Canon A640 or S3 IS

[Mikhaily]

Hey All

Im new to the forums here [ hopefully will visit often! ] and I have a question. Im planning on getting a new Camera but Im stuck as to what to get...

-Image Quality
-Zoom
-Movie Mode
-Easy of Use [ yet manual controls ]
-Battery Life

Are what I'm looking for... the budget is $500CAD by the way.
I was also looking at the SD series but didn't like the small size so much. The one big question I need answered is, the megapixel difference between the A640 and S3. Im afraid 6MP is on the low size... Especially if I want to print larger than 6x4 or 8x10 prints... will the 6MP's come back to haunt me? Also since there's less MP will the S3 perform better at low lighting situations than the A640 which I've heard isnt very good at low lighting? Which is better in the IQ department even though they both use the same processor? The A640 and S3 are the main ones I'm looking at but if there's other models then Im option to other options. [ Btw would like to stay within Canon. Nikon, Pentax and Olympus are options if they're are any decent models out, of which none i have found ]

Thanks for you help in advance!


Thanks
Mikhail

[SaNdMaN82]

well, let's analize those "parameters" you have just mentioned...

-Image Quality
Both cameras will deliver nice pics, both are great cameras.

-Zoom
No chances here for the a640. S3 will get you close to the action, with the 12x optical zoom + image stabilization. And yes, the IS won't work miracles, but it surely helps ;)

-Movie Mode
Again, clear winner: the s3. Due to its USM (ultrasonic motor), you can use the optical zoom while recording (this doesn't not apply to the 640). In addition, IS is also available in movie mode. So as you can see, movie mode in the s3, is just awsome. It can record 640x480 movies, @ 30fps. And again, both optical and digital zoom, are usables.

-Easy of Use [ yet manual controls ]
Both cameras are pretty easy to use. Of course, M mode will enable lots and lots of options ;)
Auto modes works ok.

-Battery Life
Both cameras use 4 batteries, so basically both models are the same in this department.

Hope i've helped ;)

[Mikhaily]

Yes you have! I do agree with everything you said and I am leaning towards the S3.

The only question I really need answered is that of Mp's... and if the 6 of the S3 will be enough. Normally I wont do many prints above 8x10 so I dont think there will be any visible quality difference between the two, but once in awhile i may decide to get a larger print... and that's the only thing that worries me! On a side note my girlfriend owns a Rebel XT, but I dont like it that much so im going for a "P&S" camera for the moment as there's not much point in having two dSLR's in the house!

Thanks
Mikhail

[chrysalis]

Futureshop has the S3 on for $349CAN ($100 off)....because of the introduction of the
S5is which they not list in the $500s...love my S3

[Jon]

6 MP won't have problems with 8x10; if you need to go bigger you can always up-res to a larger pixel count.

[Alex_H]

I just got the a640 a week and a half ago and I love it. The image quality is great.

[Jim Victory]

I have an A640 and it produces excellent pics. I have several DSLRs and the IQ of the A640 is comparable.

http://www.victoryphoto.net/PS/img_0708p_std.jpg

http://www.victoryphoto.net/PS/img_0961p_std.jpg

http://www.victoryphoto.net/Natural%20Scapes/img_0350p_std.jpg

[naturepics]

I have no experience with the a640, but I'm excited about the S3 IS. Short of interchangeable lenses it has just about everything I need. The IS built into the body is great, as is the 12x zoom (36-432 equivalent) with reasonably fast focus. The macro feature works well, and all this in a compact, lightweight (just over 14oz) package. As far as the 6mp goes, I've actually been able to enlarge up to 11x14 with little loss in sharpness. I print on an Epson 2200 and the prints maintain good detail.
Also, the S5 IS has recently been announced by canon and is supposed to be 8mp's.

180272
180273

[RClough]

I have the a640 as well and I love it. Good luck with everything.

[Mikhaily]

Thanks a lot guys! Just one question "Jon" you said you can just res-up the pixels? What do you exactly mean by this...?

Oh and if any one is actually interested I got the S3 IS over the A640. Why... the size was actually a big factor! The S3 IS fits nearly as comfortably in my hand as the XT does... I found the A640 to be a little bit small for handeling it... The grip on the S3 IS is also bigger and nicer! And the zoom is a blessing! Id rather have 6MP with this zoom than 10MP without it! Okay my pictures are slightly lower resolution but the zoom makes up for it when shooting at things far away.. which I [ and my girlfriend ] have a tendacy to do... Image quality so far has been very good.. just been playing around with Manual and will post some pictures up next week after exams! Just with it had lower F-stops though... oh well thats what a dSLR is for!

