Help me buy [Cannon or Sony] | Specifications Inside

[Moin]

Hi guys,
Im new to digital photography, and have a CyberPix E560-M 3.2 Mercury Digital Cam , well its all good and fine for taking shots of people and stuff, but either im bad at macro and stuff or its the camera =)

anyway
im going to buy a new digi cam for me

help me choose,
shld i go for

Canon Powershot A95 Digital Camera (5Mp, 3x Optical)
---------------------------------------------------------------

Main Specifications
<LI class=small>Product Description: Canon PowerShot A95 - digital camera <LI class=small>Product Type: Digital camera <LI class=small>Dimensions (WxDxH): 10.1 cm x 3.5 cm x 6.5 cm <LI class=small>Weight: 235 g <LI class=small>Flash Memory: 32 MB <LI class=small>Supported Flash Memory: CompactFlash <LI class=small>Sensor Resolution: 5.0 Megapixel <LI class=small>Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode <LI class=small>Lens Aperture: F/2.8-4.9 <LI class=small>Focus Adjustment: Automatic, manual <LI class=small>Min Focus Range: 45 cm <LI class=small>Focal Length: 7.8 mm - 23.4 mm <LI class=small>Optical Zoom: 3 x <LI class=small>Digital Zoom: 4.1 x <LI class=small>Camera Flash: Built-in flash <LI class=small>Red Eye Reduction: Built-in <LI class=small>Microphone: Microphone - built-in <LI class=small>Viewfinder: Optical - real-image zoom <LI class=small>Display: LCD display - TFT active matrix - 1.8" - colour
Supported Battery: 4 x AA alkaline battery ( included )
Extended Specifications

General

<LI class=small>Depth: 3.5 cm <LI class=small>Height: 6.5 cm <LI class=small>Product Type: Digital camera <LI class=small>Weight: 235 g
Width: 10.1 cm
Additional Features

<LI class=small>Additional Features: Audio recording, direct print, built-in speaker, RGB primary colour filter, auto power save, digital noise reduction, date/time stamp, DPOF support, display brightness control, digital image rotation, camera orientation detection, PictBridge support, histogram display, AE lock, AF lock <LI class=small>Self Timer: Yes
Self Timer Delay: 10 sec, 2sec
Battery

<LI class=small>Included Qty: 4
Type: 4 x battery - AA type - Alkaline
Camera Flash

<LI class=small>Camera Flash: Built-in flash <LI class=small>Effective Flash Range: 0.25 m - 4.4 m <LI class=small>Features: AF illuminator, flash +/- compensation <LI class=small>Flash Modes: Fill-in mode, auto mode, flash OFF mode, red-eye reduction
Red Eye Reduction: Built-in
Connections

<LI class=small>Connector Type: 1 x USB ¦ 1 x composite video/audio output ¦ 1 x DC power input
Expansion Slot(s): 1 x CompactFlash Card - type I
Display

<LI class=small>Display Format: 118,000 pixels <LI class=small>Display Form Factor: Rotating
Type: LCD display - TFT active matrix - 1.8" - colour
Lens System

<LI class=small>Auto Focus: TTL contrast detection <LI class=small>Auto Focus Points (Zones): 9 <LI class=small>Features: Aspherical lens <LI class=small>Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera: 38 - 114mm <LI class=small>Focal Length: 7.8 mm - 23.4 mm <LI class=small>Focus Adjustment: Automatic, manual <LI class=small>Lens Aperture: F/2.8-4.9 <LI class=small>Macro Focus Range: 5-45cm <LI class=small>Min Focus Range: 45 cm <LI class=small>Optical Zoom: 3 x <LI class=small>Type: Zoom lens - 7.8 mm - 23.4 mm - f/2.8-4.9
Zoom Adjustment: Motorised drive
Main Features

