Which compact !!

[ned1]

Hi all,
I am looking to replace my old Cyber-shot with a good small (top pocket job) digital for when I out without my 350D,
I have been looking at ones like SD 800 IS, Canon PowerShot SD1000 then I saw a SONY Cyber-shot DSC-W200.
The more I look the more confused I get, about all I know is that I would like a optical viewfinder on it due to bright light and not being able to see the screen at times.
If anyone can point me in the right direction I would be most grateful.
Thanks
Ned

???

[Jon]

What, aside from size, do you want from it? The SD800's the only PowerShot with a real wide angle; if that's important to you it restricts your choices. How much user control over aperture or shutter speed do you want? The SD series, in general, don't offer any - everything's automated.

[ned1]

Hi,
In general for quick photos and places where it's not practical to take a SLR, user control isn't high on the list (but would be nice) for most of the time.
I have been reading the threads and in one of
Eccles threads he says,
"The more megapixels that are crammed into such tiny sensors the less sensitive each pixel becomes. The circuitry then has to boost the signal which in turn adds to noise. With in-camera noise reduction this noise is smeared away along with fine detail and you end up with no more, or even less detail, than the previous model that had a lower pixel count."

:confused:

It's because of things like this that I am asking for help.

Thanks
Ned

[Jon]

Differences in noise levels aren't solely affected by the pixel size; generational differences in the circuitry make a difference as well; if you were to compare an S1 with an S5, you'd see a pronounced difference just because of improved designs.

What focal lengths are important? Does it matter? Does price enter into the equation? Light levels? My wife's only concern was that the camera be small. I got her an SD600. For myself, I got an A620 when that ws the top of the A-series, repl;acing an earlier A80. I wanted the fold-out screen and the controls.

[eccles]

Yes, I'll agree with you Jon to a certain extent, but the S1 was only a 3mp camera and it had an even smaller sensor than the S3/S5 models. The jump to the S2 was a big one in terms of quality. But the S5 with 8mp has minimal resolution improvement over the 6mp S3, which in turn isn't much sharper than the S2. Some would say that low light sensitivity is a little better with the S2 than either of the later two models. The reason why the additional pixels are not being reflected in similar increases in resolution is as I've already mentioned. I have an S3, and I wouldn't consider part exchanging it for an S5 any more than I would recommend anyone with an S2 to do so.
Anyway, I would guess neither the S3 nor the S5 would satisfy your requirement for a pocketable camera. Look at the Powershot range for a bit of user control. Image stabilisation ("IS") is a nice 'to have' option - it really does work. Also, don't rule out the Fuji F31 which uses their Super CCD sensor and is very good for low light apparently, although it doesn't have "IS".
Cheers..

[ned1]

Interesting, Thanks,
Price is not a major factor, as far as focal lengths go about 35 or less to 100 +
would be nice and low light if possible unless the flash on them is a lot better now !! and IS is a must have along with a optical viewfinder.
Ned

[Tumak]

If manual control is not important, and small size, wide angle, Image Stabilization, SD cards vs xD, optical viewfinder (my number one demand) is important SD800 IS is good camera. Otherwise, look elsewhere. (So far I love my SD800 as alternative to packing the big heat).

[gubak1]

Hi all,
The more I look the more confused I get
???
This is completely true.
If I were you I would chouse the new SD850 IS. This model has some great new features!

[ned1]

Hi,
The ixus 950 is looks good, just seen this "High Definition output for displaying still images on a HD TV"
under "Features" for a Cybershot DSC W200, is it something that will feature on all compacts soon or just a sales thing
that's not needed.
Thanks
Ned :-?

[Jon]

HD TV support's coming, particularly in the US, where analog broadcast (over the air) TV is to be completely ended in 2009. However, I suspect Sony's offering it for unrelated reasons.

[ned1]

Hi all,
Looks like the CANON IXUS 950 IS is at the top of the list at this time,
can anyone tell my how many 8 mp photos I can get on say a 4gb card, whats the largest card it will take and what size would be best.

thanks to any help that you may give.
Ned :smile:

[Tumak]

Go to canon, download the user manual and save it to your desktop.

[Jon]

You can get somewhere around 700 8 MP photos on a 4 GB card, at Large Superfine resolution (the best to use), or 30+ min. of video. It'll take any SDHC card out there.

[ned1]

Thanks everybody for your help,
I have ordered a "Canon ixus 950 is" for my top pocket", now has anyone got any ideas on which are the best cards to use, 2GB, 4GB, is the card speed a issue
also is there any problems with card readers and the SDHC cards.
Thanks
Ned

[bara03]

Thanks everybody for your help,
I have ordered a "Canon ixus 950 is" for my top pocket", now has anyone got any ideas on which are the best cards to use, 2GB, 4GB, is the card speed a issue
also is there any problems with card readers and the SDHC cards.
Thanks
Ned

Ned,

If you don't mind me asking where did you buy your 950 from?

Andy

[ned1]

Ned,

If you don't mind me asking where did you buy your 950 from?

Andy

Hi Andy,
It's coming from Amazon UK.
Ned