Splash of Style...Macs, Photography, Design, and other Passions

Which Digital Camera?

November 26, 2004 by debbie T | Digital Photography

After days and days of endless researching, I have my new digital camera choices narrowed down to just two choices. I want to replace my Nikon 775 with a small full-featured digital camera that takes great photos. In the future, I might decide to purchase a bulkier digital SLR if I decide that photography is something I really want to pursue.

The Canon A95 and the Canon S70. Both cameras are similar, and both have pros & cons but I feel I am strongly leaning toward the A95. It has all that the S70 features I need except for RAW mode, and is $140 less.

The Canon A95:

* $140 cheaper than the S70. Are the extra options in the S70 worth the extra cash I could be spending on extra memory cards, batteries, and lenses? The big difference is this camera does not offer RAW image storage.
* Rotating LCD screen- this is a huge feature for me. I remember last summer, placing my camera on the ground to try to get a close-up view of a mushroom. I couldn’t lie down, I just had to hope for the best, and click the shutter button. With a rotating screen, I can easily lower the camera for shots that I could not easily take otherwise. It could bring a whole new perspective to my photography. It is also good for protecting the LCD screen, as it can be rotated inward when not in use. My only concern is the ruggedness of the screen hinge, and if it would become too loose in the future.
* Uses (4) AA batteries instead of a proprietary battery. 4 high power with a quick charger is about $50. Replacement batteries are under $20. I found a great article at Steve’s Digicams on rechargeable batteries. The good thing about them vs proprietary is AA can be found in a pinch in any store.
* Using 2300 mAH batteries, the camera is capable of 300 shots! That is awesome!
* More shooting scenes than the S70.
* Flash range is a little bit closer. 10 inches vs 1.8 ft on the S70.
* 5 mega-pixel camera, enough for 10×13 prints.

The Canon S70:

* Allows for RAW image storage – this was a important requirement when I first started on this journey to find a new camera. But do I really need it? But if I don’t have the option, in a year or so, will I regret not having it? At this time, I do not own graphics software (like PSP9, or Elements3.0) that will edit in RAW format. But that is not to say in a year that I won’t. But would I even want to work in this format if I am happy with my photos in JPG form? Is this option worth the extra $140? Would I be willing to give up a rotating screen in order to have it? The S70 will slow down while shooting in RAW mode, so will it be something that I *think* I want, but end up never using? I wish I knew the answers to these questions, as this option is probably the most troubling.
* Wider lens – but a teenie tiny less telephoto than the A95, but there are optional lenses to purchase.
* Auto Bracketing – camera automatically takes 3 shots at different exposure or focus settings.
* More flash effects, but that is not a deal breaker.
* Uses a proprietary (720 mAH) rechargeable lithium lion battery which costs about $50 to replace. About 140 shots capacity. Not so good compared to the A95 capability of 300 shots.
* 7 mega-pixel

Both cameras:

* Automatic and manual controls. This is the reason I am purchasing a new camera, my Nikon 775 does not allow many manual controls, and it is frustrating.
* Great quality photos
* Panoramic stitch assist photography.
* AF Assist Lamp – for focusing in lower light.
* Sound movie mode, 30 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on video clip size.
* Using included software, the ability to control the camera when hooked up to my computer system. (usb RemoteCapture)
* Software includes time-lapse photography – such a fun option. Leaving the camera on a tripod to take a photo every hour for 4 days straight can be an interesting project (100 photos.) Flowers opening, clouds moving. The S70 actually has an Intervalometer built into the camera itself.
* Compact Flash – I like this format, since I already have a few cards and readers already. It is a popular inexpensive format.
* Optical viewfinder and 1.8 inch LCD screen (118,000 pixels)
* Optional lens attachments.
* Optional A/C adapter, which is a must if I want to connect the camera to my PC.
* 15 second to 1/2000 second shutter speeds
* Continuous shooting speed of 2 frames per second.
* Special effects: Black & White, Sepia, Neutral, Low Sharpening, Vivid.
* Optional waterproof case for not only underwater photos, but any activities near water, boating, swimming, fishing, etc. But it is probably not something I ever will need.
* Option to auto-rotate portrait photos on the LCD.
* 60 second voice memo for photos in playback mode.
* Custom settings can be saved and accessed from the “Custom” setting on the mode dial.