Canon A or SD series?? . . .

[YankeeMom]

Which one do you think is better and why? I have an A570 IS and it takes amazing photos, but I'm curious about the SD series. They seem so similar, but SD costs more. Not sure why?

I have to purchase another P&S for my son's college graduation (he is taking it to VA for his continuing education) and I am open to a camera from either series, but if the SD costs a lot more, I need to justify that.

Thanks for any feedback! :)

[n1as]

When I went through the A vs SD decision, I choose A, but the reasons may only apply to me.

A series gives the possibility of full manual exposure control.
A series has an eye level finder so you don't have to shoot using the LCD.
A series was cheaper.
A series is bigger & easier to hold on to.

I got the A570 but it had problems with short battery life. I exchanged it for the A720 which has been great.

I think any improvements in picture quality as you go up the P&S line are very small. These cameras all use little itty-bitty sensors and little cheap lenses. They add fancy features like face detect in an effort to "dress them up" and make them more marketable. In reality, they are rather limited in the image quality department. So, pick the one with the features & price you want and go for it.

Today, the only P&S cameras I'd buy are the G10 and the Panasonic LX3. When I was shopping for a P&S last fall, I ended up with a Rebel XSi. I'll take the hit on size to get the far better usability and image quality.

[YankeeMom]

Thanks Keith. In light of that, I'd like to hear the argument for the SD (as some have obviously chosen otherwise.) I do know that the quality is not comparable to an SLR (I have an XS), but he needs something (cheap) he can just stick in his pocket and still get decent photos. (Also, I'm not sure I'd trust his bird-brain with an SLR. Teens. :lol:)

[hnikesch]

I have only had SD's because of the size, I use a belt case that looks like a mobile phone and always cary one. The SD1100is or 1200is are close in price to the A series, They use the same sensor but no manual. I have manual on my SD 990 and used to shoot film SLR's but find I don't use the manual settiings. You can use +/- EV in P mode or or you can point the camera to an area of light or dark and depress the shutter 1/2 way then compose your shot. If the image on your lcd looks the way you wanted your good to go. My wife uses the SD 1000 is and gets great IQ and good shots

[HappySnapper90]

Which one do you think is better and why? I have an A570 IS and it takes amazing photos, but I'm curious about the SD series. They seem so similar, but SD costs more. Not sure why?


Size. The SD models are generally smaller and therefore in the eyes of P&S users are more desirable. Just like how laptop computers cost more than larger desktop computers because components have to be smaller and it's easier to make things bigger than smaller.

[Yohan Pamudji]

Size. The SD models are generally smaller and therefore in the eyes of P&S users are more desirable. Just like how laptop computers cost more than larger desktop computers because components have to be smaller and it's easier to make things bigger than smaller.

That pretty well sums it up. Smaller size is the main (dare I say "only"?) benefit to the SD cameras when compared to the A cameras.

If you ever want to use the "creative modes"--i.e. aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual--avoid the new generation of A cameras like the A1000IS and A2000IS. Canon have removed these manual controls from the new A cameras.

[YankeeMom]

Size. The SD models are generally smaller and therefore in the eyes of P&S users are more desirable. Just like how laptop computers cost more than larger desktop computers because components have to be smaller and it's easier to make things bigger than smaller.

Thanks! If size is the only (main) difference, then I might save the $$ and get him a bigger A. Thanks for all the feedback! :)

[jr_senator]

When I went through the A vs SD decision, I choose A, but the reasons may only apply to me.

A series gives the possibility of full manual exposure control.
There are SD models that also allow full manual control.

A series has an eye level finder so you don't have to shoot using the LCD.
There are SD models that also have eye level finders.

[JustShootin']

I like and use the A series (A590 in my case) because of it's larger size. It's still a small camera that will fit on a small belt pouch or jacket pocket, but actually has something to hold to when you're shooting. The SD series are just too small to suit me.

[motoroller]

Mainly size. A-series are cheaper because they're bigger, but they offer more functionality as a result. SD are pocked cameras - you can slip one in a jeans or jacket pocket and take it anywhere. From what I remember it'd look a bit strange to have an A-series in your pocket!

[jr_senator]

From what I remember it'd look a bit strange to have an A-series in your pocket!

True, My wife has an A630. When I wanted to get an easy to carry camera I could see my wife's camera was larger than I wanted because I wanted a camera that would literary slip into a pocket. I got a SD600. While it is a bit uncomfortably small for me (small and close together controls) it serves its purpose for me well.

[heez10]

The A720 is the perfect carry-everywhere for me and I recomend it to anyone ;
the quality is better than the S2 it replaced, fits in my pocket, 8 mps is enough resolution so you can crop safely, SD's are just too small. The optical viewfinder allows you to chase airplanes,trains, etc, while holding the camera steady. The A720 complements my DSLR when I am using a lens such as a 50-200 and do not want to change lens for a wider shot.

[YankeeMom]

The A720 is the perfect carry-everywhere for me and I recomend it to anyone ;
the quality is better than the S2 it replaced, fits in my pocket, 8 mps is enough resolution so you can crop safely, SD's are just too small. The optical viewfinder allows you to chase airplanes,trains, etc, while holding the camera steady. The A720 complements my DSLR when I am using a lens such as a 50-200 and do not want to change lens for a wider shot.

Is this much of an improvement on the A570?

[lsquare]

Isn't the A570 an older generation A series camera? Canon announced the A2100 IS a while ago, but I'm not sure if it's on the market yet.