<LI class=small>AE/AF Control: FlexiZone <LI class=small>Colour Support: Colour <LI class=small>Continuous Shooting Speed: 2 frames per second, 1.5 frames per second <LI class=small>Digital Video Format: AVI <LI class=small>Digital Zoom: 4.1 x <LI class=small>Effective Sensor Resolution: 5,000,000 pixels <LI class=small>Exposure Compensation: ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps <LI class=small>Exposure Metering: Evaluative, centre-weighted, spot <LI class=small>Exposure Modes: Programme, automatic, manual, aperture-priority, shutter-priority <LI class=small>Light Sensitivity: ISO 100, ISO 400, ISO 200, ISO 50 <LI class=small>Max Shutter Speed: 1/2000 sec <LI class=small>Min Shutter Speed: 15 sec <LI class=small>Optical Sensor Size: 1/1.8" <LI class=small>Optical Sensor Type: CCD <LI class=small>Resolution: 5.0 Megapixel <LI class=small>Shooting Modes: Landscape, portrait mode, hi-speed shutter, slow shutter, stitch assist, beach/snow, fireworks, night scene, Underwater, indoor, foliage, kids & pets <LI class=small>Special Effects: Black & White, Sepia, Neutral, Low Sharpening, Vivid <LI class=small>Still Image Format: JPEG <LI class=small>Total Pixels: 5,300,000 pixels <LI class=small>Video Capture: 10 fps - 30 sec - AVI - 640 x 480 - max clip duration ¦ 15 fps - 180sec - AVI - 320 x 240 - max clip duration ¦ 15 fps - 180sec - AVI - 160 x 120 - max clip duration ¦ 10 fps - 45 sec - AVI - 640 x 480 - with 32MB card ¦ 15 fps - 91 sec - AVI - 320 x 240 - with 32MB card ¦ 15 fps - 241 sec - AVI - 160 x 120 - with 32MB card <LI class=small>White Balance: Custom, automatic, presets
White Balance Presets: Fluorescent, cloudy, tungsten light, daylight, fluorescent light (daylight)
Memory / Storage

<LI class=small>Flash Memory: 32 MB Flash - CompactFlash Card <LI class=small>Image Storage: Super-fine JPEG 2592 x 1944 : 11 - with 32MB card ¦ Fine JPEG 2592 x 1944 : 21 - with 32MB card ¦ Normal JPEG 2592 x 1944 : 43 - with 32MB card ¦ Super-fine JPEG 2048 x 1536 : 18 - with 16MB card ¦ Fine JPEG 2048 x 1536 : 33 - with 16MB card ¦ Normal JPEG 2048 x 1536 : 67 - with 16MB card ¦ Super-fine JPEG 1600 x 1200 : 30 - with 16MB card ¦ Fine JPEG 1600 x 1200 : 54 - with 16MB card ¦ Normal JPEG 1600 x 1200 : 107 - with 16MB card ¦ Super-fine JPEG 640 x 480 : 119 - with 16MB card ¦ Fine JPEG 640 x 480 : 195 - with 16MB card ¦ Normal JPEG 640 x 480 : 336 - with 16MB card
Supported Flash Memory: CompactFlash
Microphone


Type: Microphone - built-in
Software


Software: Drivers & Utilities, Canon PhotoStitch, Canon ZoomBrowser EX, ArcSoft PhotoImpression, ArcSoft VideoImpression, Canon ImageBrowser, Canon PhotoRecord
System Requirements for PC Connection

<LI class=small>Operating System Support: MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows ME, MS Windows 98, Apple Mac OS 9.2, MS Windows 98 SE, Apple Mac OS 9, Apple Mac OS X, Apple Mac OS 9.1
Peripheral Devices: USB port, SVGA monitor, CD-ROM Drive
Viewfinder

<LI class=small>LED Information: Flash ready, autofocus ready
Viewfinder Type: Optical - real-image zoom
Miscellaneous

<LI class=small>Cables Included: 1 x USB cable ¦ 1 x A/V cable <LI class=small>Included Accessories: Wrist strap <LI class=small>Max Operating Temperature: 40 °C
Min Operating Temperature: 0 °C

or

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W5 Digital Camera
-----------------------------------------------

