A95 VS A620 - What's The Real Deal?

[Godzilla]

I currently own a Canon A95 and for the longest wondered if I should up-grade to a Canon A620. I know the A620 is faster with a bigger mega-pixel[I don't buy into the bigger is better mega-pixel hype, so please don't assume that's what I'm after], but is the picture quality that much better?

I love my A95's picture performance, but I hate the shutter lag on it...especially when comparing it to my friend's W-5 Sony 5.1 mega-pixel digi cam. I"m also curious if the A620 doesn't showcase as much purple fingering and over-blown highlights as the Canon A95. I'm also into macro photography and was wondering if that 4X optical would help me magnify the objects better?

I'm really in dire need of some opinions/answers.

Please,any feed back would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[shanni]

Two of my friends have the A95 and I have the A620. My larger LCD screen is one function they with they had. I don't get any purple fringing but sometimes the highlights are over blown. The flash sucks. It is faster and and the macro is great. If you are going to upgrade though I would go for the Rebel XT (I wish I had).

[ba15ck]

if your not ready for the dslr jump yet, have you looked at the canon s2--price is dropping since the s3 just released, though I don't see the upgrades to that camera warranted in price.

I think the s2 and 620 are comparable--the s2 is slightly larger, however it has 12x zoom and IS--which is handy for macro

[Godzilla]

I wanted to get a Rebel XT or 20D, but I can't afford that right now, so I'm contemplating the A620 to hold me over for atleast a year.

I just want something that will improve the A95's great performance.

If there's any other advantages, I would like to know from personal experience.

[shanni]

I think the S2 IS or the new S3 coming out are in between the A620 and Rebel, might be worth looking into. I'm not sure the A620 will be a big enough jump up to satisfy you.