Camera Choice Help

[Kirbs]

Well I got annoyed at my Lumix and it's time for a new camera. I know there are a few professional photographers / budding photographers here so I figured the DOL trust could help me out.

The reason why my Lumix annoyed me so much is that it didn't have enough manual controls, it was very much a point and shoot. I guess where I am right now is ready for experimenting and getting a bit more into photography, but I'm way too lazy to carry around a bulky SLR and all the lenses etc. I really want something I'll be happy to take everywhere but have some control over all the settings.

So far it looks like the Canon PowerShot s90 is the way to go, in between an SLR and a point and shoot. Theres a fair bit of hype and hate out there about it which I'm having a hard time sifting through. Has anyone had some experience with them? Pros? Cons?

I'm also open to any other camera which might meet my needs, this one just seems most likely. I'm going to go check it out in person tomorrow

[4 Paws]

Not much use on the S90 but I just upgraded my Cannon IXUS to the Cannon Powershot SX200 IS(RRP $649)that I picked up for $513 at Domayne by getting them to match a price I'd found and am very happy with it.

Much the same reasoning that you have,wanted a better camera but was not ready for an SLR or the bulkiness of them

Good luck with your choice.

Edited January 1, 2010 by 4 Paws

[persephone]

That doesn't look a bad little unit to me Haven't tried it, but obviously canon is a good name!

have you considered something from the finepix range? like THIS?

I use a sony cybershot..and a FINEPIX I like being able to control a lot of things in manual mode -nd there are lots of manual options here!.. and to have a zoom capability (thos it's not as sharp as could be on full zoom) I think this is rectified in newer models.

Most photos IN HERE are fuji finepix ones.

Have fun in your search

[kja]

I replied in your other thread, too.

The S90 is an awesome camera, a real top choice.

Another option is the G series, but they are way bulkier.

I say go the S90 and have a great time, I reckon you'll love it.

[Kirbs]

That doesn't look a bad little unit to me Haven't tried it, but obviously canon is a good name!

have you considered something from the finepix range? like THIS?

I use a sony cybershot..and a FINEPIX I like being able to control a lot of things in manual mode -nd there are lots of manual options here!.. and to have a zoom capability (thos it's not as sharp as could be on full zoom) I think this is rectified in newer models.

Most photos IN HERE are fuji finepix ones.

Have fun in your search

Beautiful shots. My first digital camera was a finepix and I loved it despite only having a 16mb card

I have looked at a few of their newer ones but keeping it pocket sized is a very big consideration for me and I haven't found one that suits yet. If I don't keep it small I tend to leave it behind and I really want to start taking a camera everywhere with me. The F200EXR looked likely, though I did want RAW. Any other suggestions in the Finepix range?

[kja]

You should check out POTNs compact camera area -> Lots of info on choices

[Kirbs]

Thanks for the link. Great set of forums :D

Saw the Olympus PEN E-P1 today. So awesome! Still a tad too bulky for what I'm after but awesome anyway. Maybe I'll be getting something like that when I get more into photography.

[westiemum]

Thanks DDame - reposting my last post from the other thread...

Hi kja

OK have done the research and the S90 it is - thanks tons for the suggestion. It looks to be the perfect camera for what I need.

In terms of price - Amazon seem to win hands down and they will ship Canon to Oz - Amazon price USD is 399.00 for the bundle or 405.79 for the bundle plus extra battery (+ shipping of course). Link here

Other prices vary from 507.00 for a dodgey brothers ebay deal from HK, up to 649.00 at Ted's.

Tempted to go with the Amazon 405.79 deal - what do you think? Is there any reason I shoudn't buy this sort of equipment from Amazon? (I can't think of anything but I might be missing something amd their return policies are great)

Thoughts kja? Anyone?

QUOTE (kja @ 2nd Jan 2010 - 09:12 AM) *

The S90 is an awesome camera and you can't go too wrong with it.

Another choice would be the G series, but it's way bigger.

I say go for it and have fun!

Edited January 2, 2010 by westiemum

[kja]

Boy I wish these threads were merged LOL

Warranties on compact cameras are only (usually) valid in country of purchase. What does this mean? If something goes kerplunk then you have to ship it to the original country if you want it fixed under warranty. It isn't a big deal to me so I do buy from overseas and take the risk, but it may be to others so it's something to think about. Also factor in the exchange rate and the difference in price - in the past, when the dollar was weaker especially - it was still more economical to buy overseas even if I would have had to send a camera back to the US for repair OR simply bought a second one from there.

If you are thinking of ordering from the US be sure to check www.pricegrabber.com - I saved about $30 over Amazon's price on my last compact camera.

[westiemum]

Can't wait - my new camera has hit Oz - its in Victoria as of 1 pm this afternoon! Hopefully I'll have it for the weekend!