Choosing the rite compart camera for my fiance.

[PhotoMonger]

Ok, my fiance has been dropping big hints that she wants a new digital camera for x-mas. She currently has a 3MP Kodak that gets little use. Being a Canon loyalist I am of course going to buy her a Canon. Here is what I think are important features for her. Easy to use, able to take couples shots with 1 hand, compact so she can take it anywhere and of course produce great pictures. I also think a good flash is important too since this camera will probably get allot of indoor use as well as durable housing. Here is what I have narrowed my search down to.


A720 - My sisters and my mom both have A-series camera so I am familiar with them. I appears that they are a better camera (faster lens, greater zoom) but aren't as compact and light as the SD series.
SD800 - This camera would be maxing out my budget. I like that it has a 28mm-IS wide angle.
SD1000 - $100 cheaper with a 35mm wide instead of the 28mm but f/4.9 at zoom instead of f/5.8. I like this! This is also smaller and lighter then the SD800.So what gives? Why is the SD1000 less then the SD800 when it appears that the only difference is the IS-lens and battery? I'm going to guess that the SD850 gets superior battery life. I have never owned an IS lens so I'm in the dark as to whether it's worth the extra cost. but I'm guessing the f/4.9 vs. f/5.8 would alleviate some of my non-IS concerns.

I'm leaning towards the SD1000 but I want to hear you opinions and experiences. Are there any other cameras I should consider?

[Jon]

Are you looking at the SD800 or the SD850? You refer to both; the SD800's essentially being sold down and is probably out of production by now.

The SD1000, not having IS to worry about, doesn't need as much battery power, so while the battery in the 800/850 is bigger, it doesn't give a lot more shots. Remember, too, the wider angle of the SD800/850 lens (which isn't used anywhere else in Canon's lineup) makes it more expensive to build even without the IS. The max. aperture at tele is less than one stop; the IS should give you a couple of stops slower shutter speed safely (if you're not photographing a moving target, like small children or pets).

If size is paramount, the SD1000 is noticeably smaller than the SD800/850.

I got my wife an SD600 (SD1000 predecessor), but she wasn't asking for a camera, and I knew that it had to be small and simple or she wouldn't either carry or use it. She does actually carry it when we're on vacations, so that's a success. Does your fiancee actively take photos, or does she need to be reminded/urged to? if she's showing any interest (and that she's asking for a new camera suggests she is), then I'd go with the A720 or maybe the A570 depending on the budget. They offer more room for growth since they let you control shutter speed and aperture directly which none of the SD line do.

[PhotoMonger]

Jon,
Thanks for the reply. I don't think she is too interested in venturing outside normal P&S photography. This why I'm leaning more towards the SD line. Besides, if she is there is always my SLR to play with. I think she is more concerned with size.

[paul79uf]

If she's just going to be a casual user, go for the smaller SD line. If you don't think she'll mind the simple understated look of the SD1000 then it would be a good choice.

I sent in my old SD110 for the ccd warranty work and they sent me back an SD1000. My girlfriend really likes how the SD1000 is so small and light.

[PhotoMonger]

Well, after allot of pondering I think I have decided to go with the SD1000. I like the SD800 but I can't justify spending an extra $80 for an IS lens. The SD850 does provide 8MP and a longer zoom but again I don't think it's worth the extra money.

My last remaining question is this. Are the lenses on the SD800 and SD850 superior in optical quality? Because it's all about the glass! And, are noise levels comparable on these 3 (SD800/850/1000) cameras?

Thanks for all your help.