Camera Choices
I’m ready to buy a new digital point-and-shoot camera. My compact Canon camera croaked out a few months ago (big bummer), and I’ve been lugging around my Nikon DSLR in my purse ever since. After some research, I’ve narrowed it down to two models, and I’d love some help in choosing. Here are my two options:
The first is the Canon PowerShot A640. It has 10 megapixels and a 4X optical zoom (focal length of 35-140mm). I’m not thrilled about the zoom, but the response time of the camera is excellent (meaning the time between when you press the button and when the camera records the image) at 1.5 seconds. At Amazon, the price is $279.
The second is the Canon PowerShot A710 IS. It has 7.1 megapixels and a 6X optical zoom (focal length of 35-210mm). The camera is slightly smaller and lighter weight than the A640, but the response time isn’t as great at 1.7 seconds. At Amazon, the price is $250.
So the conundrum is, do I choose a longer lens or a faster response time with more megapixels? Since I’ll mostly be using it for shooting a fast-moving toddler, resonse time seems to take the lead. But the other hand, there’s that awesome long lens which is great for portraits and landscape details. Hmmm.
Anyone have opinions on which to choose? ?
Responses and Conversations
Hey Steph — just my two cents from someone who has a little pocket cam like these (Canon PowerShot SD110), I would choose faster response time all the way. I have missed way too many great shots of my running toddler. She’s usually down the hall and out the door by the time the shutter clicks! Zoom is great, too, but I bet you’ll probably keep using your Nikon for great portraits and landscapes most of the time.
Just my thoughts!
Comment by Amy Frazier on April 29th, 2007 at 8:28 pm