Image Stabilization vs. Manual Focus

[jrh312]

This is somewhat mentioned in a thread that I started for another reason in the "forum talk" section here, so I apologize if this is a repeat for some of you. I thought I might get more opinions if I moved my question out here to where it should probably be anyway.

I'm getting a new camera sometime in the near future. I've narrowed it down to two. One offers a manual zoom option and the other has an image stabilizer option to it. I want a camera with good macro and zoom capabilities, and both of these have it (10x zoom on one, 12x on the other).

As I understand it, manual focus is sometimes necessary for a good macro shot, but that image stabilization at around 10 or 12x zoom is very nice to have as well. What would you do, all other things being equal?

[CyberDyneSystems]

In a P&S camera at 10X or 12X I'd go for IS....

[aam1234]

Since in P&S you can't really go beyond ISO 200, I'd go for IS. But how often do you shoot indoors vs. outdoors.

[Hellashot]

Since in P&S you can't really go beyond ISO 200, I'd go for IS. But how often do you shoot indoors vs. outdoors.

Most compact digital cameras go up to ISO 400 now. And my new Fuji F10 is being shipped to me that goes to ISO 1600 - the main reason I bought it.

And I haven't come across a P&S compact digital camera yet that has a manual focus like SLRs have. If they off it it is a distance bar you "toggle" with a key to a certain distance in feet which is a piece of crap to me. Maybe higher end compact digital cameras have a normal manual focus but you might as well get a Drebel for $650-$700 then.

[tim]

I'd go for the IS one, AF should be fine.

[PacAce]

This is somewhat mentioned in a thread that I started for another reason in the "forum talk" section here, so I apologize if this is a repeat for some of you. I thought I might get more opinions if I moved my question out here to where it should probably be anyway.

I'm getting a new camera sometime in the near future. I've narrowed it down to two. One offers a manual zoom option and the other has an image stabilizer option to it. I want a camera with good macro and zoom capabilities, and both of these have it (10x zoom on one, 12x on the other).

As I understand it, manual focus is sometimes necessary for a good macro shot, but that image stabilization at around 10 or 12x zoom is very nice to have as well. What would you do, all other things being equal?
Have you considered the new Canon Powershot S2 IS? Not only does it have IS but it also has manual focus capability and has a 12x zoom lens. From what I've read, it sounds very promising. It's supposed to compete with the Panasonic and the Minolta cameras with similar features and zoom reach.

[Hellashot]

Have you considered the new Canon Powershot S2 IS? Not only does it have IS but it also has manual focus capability and has a 12x zoom lens. From what I've read, it sounds very promising. It's supposed to compete with the Panasonic and the Minolta cameras with similar features and zoom reach.

You're likely to only get toggle manual focus again on that unit.

[jrh312]

Have you considered the new Canon Powershot S2 IS? Not only does it have IS but it also has manual focus capability and has a 12x zoom lens. From what I've read, it sounds very promising. It's supposed to compete with the Panasonic and the Minolta cameras with similar features and zoom reach.

Thanks everyone for the input so far, it's all very helpful!

Yes, I've looked at the S2 IS, but since it's new, it's probably out of my league as far as price goes. I looked at the S1 today and was not impressed with it to say the least. Even in a direct, unbiased comparison between the two (as part of the S1 review, I might add) it even said that the Panasonic DMC-FZ3 was better in a lot of respects.

I didn't want to bring this up right away to avoid any kind of a brand name bias, but the two I'm looking at are the Panasonic DMC-FZ3 and the Olympus C765. The image stabilization and higher zoom on the Panasonic are looking better and better though the more I find out about them. And even though the Panasonic doesn't have manual focus, it does have an AF illuminator (which the olympus doesn't), so maybe focusing won't be as much of a problem as it would otherwise be.

And the way I see it, both are far better than the camera I have now....:lol:

[aam1234]

Most compact digital cameras go up to ISO 400 now. And my new Fuji F10 is being shipped to me that goes to ISO 1600 - the main reason I bought it.

And I haven't come across a P&S compact digital camera yet that has a manual focus like SLRs have. If they off it it is a distance bar you "toggle" with a key to a certain distance in feet which is a piece of crap to me. Maybe higher end compact digital cameras have a normal manual focus but you might as well get a Drebel for $650-$700 then.

You are right on both counts. When I mentioned the iso 200 I was referring to the noise level above 200. Some people don't even like the noise at 200. About the MF focus in P&S cams, boy they are like torture, they very slow and inaccurate.

[jrh312]

About the MF focus in P&S cams, boy they are like torture, they very slow and inaccurate.

Nice.

This is the kind of information I'm trying to find out... it all sounds good on paper, but I trust others' experience more.

[aam1234]

jrh312, what's your budget for the new camera.

[J Rabin]

jrh. Macro focusing P&S digicams is an excercise in frustration. Not because it can't be done, some folks take lots of time to compose and make great photos. It's just that the tiny viewfinders are so poor on digicams to start, and as you move closer, higher magnification, there are shadows and other nasties, that you miss in small VF.
Heck, I would love to tell you to go get an old used Olympus OM with a 50mm f/3.5 macro...
But, I will give my opinion that the GOLD STANDARD P&S you are describing is the Minolta A2. It is about the only P&S with focusable electronic VF, with a real glass lens and and manual focus ring, stabilization, good macro, and surprisingly decent auto focus tracking. Takes great pics, except for shutter lag, which frustrates me enough to toss all P&S digicams. I hate shutter lag. But, the A2 is likely overpriced for you. You're better getting a Canon digital rebel. Not the Minolta A200, which Minolta crippled to lower the price point. Check an A2 out, at least just compare your choices to a P&S gold standard. You may find a used or refurbished one cheaper. Short of that, stick with an optical viewfinder digicam. Just don't expect to do much manual focus, no matter what ads say, unless you're truly gifted and patient. The Canon S1 or S2 is a great vacation P&S, but not closeup. Oh, if you;re going to do this, try and get a P&S with a hot shoe to mount a flash on.