s30 or s230?

[usmintman]

I've been comparing these two cameras and find very few differences....... they both are 3.2 megapixels effective resolution, they both take movies (although the s230 takes at resolution of 640x480 when the s30 only goes up to 320x240). I believe that the s230 does not take RAW images, but do I really need that feature? One is small, stylish and compact (the s230), the other is a big bigger and a powerhouse. They both go for around $350 these days, but if you had the money and could pick either the s30 or the s230, which one would you pick?

Thanks.

[Anona]

I chose the 230 as a companion to my G2 because I could get a waterproof housing (DC600) for it...and the combo was small enough to fit nicely in my kayak deck bag. Now, I am finding that I seem to always have the 230 in my pocket...ready for action. Thought I love my G2, and all its features, it is not "always in my pocket!" If you ask me go for the 230 and always keep it close at hand.

Cheers,

BJ
Sacramento

[usmintman]

I can get waterproof housing for the s30 too, but thats not exactly what I'm looking for. Image quality-wise, which is better. And features. I read reviews, but they don't compare the features. Has anyone actually owned or used both cameras? If so, your comments would be highly appreciated.

Thanks!

[abourgon]

I bought a s230 and exchanged it for a S30.

My complaint was that the flash was very weak. The s30 is not that powerful but it is still better.

Also, the s30 as all the manual aspect wich do not have the S230. I like the idea that I will need 1 year to pass thru all the functions.

Portability is the great aspect of the s230 and the photos where quite OK

[Anona]

I agree with the 30 being "feature heavy" versus the 230. However the size of the 230 and its "always there" abillity is something I never even thought of at the time of purchase. There is something to be said for having a camera when you need it...even if it lacks many features. Would I be so pro-230 if I didn't also have a G2? Hummm....good question!

Good luck,

BJ

[usmintman]

well, I just ordered the s30 for $381.90 shipped. Hope I like it!

[Jon77]

I really need this forum's input regarding the S30 vs. the S230. After doing extensive research, I thought I had settled on the S230. But I read more about the S30 and talked to a friend who has it and now I'm on the fence.

I know that the major advantage of the S230 is the ultra-portability. So is the major advantage of the S30 merely the 3x zoom and the manual controls?

Does the S30 take better indoor photos than the S230?

Does the S30 have the same degree of red-eye reduction problems as the S230?

Is the new digital system in the S230 better than the guts in the now year-old S30?

Which takes better photos on automatic settings? (i.e. the S230 supposedly has the best auto intelligence with nine points of contact, etc. Does the S30 have an equivalent excellence in auto-focus?

Does 3x zoom really make a big difference over 2x zoom?

If the S230 also had 3x zoom, I think I would buy it over the S30. But if someone showed me how the S30 takes superior pictures to the S230, that could sway me as well.

Which way should I go? I want your feedback.

[hextor]

The S30 is really portable... come on!

I have had No problems taking it everywhere..and i mean everywhere, so far, on a pants or coat pocket...

[Jon77]

I am still trying to decide whether to get the S30 or S230. Can someone please take a crack at answering the questions in my original post from last night?

[Voltus V]

Hi Jon,

I just bought my Ixus 230 a week ago, but I really satisfied, I think the decision still in you, but my question is : do you really need a feature in S30, for me I just need the practice one, you can carry it anywhere, put it in your pocket, it's really simple.

[klee]

jon77 wrote:
I know that the major advantage of the S230 is the ultra-portability. So is the major advantage of the S30 merely the 3x zoom and the manual controls?

Yes u could conclude that indeed. Although given digital camera buying for the tourist snapper is a one time buying thing, and if you're one, then I'd say that for u the S30 (or S40/S45) will suit if you're classed as a 'power tourist snapper' ie. once u master the ease point and shoot and can't stop smiling at the briliance of digital shots, you'll want to play with aperture and shutter settings. If this will never interest you then, go for the S230. Why? because not only does the S230 on average take photos of excellent quality that is never going to be critiqued by an untrained eye, its small, oozes style, and u are going to want it next to your cafe latte on holiday.

And anyway if u go the S230 route then ... perhaps sometime in the distant future and I can tell u it'll come ... u can always get a powerhouse unit full of all the latest technology to express yourself and then you're laughing because u have both units for all occassions.

For the point and shoot tourist snapper, the S230 with its latest DIGIC image processing technology is excellent and preferred over the older S30. But if u know how and do use the manual controls, the new technology isn't going to help if u can't put the camera into Aperture priority for example.

See my prev post re S30 vs S230:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6968#31565

From your questions below, I feel u understand, appreciate and will critique the photos u take which leads me to recommending the S30 for u. (pss Althought u really should stretch to the S45)

Does the S30 take better indoor photos than the S230?
It should based on a more powerful flash.

Does the S30 have the same degree of red-eye reduction problems as the S230? ?
Don't know - why should it matter as at this level of compact camera red-eye reduction is a hit and miss if u understand how it happens in the first place. Don't complicate purchase decision based on this.

Is the new digital system in the S230 better than the guts in the now year-old S30? ?
Yes - at a digital level, any improvements to the brains of the unit is significant.

Which takes better photos on automatic settings? (i.e. the S230 supposedly has the best auto intelligence with nine points of contact, etc. Does the S30 have an equivalent excellence in auto-focus?
Hmm .. tough one. I'm going to say the S230 is marginally better in auto mode due to DIGIC. There's another thread that started discussing S45 vs S30/40/G2 photos on www.dpreview.com and if the photos weren't manipulated in-PC, then the newer S45 with its DIGIC processor seems to churn out better / sharper shots ... just relaying my own judgement from eyeballing those shots. U should go and compare S230 and S30 there!

Does 3x zoom really make a big difference over 2x zoom?
Read my prev post.

If the S230 also had 3x zoom, I think I would buy it over the S30. But if someone showed me how the S30 takes superior pictures to the S230, that could sway me as well.
Tough one ... briefly if u are in England, there is a law I think were u could buy both in parallel from diff stores and quickly test them in a way that allows u to return it back in 'untouched' and 'original' condition within 14 days for full refund (based on right to cancel the purchase in a 'distance selling' agreement ie purchasing via mail order). Pls don't quote me on all this ... and be discreet.

Blimey, u owe me one. I just helped another user sanket decide on his S45 ...

[usmintman]

After having had my s30 for three weeks, I think I can say out of experience that this is a truly great camera. At first I was dismayed at the quality of the "AUTO" pictures, but then I read the manual again to begin using the manual settings. After that, it took some AMAZING pictures. I have used the s230, and it is a Point and Shoot camera. Few options for changing settings; it is more for someone who wants to take shots on the spot. So if you are the person who likes to keep it in your pocket to take out when necessary, get the s230. If you want a quality camera that takes incredible pictures, get the s30.

And by the way, the s30 fits in my pocket no problem. It is a portable camera in that sense.

[JamieAU]

Hi Beckie,

Can I have some of the drugs you're on?

Jamie