Help me choose... Canon S400 vs the A80.

[slza805]

Im looking at the website and it seems like both of these cameras are identical aside from the battery and the lcd screen. Is this right?

Please help me by posting your user opinions if you do own anyone of these cameras. Pro / Cons

I plan on using the camera in the field while deployed or during normal family/sporting events.

Thanks.

Great forum by the way!!! Cheers.

[mike j]

Yes - they're pretty identical in terms of spec, but the A80 has more manual control, eg. being able to set the shutter speed manually for daylight shots - the IXUS400 shutter speed can only be set manually for night shots (1 to 15secs).

The IXUS400 is quite a bit smaller than the A80, probably due to the smaller battery size. They both take about the same number of photos though. I think you can also add lenses to the A80.

These are the main differences I am aware of - anyone know of any others ?

[slza805]

Thanks for your reply.... anyone else? Come on fellas/ladies help me with some input. :roll:

[Tom W]

Go here:

http://www.powershot.com/powershot2/comparison/index.html

You can drag and drop the names of the cameras that you'd like to compare.

I have the S-400 and it is a fine little camera. It fits inside my shirt pocket, making it very convenient. Its weakness is that there is little manual exposure control. Its strength is that you can turn it on, zoom, and shoot without much fuss and usually get good results. It does great with macro and outdoor photography. Like most small cameras, the flash isn't real strong so you don't want to shoot flash from afar - get in close.

[Tom W]

Whoops - I apologize - it seems that Canon forgot to put the A-80 on the comparison page.

[Ginger]

I have an A80. It is new and so far I really like it. I was also trying to decide between the same cameras. Many people on other forums said the the 400 was a little hard to hold because it is so small. So maybe it would be a good idea to try one out before you decide. I didn't need a really small camera ( I'm a girl I carry it in a bag in my purse) and I liked the swivel lcd so I chose the A 80. I am enjoying experimenting with all of the manual controls.

The A80 is still pretty small by my standards.

[slza805]

I guess you see why I ask this question on the forum... on the Canon site you cant compare them both.

Thanks for everyones input.


Anyone else?

[Alnath]

The A80 is a great bit of kit that you can grow with as your skill and interest develops

[platinumdoc]

If you want something simple to shoot, S400 is the best. It turns on quickly and you're ready to go. Your manual controls do not have shutter or aperture priority but include White Balance, Iso settings, Color schemes (B/W, sepia, vivid, etc). It is about the size of a PDA and you can get a belt clip case to carry it anywhere...

If you want manual, look to the S45 or S50....

[slza805]

Kool... appreciate that input on a easy shooting.


Things I am looking online are:

extra battery

charger for my auto or motorcycle

camera stand, light and portable (not a tabletop)

a case that can probably hold the camera and some extras (battery, cables, etc)


Went to the local shop and looked at both, A80 has the cool LCD but the S400 LCD was much clearer. Size on the S400 was great, very compact. The only thing I forget to check since it was a short lunch for was the compact flash media. They are both the same right or does the A80 take SD instead of CF?

[mveach]

A80 still uses CF

[CyberDyneSystems]

I looked at both very closely..

My opinion was this,. the A80 is superior or equal to the S400 in every aspect but the following 2;

1. The S400 looks better (the camera,. not the images)
2. The S400 is smaller and therefore easier to "pocket"

That said,. I really wanted the A80,.. but I got the S400 instead, as the ONLY reason I was looking at either was for maximum portability (I allready have a 10D and lenses)

So portability won out.

If that wasn't my main concern,. I would have gone with the A80 all the way!

[Alnath]

The A80 is hardly a whopper :lol:

[CyberDyneSystems]

Agreed,. it was a tough call,. but again,. it was just a matter of size.. and that I wanted a camera I would NEVER leave behind.

The S400 fits in a pocket or in a little cell phone belt pack I got for it,. either way,. it is with me all the time..

If I didn't have a 10D,. I would have gone for the A80 of the two for sure,...

Heck,. just the LCD screen and Macro shooting would be enough to convince me.

The A80 is more camera for less $$$ Period.

Both cameras use Compact flash.

[slza805]

Well I finally picked up the S400. I compared both of them in front of me and I really like the A80's LCD but the S400 was compact and had the basics that I needed.

Also why did this camera at least come with a basic case. LOL, I would have thought it come with at least something.

[platinumdoc]

At least it comes with a 32 MB card. Some only come with 16 MB or built in memory. 32 MB will hold you for now until you buy a bigger card. It just means that you have to sync your camera or load the images from your card reader more frequently....

The video part of the S400 is fun. My daughter gets a kick out of singing and then watching herself, afterward.

[slza805]

So far this S400 looks very promising... pictures come out nice and clear. Movies are great. It is also very compatible with the CF card that is used in my Dell Axim. :D

I do have one question. It seems like there are a few pics with REDEYE? Am I doing something wrong? I thought these new digital cameras prevented this? Anyone with knowledge please post.

[platinumdoc]

As I understand, since the flash is close to the lens, it is unavoidable. The advantage of digital is it can be edited.

[slza805]

So you are telling me my only fix is to get a photo editor?

[mike j]

Even the red-eye reduction setting for the flash doesn't always work.
Search this forum and the net for tips on reducing red-eye - I'm sure you'll find plenty !