I'm looking for a VERY lightweight camera to take on extended backpacking trips. Can't be adding too much weight, so I know sacrifices will be made.
I'm looking at the Canon SD600. I wondered if there were any cameras in a similar price range with similar weight where you can adjust aperture, shutter speed, etc.; I have a big film SLR camera (too big to take backpacking), so it is would be too bad to go to just point and shoot, but if that's how it has to be, so be it.
Thanks for any advice.
2007-03-13 17:03:54 · 7 answers · asked by sj 2 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
The SD600 does offer some manual control It's not TOTAL control, but you can play with EV settings from +2.0 to -2.0 in 1/3 stop increments, so it gives you a little bit of manual control.
Another way to do this on the fly is to focus on something that is the value you desire in your final exposure; press the shutter button down halfway and then also press "ISO" button (top of multiselector). This puts the camera in auto-exposure lock mode and it will hold the same exposure values until you cancel it. Recompose the shot, press the shutter button half-way so the camera re-focuses. Shoot by pressing the button fully.
The unfortunate thing is that you can't control whether you change the aperture or shutter speed and it is not shown in the display either.
2007-03-13 17:36:20 · answer #1 · answered by Jess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The SD600 is great little compact camera with some limited manual controls (but not aperture or shutter priority).
If you're used to the manual control of an SLR, then you might regret not having them if you get a point & shoot camera. That's why the Canon A640, A710 IS or G7 would be a better option, as they all have aperture & shutter priority.
In regards to 'extended backpacking trips'...one important thing you have to think about is battery power.
The SD600 only has a battery life of up to 160 shots (with the LCD on) and up to 600 shots (with the LCD off). If you have no means to recharge the battery, then you would need to bring a spare one or two batteries, which is a costly way to run a camera...or you could turn off the LCD to conserve battery power.
The A640 uses 4 AA sized batteries, so you could literally take along as many batteries as you could carry. Using rechargeable NiMH batteries will allow up to 500 shots..or Lithium batteries will also provide long life.
The G7 uses a supplied rechargeable Lithium battery with up to 220 shots (LCD on) or 500 shots (LCD off). A spare would probably be costly.
The A710 IS only uses 2 AA batteries (up to 360 shots). It has the added advantage of image stabilization.
I think the 10MP, A640 ( or 7.1MP, A710 IS) might be the best option. They're not as small as the SD600, but are smaller and lighter than an SLR...and their use of AA batteries is a big plus (as well as full manual controls).
good luck...
2007-03-14 08:21:59 · answer #2 · answered by Petra_au 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The SD600 does not offer a very wide variety of manuel mode, just adjusting EV. I would get the Canon A640, it has automatic and a few manuel functions. I own the predicessor of it and I love it for a small manuel camera. Its great to mess with and its pretty cheap. There is also a smaller versont oo so dont worry if the A640 is too expensive.
2007-03-14 01:49:07 · answer #3 · answered by Koko 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Canon S3 IS, A630 and A640 have manual controls
I like the G7 though!
Samsung NV10 has manual controls and won a few awards in Europe.
2007-03-14 07:38:48 · answer #4 · answered by clavestone 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the sd600 is a great camera... u might one to get the G7 from canon...it offers more manual functions though its a little pricey for a pns.
2007-03-14 08:55:06 · answer #5 · answered by final_depth 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to take a look at the Kodak Easy Share V803. I was thinking about getting one.
2007-03-14 00:44:42 · answer #6 · answered by Megannn(: [RIP Michael Jackson] 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'd look at the Canon A550 .. it's just what you're looking for.
2007-03-14 07:52:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