Is Canon Powershot A400 a good buy as a beginner hobby camera?

[lastdodobird]

Hello. Newbie here.

Just wanted to know if I'd just be throwing my money away with a Canon A400 :p

I'm new to photography... I don't even know the basic concepts... I don't even own a camera right now!

I just wanted something that I could use to teach myself the basics of photography... and at the same time take good quality photographs... but also not expensive.

This is the camera that a friend of mine suggested. Would this be ok?

thanks!

[etaf]

tell us a little more about what you want to photograph, and your budget.

An DSLR/SLR will give you a lot more potential and will grow with you - however, there are lots of good compacts out there, but try and tell us what you want out of a camera, where you think the hobby may take you.

I started with SLR and also use compacts

[lastdodobird]

tell us a little more about what you want to photograph, and your budget.

An DSLR/SLR will give you a lot more potential and will grow with you - however, there are lots of good compacts out there, but try and tell us what you want out of a camera, where you think the hobby may take you.

I started with SLR and also use compacts

What I want to photograph? As far as subject is concerned? I haven't really thought about it... But primarily just for capturing the places I go to... People I meet... Friends and Family...

But I also have a certain fondness for nature and scenery.

What's DSLR/SLR? ( see, i know nothing about cameras :confused: )

Off the top of your head, do you think the Canon Powershot A400 will disappoint me? My budget is around... hmm... $200-$500 maybe? What decent cameras would fit into that price range?

Note: I'm in the Philippines so price comparison would be a bit tricky since most of you guys would be talking in dollars while I'd be talking in pesos ;)

Converstion rate that I'll be using: $1 = PhP55.00

Thanks!!!

[GeForceFX]

A (D)SLR is a reflex camera, but i dont think thats wat you need (and it doesn't fit your budget ;))

If you want to grow in photography, don't buy the A400, you can only shoot in auto-mode with that.
take a look at the A510 (3mpix) or A520 (4mpix), these camera's will allow you to shoot auto mode if you want, but they also have other modes, like P, AV, TV and M
That will give you the opportunity to learn more about photography.

also consider the S2 IS, more expensive (still in your budget) and with a big zoom and image stabilizer.

[bang]

If you're a beginner. then you should go ahead with the A510 or A520 because the A400 is NOT a hobby camera. The A400 does absolutely nothing, you'll get bored out of taking picture within 1 weeks using it.

[GeForceFX]

some reviews: (prices from www.bhphotovideo.com (http://www.bhphotovideo.com) )

the A510 ($ 174.95) : http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/a510.html
the A520 ($ 239.95) : http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/a520.html
the S2 IS ($ 499.99) : http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/s2is.html

[lastdodobird]

A (D)SLR is a reflex camera, but i dont think thats wat you need (and it doesn't fit your budget ;))

If you want to grow in photography, don't buy the A400, you can only shoot in auto-mode with that.
take a look at the A510 (3mpix) or A520 (4mpix), these camera's will allow you to shoot auto mode if you want, but they also have other modes, like P, AV, TV and M
That will give you the opportunity to learn more about photography.

also consider the S2 IS, more expensive (still in your budget) and with a big zoom and image stabilizer.

hey thanks a lot! (also to bang) That is a useful piece of information about the A510 and A520. I definately don't want to simply use auto mode, and yes, I am looking for a hobby camera. As much as possible, the type of camera that gives me the opportunity to grow as a beginner photo-hobbyist and will also give the flexibility that a beginner needs.

Thanks! :D

[lastdodobird]

some reviews: (prices from www.bhphotovideo.com (http://www.bhphotovideo.com) )

the A510 ($ 174.95) : http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/a510.html
the A520 ($ 239.95) : http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/a520.html
the S2 IS ($ 499.99) : http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/s2is.html

LOL! When you said that the S2 IS was in my price range, you were really pushing it huh? :lol: hahaha.

[GeForceFX]

its 0.01 $ less, right? :p:p

[GeForceFX]

btw, go and read the 'Small Compact Digitals by Canon' -forum, there you will find more information about canon point & shoot (P&S) cameras.

this forum is for EOS cameras, those are DSLR's, and euh... well, they cost more than 500$ (without lens :p)

you can find it here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=15

[lastdodobird]

btw, go and read the 'Small Compact Digitals by Canon' -forum, there you will find more information about canon point & shoot (P&S) cameras.

this forum is for EOS cameras, those are DSLR's, and euh... well, they cost more than 500$ (without lens :p)

you can find it here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=15

Oh, sorry bout misplacing the thread. I really don't know what EOS's are... and where my thread was supposed to fit in... :) I'll just start a new one there about the A510 vs A520 vs S2 IS

thanks!

[Bob_A]

If you're a beginner. then you should go ahead with the A510 or A520 because the A400 is NOT a hobby camera. The A400 does absolutely nothing, you'll get bored out of taking picture within 1 weeks using it.

The images from the A400 are surprisingly good considering the cost of the camera. My 9 year old daughter has one and I'm always impressed by the sharpness of the photos, color, etc. This is a good little budget camera for anyone that just wants to take snaps, or is just learning how to use a camera.

He's a photo she took at our local historical park. She's still learning the basics of composition and keeping the camera steady.

[volfan10]

If I am not too late, let me suggest the a95. I just got one and it takes wonderful pictures... I love mine.