Thanks
Mikhail

[strmrdr]

6mp is plenty, I print cropped 4MP pics at 8x10 all the time and they come out great.
That said if your not in a hurry wait until the s5 reviews are in and save a few bucks and decide then.
That's what I'm doing.
The external flash capability is worth the added cost of the s5 to me.

[Jon]

Most photo editors will let you change the resolution of your image when you save it - you can tell them to resize your (example) 1600x1200 pixel image as 1760x1320 pixels for a 10% increase in size without unduly degrading the image quality, and repeat in 10% increments until you're at the final size needed. Alternatively, f this becomes a common part of your workflow you could buy a program like Genuine Fractals which will let you up-size the image directly to the final size.

[Mikhaily]

Yes I was thinking about waiting... but for me personally the S5 IS doesn't offer anything worth waiting for! So the S3 works out great! [ and got it for $100 less! [ CAD ] ] So no problems here!

Ohh okay thanks Jon! I don't think it will be a common thing but thats for that info!

Thanks
Mikhail

[urcunina]

I've had Canon s50 (5MP), A620 (7MP), and S3 (6MP). I send my files direct from the camera or from Photoshop to www.myphotopipe.com for printing. They have lots of options.

Even the 5MP files get stunning results up to 16"x20". If you get on their mailing list, they occasionally have sales of 4x6 for $0.10, 8x10 for $1.00. and 16x20 for $10.00.

I don't use my Epson 2200 printer any more.

Also, the IS is superb! Especially for a guy in his '70s.

-Joe

[blindz24]

Picked up the A640 today, couple hours use and absolutely love it! Hell I was only in one feature and it's amazing! Still learning however. From using my fathers A610 for a year to this one wow ... Lets just say this A640 puts my $800 video camera to shame even with its movie modes ... lol

Just a few examples ...
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e256/blinddemonz/My%20Digital%20Camera/colorphotos023.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e256/blinddemonz/My%20Digital%20Camera/colour003.jpg

[gubak1]

Both cameras are very good choice! A640 maybe a little bit newer, but S3 is a classical "halfprofessional". Both model made high quality images, so I think you can choose either!
By the way 6MP CCD is large enough!

[slimboydim]

Good Morning All.
Been looking at this topic, i live in the
UK and these two models along with
the A710IS are on my list.
Hope to make a purchase this Weekend,
price is a factor (below £200) although
all three of these can be found (just)
inside my Budget.

I use my Camera for everything from
Landscapes to Macro, so looking to
invest in the best allrounder.
Use it everyday.

Leaning toward A640 at the moment,
probably because i am being blinded
by the 10MP.

Any Further opinion appreciated...



Thank You.

[morlia]

I have personally blown up a ton of photos to 11x14 on my S3 and have never been upset with the outcome. Good luck with your purchase.

[obitonykenobi]

I had the A610 which is basically the same as the A640, except less MP and I decided to get the S3 IS and all I can say is I love this camera! The S3 can do so much more and it's easy to use and give me so many more options!
Anthony

[LotsToLearn]

I just upgraded my S1 to the S3 on Friday and so far it's everything it should be as a third generation model. I still believed the outdated S1 was good enough so the S3 is even that much better for today.

By the way, Henry's currently has a sale on for the same price Futureshop had last week. $349CDN.

[Roscal]

If size is not a factor go for the s3 if it is go for the a640 its the best bang for your buck.

[slimboydim]

Good Afternoon All, after a lot of thinking,
i have gone for an S3. which will hopefully
be safely in my hands in a couple of days.
Its been interesting to read peoples views...

Thank You.

[morlia]

Congratulations. I just had mine out at the beach today and she preformed just like the day I got her! I am sure you will be pleased!

[Transit]

Interesting thread seeing the hows and whys of camera choice...
I'm suprised no one ever mentions the electronic viewfinder in the S3 etc
I think its awful.
What a shame long zoom wont work through a glass viewfinder.
My A700 is struggling for alignment and coverage with the viewfinder but it is pretty clear.
Maybe I am a dying breed wanting to use viewfinder on a compact camera ?

Pete