A80 versus S50, which is better?

[Paul Devlin]

Can anybody offer me some advice on buying a camera. I’ve short listed two, the A80 and S50 but I’m finding it hard to decide which one is best for me. Basically I want it all, I want a camera with the versatility and features of a SLR and the mobility/discretion of a compact. I also want all this on a budget because I can only afford one camera and the two mentioned are in my price bracket.

[RonS50]

I can only speak to the S50 as I have owned one for about 4 months. It gives you all the creative control that you need to learn about digital photography with the added ability to turn it to auto and take in my opinon some of the best photos of your life :lol: The price in my area has been dropping quickly to about 349.00 USD, I would highly recomend the S50.

[vafa]

Some months ago, I was in similar decision point as you are, and now I'm happy for my selection on A80 for two reasons:
1. Its moving LCD which is very helpful in practice.
2. Its normal type of AA batteries.
wishing you a nice choice.

[mikesd]

I to can only speak for the A80, Ive had mine about a month after upgrading from the A300. It is a great little camera that I highly reccommend, although Im sure either would make you happy. Good luck, these types of decisions are always tough.

[chamberc]

I can only speak to the S50, I've had one since last summer and it's one of the best non-SLR cameras I've ever owned. Battery life is impressive and photo quality is great! I love it. I'm sure either camera will make a great purchase.

[Polymathic]

For some reason, I'd rather the s45 (less noise) than the s50. I find the CCDs in such small cams rather noisy when the Mpx gets big. So far, 4MPX is the most I care for in a compact. Hence, I'd go for the A80 or the S45.

The S30 is a great cam, too, btw. Hard to get by, though, at a good price.

[pradeep1]

The A80's better focusing system and swivel LCD are really good things. 4MP is crisp and sufficient for most tasks. The S50 has only one advantage, actually two, one is it has RAW format, and second, it is black :wink: . Overall the A80 seems to be a better option for most people. I've purchased two already and find them to be very useful cameras.

This comparison has been beaten to death on these forums for the past year, so do a search and you will find comprehensive comparisons of the two models and hundreds of responses to why a particular choice is better.

Last week Office Depot had a fluke sale and were giving away A80's for $180 + tax, so if you stumble upon a deal like that, A80 is the way to go.

Before I buy, I would read everything I can and then actually try out both models. I like both cameras, but the small niceties of the A80 such as the swivel LCD make it indispensable. 8)

[pradeep1]

Oh yes, the A80 runs on AA batteries, which is great, since you can stock up on cheap NiMH batteries and never be out of power.

http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=389&HS=1&SSAI D=82989

This same setup with replacement S50 batteries would cost you a fortune!

[Paul Devlin]

Thanks to everyone for all the advise. As it happens in the end I decided to go for a G5, I threw caution and expense to the wind and went for the more expensive option (699 euro in Ireland). So far the results have been really impressive and I'm really happy with the purchase

[pradeep1]

Thanks to everyone for all the advise. As it happens in the end I decided to go for a G5, I threw caution and expense to the wind and went for the more expensive option (699 euro in Ireland). So far the results have been really impressive and I'm really happy with the purchase

S50 vs A80 is a "lesser of two evils" choice. G5 is an angel in comparison. :wink: Good choice. That is what I would have done.