Want to ditch the S3 for SD...

[pointerDixie214]

I hate to do it since I love my S3 IS so much, but I have found that now my 30D can do everything that S3 can do. I found that I would like a pocketable camera to take along with me without having to lug the camera bad sometimes.

I am looking at the SD 870 IS. I like the wide angle, IS, etc... but am not sure how I feel about no viewfinder.

Also like the SD 850 IS, but no wide angle.

It seems the SD 800 IS has both wide angle and view finder.

What I want to know, is are there any others I should be looking at? My brother has the SX100IS, and I LOVE it, but I think it is too big for what I am looking for, plus I am not sure about no viewfinder.

[DeeDoubleYou]

I own a SD 800 IS and have taken over 8,000 pictures with it and LOVE it!! It's perfect for a pocket camera. It takes great pictures and the wide angle really comes in handy. I never use the viewfinder, if that means anything. I will never get rid of mine unless it completely dies. I have seen the 870IS and would not hesitate purchasing it since I never use the viewfinder. Hope that helps!!

[snatiep]

Hi Pointerdixie!

I also have the 30D and S3 and I wouldn't dream of getting rid of my S3. Just last night I was out shooting with my S3 and left the 30D at home.

That little S3 takes such wonderful photos and has such capability, If I were you I wouldn't be looking at anything else, you have two great cameras!

Just my thoughts.......

[pointerDixie214]

snatiep- I know the S3 is awesome. That is why I don't want to do this. However, I need a pocket camera, and I have LOTS of expenses coming up (Wedding and honeymoon in two weeks) so I don't want to spend anything on luxury items.

Down the line I might think about getting another S3 or an S5, but right now it just isn't in the works. My only other camera purchase before the honeymoon is the tripod in your sig making my collection VERY similar to yours... ;)

[Canon Guy]

I was a little leary of having no viewfinder on the SD870 before I bought it too. Then I realized that I never used the viewfinder on my old SD1000 because it was so small. I don't miss it at all, the viewfinder is a psychological thing :).

[pointerDixie214]

Hmm... Looks like the front runners are the

SD 870 IS and the A 720 IS and the SX 100 IS...

I still hate to do this. I was playing with the S3 last night and I still say that series are the best point and shoots on the market shy of the G9. But, the only thing it can't accomplish (fit in my pocket) is the only thing I really need out of it now. I have my 30D for when IQ really counts. The new one will be kind of a "Hey, look at this" camera. Just for snap shots...

[_aravena]

No viewfinder is not a bad thing on these. They prove rather useless as they are nothing like the S3 or 30D reading info and all. They seem so dinky, glad I got the SD750 over the Sd1000 because of the screen. Get teh SD870 IS although the S3 is really amazing. While I love having a pocket camera, I hope to get the S5 or something again. Only reason I sold was for money but I wouldn't get rid of for a SD series, maybe a lens but not a SD series.

So great on vacation as you can carry them in a decent size bag yet they take such great photos without lugging the SLR gear around.

[pointerDixie214]

Yeah- I really need a little camera, but I am thinking about just sucking it up and carrying this one instead. Every time I look through the 5000+ images I have gotten with this S3 it makes me want to keep it.

Although I will still be taking the 30D and two lenses and a tripod most of the places I go! HAHAHA

[snatiep]

Good Choice, I love my S3! I'll never get rid of it.

[pointerDixie214]

OK- haven't had a single offer on the S3 for purchase or trade. I am taking that as a sign and keeping it....

[wolfgang_fener]

The S3/S5 can take movies, a dSLR can't.

Of course a pocket camera is much smaller and can also take movies...

Is there a pocket camera with a sensor size at least 1/2.5" like the S5 AND wide angle ? Yes: the SD870 IS (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_sd870is.asp).

If I already had a dSLR, that's what I would buy for portability.

[SimpleGirl2008]

Keep the S3 no matter what else you want to buy!

[pointerDixie214]

If I wanted to take movies, I would get a video camera though. I have taken maybe 10 videos in the 7 years I have had Digital Cameras.

I really want the 870IS, but I am thinking now that I might want my S3 more.

[JerryV]

I disagree with the people on this thread who say that a viewfinder is useless. (See my thread about disappointment with the 870 LCD screen.) If you happen to use polarized sunglasses, don't even think about getting a camera without a viewfinder. I wonder how other people on this thread (who downplay the value of a viewfinder) are able to cope with this problem. Do you folks wear tinted but not polarized sunglasses in the summer? If so, I can see where you would have no problem with the viewfinder.

[Daniel2000]

have you consider the G9? I know it a bit more expensive but it can also make RAWs, have a hot shoe and is pocket size (at least I think it is)
it's one model I'm considering myself for a pocket size camera, I love my S3 and my 40D, but size wise, they are bulky
a G9 is quite appealing, it's packing a lot for it's size...

[pointerDixie214]

Size is the most important issue here or the G9 would be at the top. But I want something VERY small here. The reason is because if IQ is a top priority for shooting, I am using my 30D every time. Thanks for the advice though!

If IQ was my number one requirement out of my P&S, I would actually just keep the S3 since it takes amazing images, but I want something I can toss in my pocket and forget about it... G9 is still a little bigger than I am looking for.