I'm buying a new digital camera, can anyone help me choose which one?

Question

I have got my options down to either Canon Ixus 65 or the Ixus 850 IS.
I want an easy to use point and shoot camera but that produces really good quality pictures. Can anyone reccomend either of these cameras?
Ta!

Answer 1

Go to this page and near the top of each column, you will see the option to read user reviews. They may be helpful to you.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_sd630%2Ccanon_sd800is&show=all

The 65 has NO optical viewfinder, so you get to read my rant of the month against this design "feature."

Optical Viewfinders

I lament the passing of the optical viewfinder and I would choose almost any camera with an optical viewfinder over one that only has an LCD viewfinder. Why?

1. You never have the option of turning off the LCD and these things eat batteries for lunch and spit them out. Why do away with the option of a viewfinder that has zero electrical drain?

2. You have to hold an LCD viewer out at some distance in front of your face. This is more conspicuous than I prefer to be all the time.

3. The need to hold a camera at arms length will introduce some shake. I like the idea of stabilizing a camera against my face when I am taking a picture. This is especially important with a longer zoom lens. No wonder "image stablization" or "vibration reduction" is necessary with these cameras. Not that there's anything WRONG with IS or VR, but it is really a requirement with LCD viewfinders and telephoto lenses.

4. Using the LCD to view photos after you've taken them slows down the camera quite a bit. You can't shut of the LCD monitor and still take pictures if you don't have an optical viewfinder.

Answer 2

I think I would pick the Ixus 65 (known as SD630 in other countries)...or even the Ixus 60 (SD600). I have read reviews of the 850 IS and it's wide angled lens has problems with corner softness at it's widest angle...and that's why, I myself, chose the Ixus 800 IS (SD700 IS).
The Ixus 65 and Ixus 60 are both identical, except that the 65 has a larger LCD screen with no optical viewfinder (but how many people actually use the viewfinder on their compact digital camera?)...and the Ixus 60 has a slightly smaller LCD, but has a viewfinder.

P.S. the Ixus 60 recently won a European award for 'Best Ultra Compact', so it must be pretty good.

Answer 3

I have been researching cameras for a month trying to find the best one and Canon are definitely front runners in all areas- picture quality, style, reliability and durability. I too could not decide between the Ixus 60 and 800 models but have purchased the 800. It really depends on the nitty gritty and what you intend to use it for.

Check out the following review site:
http://www.cameras.co.uk/camera-reviews/canon-ixus-60.cfm

It has reviews for both the Ixus 60 and Ixus 800.

I would also recommed purchasing the product from E-bay, not as a second hand purchase but from one of the official trusted companies. I got my Ixus 800 for over £100 cheaper than the average retail price from a trusted seller with very positive feedback.

Good luck and happy snapping!

Answer 4

The 850 is quite a bit more expensive, and with it's 28mm wide angle and Image Stabilization (IS) has those two key features that the 65 doesn't.

However- the 28mm lens isn't Canon's best. It has the same corner softness as the lens on the S80, and doesn't hold a candle to the leica lens on the panasonics (FX series). However, the Canons have better high ISO noise characteristics than the pannies and very reliable focus and metering.

both of these cameras are very good- the question is what specific features are important to you? If I were to buy a new compact camera right now, it would undoubtably be the Fuji F30. Outstanding image quality, extremely low noise, high ISO performance that rivals DSLRs, quick operation, and tremendous battery life (580 shots/charge). But- there are a lot of cameras out there on the market, and many of them are very very good. You have to look very closely and be a nerd to tell the difference between many of them.

Answer 5

Experience with the Canon Ixus 800IS, it is wonderful!
Great, clear shots, the IS (Image Stabiliser) means you get exc. results in low light so very good for music gigs etc. Very simple, clear instructions. Small and light, so easy to carry around and the large view screen, which rotates the pic as you turn the camera makes it easy to frame your shot. Canon is very reliable and has the best lenses so you can be assured of good quality. It also has very good battery life so you won't run out at the crucial time! Go into a camera store and ask to try out a few in the shop. Practise taking close-up and distance shots as well as a movie clip so you can see which one feels right for you, ask them to print out a shot, they usually have a little mini printer (which Canon also make) so you can see straight away the quality of the pic and print. Hope that helps.

Answer 6

we got the Ixus 55 a short while ago and it's a complete honey of a camera. Best we've ever owned. You're in good hands with Canon. Kodak and Fuji also good - rule is, trust a camera company, not an electronics company. Note "digital zoom" is useless, only the optical zoom matters.

Answer 7

I too am looking for a digital camera,but was veered away from canon by a camera buff,he didnt slag the camera off,but thought the best cameras came in the sony range particularly point and shoot. he did say the canon top of the range were among the best but expensive,the only camera in the canon point and shoot range he thought was good was the powershot range ,but the a630 and 640
being the pick ,main drawback was they were a little on the bulky side.

Answer 8

Canon have better support services in accessories/software. Also augment quality of shot by using large format frame options but means fewer shots before download of CF card. If the model has telephoto lense, it's very expensive, but more flexible for scenery shots. Beware digitals not ideal for paparazzi shots they have to process each image after you push the button. But for friends and family archives, you cannot do without it. Enjoy.

Answer 9

With something complicated as a digicam, you need to no longer have the cheap. it relatively is because of the fact the cheap ones are incredibly crappy. they have not got sturdy high quality and that they ruin relatively. Its extra desirable to spend $50 extra, and purchase a Cannon Cybershot. this is the type I relatively have and that i've got been given it for about $200.

Answer 10

ixus 850 IS is really really really good i would recommend it highly