Which digi to buy??

I've been looking at the s200 vs the s330..... The 2 main differences that Im factoring in are... 2x optical vs 3x optical.... and the overall size diff. Small and portable is key for me.... however the 3x zoom would be nice I suppose. any thoughts???


I just found out that the S330 elph is the same size as the S300 elph??? if that helps anyone on the sizes Im speaking of...... Also... the S230 elph is the same size as the S200.... Thanks.....

Any one?

Well, I know nothing about those particular cameras, but if all else is the same, I would vote for zoom over camera size. Even 3x is somewhat limiting (that's what my G1 has) but 2x just wouldn't be enough for me. Good luck making your decision,

any other opinion's out there?

I agree with Mitch.

I would go with the smaller camera, I just give my parents my s40 and bought the s230. Main reason being I keep leaving the s40 at home (it does not fit in my pocket, and its heavy, but it takes great shoots).

But no matter how good the camera is, its no good to anyone if its not being used....

btw, I hardly use the zoom, so 2x vs 3x is not an issue, but thats just me.

Nah, if you're into photography the least bit you'll want to stay the hell away from the smaller camera. They are too light, which is a huge problem. I always have difficulty holding them steady. And bigger lenses are also better

Both are well made cameras, so it depends on what you want. I chose the S230 over the S30 because it's features were more what I was looking for.
Here was my take on it:

S230 vs S30/S40

- 230 is small, easy to carry. I was looking for something that would take good pictures but could be carried easily in a pocket. I carry my camera virtually everywhere I go now. Like was mentioned, you can't take a picture if you don't have your camera with you. This is probably the biggest selling point of the smaller cameras.

- a little less complicated. I wanted a camera that had some ability for manual controls, but didn't want an overly complicated camera. If you are looking to become an advanced photographer, then the S30/S40 is probably a better choice as it has a lot more manual controls that allow you to do more with it. I find that the subset of manual controls on the S230 allows me to do just enough playing around without making it too complicated.

- picture quality is excellent for both cameras. The S30/S40 is probably a little better for low light/flash pictures as the small size of the S230 creates some problems with the flash too close to the lens. This is not really an issue, as the image editing software out there allows you do clean up virtually any problems with your images. The larger size of the S30/S40 makes it a little easier to hold the camera steady which might make a slight difference in photo quality. I have taken lots of pictures with my S230 and once you get used to all the features and how to handle it, you should have not problem taking good pictures.


Hope this helps.

Also forgot to mention about the zoom.

I find that I don't use the zoom much, so the difference between 2X and 3X is not really an issue for me. If you think you will require the zoom more, then 3X is marginally better but may not be enough of a difference to outweigh the other points. It all depends on what type of pictures you will be taking the most.

Just read up on everything about S230. My conclusion for you based on your original post is to go for the S230. It is has rich feature set on a camera that has improved on a outstanding and original concept - the ultra compact but picture-first IXUS digital camera.

Outstanding what they have packed into this latest S230 (aka V3) incarnation of the IXUS.

Question of zoom - take the advise of pros: take time and adjust your distance to your subject - don't be lazy. Get closer and only then zoom if absolutely necessary. The zoom is used for cropping not to replace getting closer to the subject. This ensures quality shots - at least now you know this can be overcome and not just plump for a 3x zoom.

Realise that no optics at this camera level (compacts) can replace the quality of a photo taken when you get *closer* to the subject. Trust me.

What you can't replace is the better heart and brain of a digital camera at this (compact) level - the CCD and image processor hardware. That DIGIC and any improvements that Canon or any manufacturer makes to their cameras are to be taken seriously. This is the digital world.

If you are an holiday/event snapper - you'll want the S230 in your pocket and next to that cup of latte - believe me.

Buy with confidence.

KLee

I'd say that's a pretty succinct review of the S230 klee. Have had an s230 (ixus v3) for a month or so and it's been a real winner. great shots from a small case means i can take it anywhere and be sure the results are gonna be worth looking at.

Trix

Thanks to everyone who gave opinions.... went for the S230..... just waiting for the store to get it in.. thanks again!!

How do you like your S230?