vivid effect yet, but nowadays we're having our holidays so, I expect of have a lot of picts for posting.

regards

-jl

[stopbath]

jlocatell wrote:
I'm owner of a S230 too. My question is about the difference of use Neutral Effect or Effect Off.

I've not used Vivid effect yet, but nowadays we're having our holidays so, I expect of have a lot of picts for posting.

regards

-jl
Here's the blurb off the Canon web site on the effects:

For advanced creative effects, Canon offers a Photo Effect Mode settings.

Vivid Color yields vibrant shots with dramatic high-contrast.

Neutral Color produces images of subtle, elegant tonality.

Low Sharpening softens an image to create a romantic, soft-focus filter effect.

Sepia recreates the look of vintage photographs.

Black and White delivers enhanced clarity - especially useful when shooting text.