Main Specifications
<LI class=small>Product Description: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W5 - digital camera <LI class=small>Product Type: Digital camera <LI class=small>Dimensions (WxDxH): 9.1 cm x 3.7 cm x 6 cm <LI class=small>Weight: 197 g <LI class=small>Supported Flash Memory: Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO <LI class=small>Sensor Resolution: 5.1 Megapixel <LI class=small>Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode <LI class=small>Lens Aperture: F/2.8-5.2 <LI class=small>Focus Adjustment: Automatic, manual <LI class=small>Min Focus Range: 50 cm <LI class=small>Focal Length: 7.9 mm - 23.7 mm <LI class=small>Optical Zoom: 3 x <LI class=small>Digital Zoom: 2 x <LI class=small>Camera Flash: Built-in flash <LI class=small>Red Eye Reduction: Built-in <LI class=small>Microphone: Microphone - built-in - electret condenser - mono <LI class=small>Viewfinder: Optical - real-image zoom <LI class=small>Display: LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5" - colour <LI class=small>Supported Battery: 2 x AA NiMH rechargeable battery - 2100 mAh ( included ) ¦ 2 x AA alkaline battery ( optional )
Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year warranty
Extended Specifications

General

<LI class=small>Body Material: Aluminum <LI class=small>Depth: 3.7 cm <LI class=small>Enclosure Colour: Silver <LI class=small>Height: 6 cm <LI class=small>Product Type: Digital camera <LI class=small>Weight: 197 g
Width: 9.1 cm
Additional Features

<LI class=small>Additional Features: Audio recording, direct print, USB 2.0 compatibility, built-in speaker, RGB primary colour filter, auto power save, digital noise reduction, date/time stamp, DPOF support, PRINT Image Matching, PictBridge support, histogram display, resizing an image <LI class=small>Self Timer: Yes
Self Timer Delay: 10 sec
Camera Flash

<LI class=small>Camera Flash: Built-in flash <LI class=small>Effective Flash Range: 0.5 m - 3.8 m <LI class=small>Features: AF illuminator, flash +/- compensation <LI class=small>Flash Modes: Fill-in mode, slow synchro, auto mode, flash OFF mode, red-eye reduction
Red Eye Reduction: Built-in
Connections

<LI class=small>Connector Type: 1 x USB ¦ 1 x composite video/audio output
Expansion Slot(s): 1 x Memory Stick PRO
Display

<LI class=small>Display Format: 115,000 pixels <LI class=small>Display Form Factor: Built-in
Type: LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5" - colour
Lens System

<LI class=small>Auto Focus: TTL contrast detection <LI class=small>Auto Focus Points (Zones): 5 <LI class=small>Features: Built-in lens shield, aspherical lens <LI class=small>Filter Size: 30 mm <LI class=small>Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera: 38 - 114mm <LI class=small>Focal Length: 7.9 mm - 23.7 mm <LI class=small>Focus Adjustment: Automatic, manual <LI class=small>Lens Aperture: F/2.8-5.2 <LI class=small>Lens Construction: 5 group(s) / 7 element(s) <LI class=small>Lens Manufacturer: Carl Zeiss <LI class=small>Macro Focus Range: 6-50cm <LI class=small>Min Focus Range: 50 cm <LI class=small>Optical Zoom: 3 x <LI class=small>Type: Zoom lens - 7.9 mm - 23.7 mm - f/2.8-5.2
Zoom Adjustment: Motorised drive
Main Features

<LI class=small>Colour Support: Colour <LI class=small>Continuous Shooting Speed: 1.6 frames per second <LI class=small>Digital Video Format: MPEG VX <LI class=small>Digital Zoom: 2 x <LI class=small>Effective Sensor Resolution: 5,090,000 pixels <LI class=small>Exposure Compensation: ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps <LI class=small>Exposure Metering: Multi-segment, centre-weighted, spot <LI class=small>Exposure Modes: Programme, automatic, manual <LI class=small>Light Sensitivity: ISO 100, ISO 400, ISO 200, ISO auto <LI class=small>Max Shutter Speed: 1/1000 sec <LI class=small>Min Shutter Speed: 30 sec <LI class=small>Optical Sensor Size: 1/1.8" <LI class=small>Optical Sensor Type: Super HAD CCD <LI class=small>Resolution: 5.1 Megapixel <LI class=small>Shooting Modes: Landscape, twilight portrait, soft snap, twilight mode, candle, beach <LI class=small>Special Effects: Black & White, Sepia <LI class=small>Still Image Format: JPEG <LI class=small>Total Pixels: 5,255,000 pixels <LI class=small>Video Capture: 30 fps - 177 sec - MPEG - 640 x 480 - with 256MB card ¦ 16 fps - 87 sec - MPEG - 640 x 480 - with 32MB card ¦ 8 fps - 1410 sec - MPEG - 160 x 112 - with 32MB card <LI class=small>White Balance: Automatic, presets
White Balance Presets: Incandescent, fluorescent, cloudy, daylight
Manufacturer Warranty

