SX100 (10X) verse 650IS (12MP) question.

I have a FUJI S9000 which is like a full size camera and would like to get something more "pocket" size. I want to keep the AA batteries. Optical zoom is a really big point for me. However, MP's are as well. Each of these cameras prevail in one of those areas. My pictures are family, vacation, casual, and would like to be able to freeze some sports shots so I need a high shutter speed which I think both of these will do.

The 12MP is like half again the 8MP so that is a GREAT difference. However, the 10 optical is significant over the 6 optical.

Other than the obvious, what am I giving up by choosing one of these cameras over the other?

Is it possible the greater MP in the 650IS would help compensate for the difference in the 6X verse 10X zoom if I were able to magnify while editing?

What about the 720IS is it just a newer SX100 I should consider in this decision rather than the SX?

Thanks for any suggestions.

My 2¢ -
There is no substitute for zoom.
Megapixels are overrated, take a look here:

http://www.design215.c​om/toolbox/megapixels.​php

I'm a cyclist - I compare cameras by volume (cubic centimeters) and weight (grams) to see what will work best in a cycling jersey pocket. Yes, that's a terribly simplistic way to buy a camera but all of these are too big for that specific use (I carry an sd400 for cycling or skiing).

According to Canon's published specs the 650 is slightly larger and heavier (4 batteries) than the 100 (2 batteries). The 720 is pretty much the 650 with 8MP instead of 12. None are really "pocket" size unless maybe you wear NFL-size shirts.

I'd buy the sx100is. Actually, I already did.

Well the 650IS is nearly $100 more than the SX100. The 650IS has the larger 1/1.7 sensor size. And the LCD is flip&twist "vari-angle". In spite of the lower 6x zoom I'd say the A650IS is the superior camera.

As for the 720IS, its LCD is lower resolution than either the 650IS or the SX100. It has a lower pixel density so the image on the LCD is not as detailed and crisp.

Believe it or not but the LCD screen that flips out on the 650 can be a good thing. It is one of those things you don't use very often but when you need it...... My Fuji S9000 has the same thing about the only other camera I have seen. This past summer while on vacation in CA we came across some sea lions on the coast but there was a chain link fence to keep people back. Because of this feature I was able to hold my camera above the fence with the flip out LCD and see exactly what I was shooting.

toronado455 wrote in post #5219038
As for the 720IS, its LCD is lower resolution than either the 650IS or the SX100. It has a lower pixel density so the image on the LCD is not as detailed and crisp.

But the SX100 has no optical viewfinder. That's a necessity IMO. Image quality on the 720 matches the A650 and is slightly better than the SX100.

Having tried all 3, and keeping the A650IS, i would say the A650IS wins, hands down.

You CAN crop the photos, and end up with the same resolution pic as a fully optical zoomed pic on the SX100IS. I find the image quality on all 3 to be comparable, with the 650 winning because of resolution. The SX100 does have a few more bells and whistles, but the 12mp and flip screen on the 650 were the winning point for me. For outdoor far-shots, and indoor shots if taken right(but that is true of any P&S), the resolution can't be beat...Try zooming in(after the image is shot) at say a road sign 1/2 mile away and reading it with only 8mp- not going to happen.

The viewfinder does come in handy, just remember that there will be more to the pic than the viewfinder shows. The flip-screen on the other hand is VERY nice to have. It has come in handy on tens of occasions for me. No more hoping you have the camera aimed properly.

Oh and one more thing-- 4AA batteries means awesome battery life. I run 2650mah Duracells in mine, and have NEVER had a problem with dead batteries, even after a long day and a few hundred shots(more than half with flash and all using the LCD). Buy an 8-pack and start with all of them freshly-charged, and you'll never miss a shot.

Another benefit not mentioned as often is that the flash recycle time is almost twice as fast as the A720, and even the SX100.

In my honest opinion, the A650 is well worth the extra $100 and the added weight.

You can easily find the A650IS for sale from many reputable camera shops online for $300.

Ok, I'm gonna add another 2¢ - in 7 years of using digital P&S cameras I've never used used a viewfinder. Not once.

And the flip&twist LCD of the 650 just seems like something that's gonna break.

That brings my opinion total up to 4¢, please round it up to a nickel and send me a bill. Heh.

prcrstn8 wrote in post #5225176
Ok, I'm gonna add another 2¢ - in 7 years of using digital P&S cameras I've never used used a viewfinder. Not once.

And the flip&twist LCD of the 650 just seems like something that's gonna break.

That brings my opinion total up to 4¢, please round it up to a nickel and send me a bill. Heh.

By never using a viewfinder on a very bright sunny day, you must have done some guess work while composing. As for the twist and turn LCD breaking, I guess it probably will within time, but ground up and over the top shots can be obtained with it, that would have been missed with a traditional screen.

Gary

prcrstn8 wrote in post #5218701
According to Canon's published specs the 650 is slightly larger and heavier (4 batteries) than the 100 (2 batteries). The 720 is pretty much the 650 with 8MP instead of 12. None are really "pocket" size unless maybe you wear NFL-size shirts.

I'd buy the sx100is. Actually, I already did.

I'm not sure what you're looking at. The 720 is the smallest of these three by quite a bit.

I've been using the A80 and now the A620 for 4-5 years and if I use the LCD it's because I can flip it out. Otherwise I use the viewfinder. They're plenty robust. Mine gets a workout because it lives folded under; if I want to review anything I have to open it and reverse it. No hinge/pivot problems.

JustShootin wrote in post #5225410
=JustShootin';5225410]​By never using a viewfinder on a very bright sunny day, you must have done some guess work while composing.

Yup. P&S, and if I miss the first time I try again.

audiobomber wrote in post #5225564
I'm not sure what you're looking at. The 720 is the smallest of these three by quite a bit.

Bad info at dpreview - same exterior dimensions given for 650 and 720.

prcrstn8 , I would agree with you.

Since my Powershot S40, S45, S50, A620 and now SX100IS, I too had never used the viewfinder. Reason: My nose pressed against the LCD and leaves a patch on the LCD. I hated that. Plus viewfinder, I can barely see much (i was wearing glasses then)

Flip & Twist LCD - looks like a useful tool but again it was used like less than 10 times. All for the reason that I was trying to sneak a shot in a "NO PHOTOGRAPHY" zone of some tourist place. Not that it was going to break but it sure is a weak point as a moving parts.

12 MP vs 8MP - yes that sounds good, but in these years of printing 4 x 6 for all to see, I had only once gone to 20 x 24 and that was pretty good, on the OLD Powershoot S40. Dunno how will 12MP improve my 4 x 6 prints that is done on the 8MP ?

Hence the SX100 suits me (and my budget) just fine.

prcrstn8 wrote in post #5225176
Ok, I'm gonna add another 2¢ - in 7 years of using digital P&S cameras I've never used used a viewfinder. Not once.

And the flip&twist LCD of the 650 just seems like something that's gonna break.