Digital Cameras - A choice to be made

nickmack · 9 July 2006 at 3:20PM

Usually I try and help answer IT questions, so I thought I'd pose a query on something I don't know that much about!

I've been looking at Digital Cameras for the past few days. I need one for casual use, nothing too fancy it may only get used once a month on the odd special occassion. The need has really come about as the wife said we need something a bit better than the 2MP on my Nokia phone for her sister's wedding in a couple of months.

I've narrowed the choice down to 4 within my spending range and they all have their pros and cons as you'd expect. I'm kind of leaning towards the HP, but I'm a little concerned about reports of high noise even at lower ISO modes.

I guess what I'm looking for is advice from any other owners of these models and any major problems you've had, or if you're an expert any advice you can give that might sway me one way or the other.

Canon Ixus 60
Fuji Finepix F11
Hp Photosmart R817
Sony Cybershot DSC-W50

viru.doshi · 9 July 2006 at 4:09PM

I'd drop the HP from your list all together.

The other 3 a very competitive next to eachother.

I have the Fuji F10, the only difference between the F10 and F11 really is the screen has a larger resolution. It's also worth noting the Fuji FinePiz F10 was voted Best Compact camera 2005. And since the F11 has come out you can get a real bargain for the F10, i didn't buy mine long ago, i got the camera and a 1GB Fuji branded mem. card for under £170!

My sister has the Sony W50, its a lot sexier looking than my F10, and slimer. But my camera takes better pictures in low light conditions compared to the W50.

Can't say much about the Canon, ive never used it but hear good things. My dads got a Canon DSLR, fantastic bit of kit so Canon would also be a good choice.

But my recommendation based on value for money is the F10.
Hope that helps, cheers.

Zahc · 9 July 2006 at 4:26PM

I found this site very helpful. It takes some reading but worth the effort. Like many things, it comes down to personal needs and money.......

nickmack · 9 July 2006 at 4:37PM

Zahc wrote:

I found this site very helpful. It takes some reading but worth the effort. Like many things, it comes down to personal needs and money.......

Thanks Zahc, I've already used this site and looked at the specs, reviews etc. As viru.doshi said, there doesn't seem much between them on the face of it.

robin123_2 · 9 July 2006 at 4:38PM

Also have a look at http://www.steves-digicams.com/default.htm
I think it is the best review site for digital cameras, very in depth reviews. I have the Sony W5 and my mum has the W30 (the only difference between the W50 & W30 is the screen size) and I am very impressed with the qulaity of the pictures that the cameras take. Very highly recomended.

Zahc · 9 July 2006 at 4:44PM

Yeh, I know. If you're anything like me, I hate to think I'm missing out on anything. IMHO you can't go wrong with a Canon, but you can't beat information from someone who owns one (I don't).
The one thing that annoys me about some cameras is the amount of time they take to switch on, and the amount of time between being able to take pics, so that's a big consideration for me. Having said that, the choice of storage card can make a difference as far as speed is concerned; oh brother!:rolleyes2

Rikki · 9 July 2006 at 4:49PM

I recently offered some basic advice on buying a video camera and I think it will apply to you too.

Now you have decided on the ones you like go to a photograpic shop like Jessops and get a feel for each of the cameras. You may find you will be better help in deciding. The camera look, ease of use, the bottons,the menu etc.
Then decide where you want to buy it from.

polybear · 9 July 2006 at 5:36PM

I went thru' a similar "which camera?" process around xmas time. In the end I went for a Canon A610 and have never regretted it. In particular the multi-angle screen is really useful. Do a google search for reviews - I'm sure you won't find a bad one.

Polybear.

nickmack · 9 July 2006 at 6:00PM

polybear wrote:

I went thru' a similar "which camera?" process around xmas time. In the end I went for a Canon A610 and have never regretted it. In particular the multi-angle screen is really useful. Do a google search for reviews - I'm sure you won't find a bad one.

It looks like a very good camera, it's a shame it isn't a bit lighter, at 285g, it's nearly twice as heavy as the Sony.

pin · 9 July 2006 at 6:06PM

If it was my choice I would opt for the Canon. Canon make some decent kit, and it looks pretty cool as well.

However I would, as others have said, check out the reviews on Steve's digicams, DP Review and DCResourse. They are / were the three sites I have used in the past when researching cameras.

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 9 July 2006 at 6:57PM

These have really good high ISO and low light capability when compared to the opposition.

This will be very important in situations in a club or a restaurant when you cannot always use the flash.

However the best thing is to actually handle the cameras in the shop though!!

Digital Cameras - A choice to be made

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