<LI class=small>Service & Support Details: Limited warranty - 1 year
Service & Support: 1 year warranty
Memory / Storage

<LI class=small>Flash Memory: Flash - integrated (soldered memory - 32 MB ) <LI class=small>Image Storage: Fine JPEG 2592 x 1944 : 12 - with 32MB card ¦ Standard JPEG 2592 x 1944 : 23 - with 32MB card ¦ Fine JPEG 2592 x 1728 : 12 - with 32MB card ¦ Standard JPEG 2592 x 1728 : 23 - with 32MB card ¦ Fine JPEG 2048 x 1536 : 20 - with 32MB card ¦ Standard JPEG 2048 x 1536 : 37 - with 32MB card ¦ Fine JPEG 1280 x 960 : 50 - with 32MB card ¦ Standard JPEG 1280 x 960 : 93 - with 32MB card ¦ Fine JPEG 640 x 480 : 196 - with 32MB card ¦ Standard JPEG 640 x 480 : 491 - with 32MB card
Supported Flash Memory: Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO
Microphone

<LI class=small>Microphone Operation Mode: Mono <LI class=small>Microphone Technology: Electret condenser
Type: Microphone - built-in
Power


Power Device: Battery charger - external
Software


Software: Drivers & Utilities, Sony Picture Package, ImageMixer VCD2
System Requirements for PC Connection

<LI class=small>Operating System Support: MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows ME, MS Windows 98, Apple MacOS 9.1 or later, MS Windows 98 SE
Peripheral Devices: USB port, CD-ROM Drive
Viewfinder


Viewfinder Type: Optical - real-image zoom
Miscellaneous

<LI class=small>Cables Included: A/V cable ¦ USB cable <LI class=small>Included Accessories: Battery case, wrist strap <LI class=small>Max Operating Temperature: 40 °C
Min Operating Temperature: 0 °C




Thanks .

[Moppie]

This is in the wrong forum, but Im sure one of the mod will put in the compact forum shortly :)


However, take the A95.
The sony has a larger, LCD and is a little more compact. But thats the only thing it does better than the Canon.

The Canon will focus faster, especialy in low light, it will process and save the image far faster, and has much faster recycle time between shots. It will also power on and switch between shooting modes faster.
It dosnt use a propriaty and over priced memory stick, it use cheap and easy to get compact flash.
It uses AA batteries which are considerably cheaper and last longer (a lot longer) than the sony battery.

It will display images instantly, the sonys load a low res image first, then load a high res image over the top. Very slow and frustrating if you want to browse through them.

The Sonys all seem to have a problem with over saturating green, it makes out door shots look "richer" but it dosnt take an acurate photo.
They also in my experiance have a much narrower dynamic range, and produce a lot more noise.


Sony makes conusmer gadgets.
Canon makes Cameras.

What do you want to buy?


(oh, and I know this sounds biased, but a lot of my friends have Sony digitals, IV used all of them, and always found them lacking, infact Iv never used one that I would have wanted to own, even as a simple point and shoot.)

[Moin]

Thanks kiwi, im going for cannon then !
the same model i mentioned is good?

[agent007]

Yes definately go ahead with the A95. I have the A80 which is basically 4MP and love it! The A95 is an update to the A80 with 5MP. You wont go wrong with it..

[Avalonthas]

I find sony to be one of the worst digital camera makers, the only thing i like is the Karl Zeiss (hope i spelled right) lenses

[Moppie]

Thanks kiwi, im going for cannon then !
the same model i mentioned is good?


Your welcome :)

Yeah, the A95 if a fantastic compact camera, I have an A80, and got to play with a mates A95 the other day. Not much differnce between them, but the larger LCD on the A95 is very nice.

[august23]

i own the sony dsc w1, and it has absolutely none of those problems....literally none of them. the w5 is an upgraded version so id assume its only improved? my girlfriends friend has an a95 and it does just as good a job, sometimes worse than my w1 in outdoor and indoor enviornments. might just be me but i'd say take the w5. yes i know this is a canon forum but i cant deny facts.

[Moin]

erm
now what?

can we attach Lens and accessories on the Sony Dsc-W5 ??
for macro shots etc??

[Monarque1972]

I have an A95, and I can tell you that with a little editing (mostly some sharpening and contrast increase), your pictures will look like they were taken with a high-end camera. It's a fantastic camera that's getting extremely good reviews, both by professionnals and consummers!!!!

[Moin]

What abt Ixus Series? Ixus 40 or Ixus 50 ?

[fredpb]

I have a lot of photo equipment and digital cameras. I have an old A40. And more Canon P/S cameras, although my DSLR is a Nikon.

Canon P/S cameras are TOPS (I prefer them to even Nikon P/S). They have great software too. Add Photoshop Elements and you have a great setup. But Canon in camera image processing is soooooo good all you need PC software for is to crop or be creative.

The A95 is an outstanding camera. I personally would not get the Sony, but the A95.

For some examples of some Canon P/S photos with a S1 IS check out http://www.freds-place.net .
Some pages state which are the Canon photos.

[Moppie]

i own the sony dsc w1, and it has absolutely none of those problems....literally none of them.


You must have got a lemon :)

I had a good go with a friends W1 the other day, I was very disapointed.
It takes over a second to display each image in preview mode, first loading a low res version, then the high res over the top.
The live histogram was a nice touch, but never matched what the image's final histogram was. Basicly the update time on the histogram was several seconds behind what the camera was metering.
And in full manaul mode, you only get to choose two apature settings. wide open, and closed up. Nothing in between.

[Bodryn]

Of the choices listed, I'd choose the Canon. I have never liked Sony's idea of proprietary storage media ("memory stick"; the name itself implies that they think you're stupid!) If that's the only way they can hang onto customers, it suggests they can't do it just by the quality of their merchandise. Memory sticks also have a reputation of being slow, at least the earlier ones were. And the only thing they can be used in would be other Sony products.

[OpTioN]

Moppie wrote:The Canon will focus faster, especialy in low light, it will process and save the image far faster, and has much faster recycle time between shots. It will also power on and switch between shooting modes faster.

Can you indicate the specifications that prove this? At the store I tried both cameras and the Sony seemed to focus much faster than the Canon.

Also, both these cameras are 2004, is it recommended to buy one year old models to get a good price?

Too bad they don't have the Sony DWC-W5 reviewed at
http://www.megapixel.net/html/cover.php They have the ultimate reviews there along with test photos and great attention to detail.

[Moppie]

Moppie wrote:

Can you indicate the specifications that prove this? At the store I tried both cameras and the Sony seemed to focus much faster than the Canon.



No specs Im sorry, just lots of experiance in lots of differnt lighting situations.

The focus and exposure settings will take differnt amounts of time depending on what settings are used on each camera.
My A80 takes twice as long to achive lock in Auto mode than it does in Manual mode, which is faster than my g/f's SLR.



Heres another way to look at the Sony is crap debate.
Canon, Nikon, Olympus etc, all market thier cameras based on how good they are taking photos, how fast they are, how sharp they are etc, all the qualities that make a good camera.
Sony markets thier cameras based on how they look, and how they make the user look. Thier actual ablity to take a really high quality photo is second to how pretty thier case is, or what colour it comes in.

If you want to buy a camera then it makes sense to buy one from a camera manufactor, if you want a fashion accesory then buy a sony.

[Andy_T]

The main difference for me is that the Canon allows for creative and advanced photography on top of using the 'automatic' modes.

Most Canon cameras (apart from the Ixus line) have P, Av, Tv and M mode ... and this is (IMO) what you need if you plan to do more than a casual snapshot now and then but take up photography as a serious hobby. Don't know if the Sony supports these and if they are usable
(I once bought a Kodak DX 6440 for my wife that had those features, but they were unusable in real life because of the ergonomics :confused: )

I could continue now about ISO performance, RAW mode or possibility to use conversion lenses and flashes, but the other advantages really are sufficient for me to make my choice.

Just my 2c.

Best regards,
Andy