which one is better? (Sony Cyber-shot vs. Canon PowerShot)

[dorqiekat]

Sony Cyber-shot 7.2-Megapixel Digital Camera
Model: DSC-W7

7.2 megapixels
3x optical/2x digital/6x total zoom; 14x Smart Zoom
2.5" color TFT-LCD monitor

OR

Canon PowerShot 5.0-Megapixel Digital ELPH Camera
Model: SD400

5.0-megapixel
3x optical/4x digital/12x total zoom
2" color TFT-LCD monitor

Keep in mind:
they're the same price
I've had a sony before so I have the memory stick
I'd rather have loose batteries, no rechargeable

 

[Abstract]

I say they're around the same in terms of picture quality. These small, thin Point-and-Shoot cameras generally perform similarly (and they all perform well nowadays). Sony might actually make the CCD used in both of these cameras anyway....

The Sony has the larger screen, but I (generally) don't like the Sony LCDs they use on their cameras, while I know I like the ones I've seen on my 2 Canons (one being an SD300, I think (it's an IXUS 40 in non-North American terms)).

I say pick the one with the better manual functions. If they have around the same level of manual control, then pick the Canon because it has the better screen.

 

[rockandrule]

Check out http://www.steves-digicams.com He typically has some good reviews and should be able to fully help you.

 

[sw1tcher]

I'd go with the Canon. The Digic II processing chip it uses is amazing. Super fast response, captures colors beautifully, and pictures come out super sharp.

If you haven't already, read the reviews for the Canon and Sony model over at dpreview.com and Steve's Digicams

Canon:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsd400/

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/sd400.html


Sony:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydscw7/

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/w7.html

 

[rockandrule]

The Canon is much more sturdy than the Sony. My sister was looking at a W-5 for christmas, but I made my parents buy her a SD400 instead. Much better camera all around, so I assume the same would work in your case.

 

[dorqiekat]

thanks, steves digicams led me to this site for a refurb canon. Can Prestige Camera be trusted?

http://www.prestigecamera.com

 

[dorqiekat]

I should mention what I need the cam for. I'll be in France for a semester and will need a digital camera that will handle good zoom, and size will probably matter somehow. Smaller being better I guess.

for about 100 dollars less I can get the refurbished powershot, this feels completely worth it (since I'm a non-working student)

I'm not good with buying online or refurbished, am I heading in the right direction with the canon at Prestige Camera?

 

[mattster16]

You should check out the Sony DSC-N1. I'm not sure what the price is on the cameras you are looking at. This camera is really small but also has a much, much better lens. My friend has one and it's one of the nicest digi cams I have used.

 

[DevilDog]

i went to the apple store to buy a sd400 (for 250 instead of 300 dollars), but all they had was a refurbished one. the guy there said i could return it if it was messed up or anything. so, i went out into the mall, opened it all up and the pictures looked kind of blurry on the lcd. i said to my dad, man i wish i brought my powerbook so i could check them out on there. 5 minutes later i realized... 30 inch with quad? I went back to the apple store and hooked it up to theirs and found out that the camera was indeed messed up. they said it should have been pronounced DOA on arrival. So i returned it and got my money back. If you're gonna go refurbished, ask if you can just check it out in the store after you pay for it and return it right then and there if it is messed up. it'll also save you a trip. the people at the apple store was very easy to work with and they even were able to see for themselves that it didn't work. I would say just ask if you can return it to be safed

 

[crdean1]

I bought the Canon sd450 and received it yesterday. I love it, it is my second Canon Elph.

FYI, I got it for $279 shipped from Dell Home. They have it on sale until the 12th. Pretty sweet deal. The sd450 is the same camera as the sd400, just has a bigger screen.

Edit: the sd450 is like $349.99 from Best Buy (so it was a steal), so if you still want the sd400, see if that one is on sale at Dell as well.

crdean1

 

[blackstone]

thanks, steves digicams led me to this site for a refurb canon. Can Prestige Camera be trusted?

http://www.prestigecamera.com

Well, this is what reseller-ratings.com has to say about Prestige Camera. It sounds kinda sketchy to me, especially if you're buying a refurb rather than a new camera. For them, "refurb" may well just mean the broken cameras that other customers sent back.

If you're not experienced in the wild-and-wooly world of mail-order camera retailers, you're probably better off sticking with a more reputable shop like B&H Photo or Adorama. You'll pay a bit more, but on the other hand you have the peace of mind of knowing that they'll actually accept returns, and they won't overcharge your credit card.

 

[revenuee]

Although it's sony's CCD the canon is the better camera and will yield a finer picture.

canon glass is superior; and all though the sony uses the carl ziese lens the ccd and the lens don't really mesh well and the images aren't as sharp as everyone would hope.

the processor and compression is superior in the canon and thus yeilding a much nicer, cleaner (as in less artifacts) and better saturated images

good luck with your choice

 

[irmongoose]

Go with the Canon. My old Powershot G2 is much sturdier and produces much better images (sharpness, color) than my sister's new Cybershot. After all, Canon is the camera company.

You can try craigslist or something so you can actually try out the camera before purchasing.




irmongoose

 

[adk]

A year ago, I would have said go with the sony because you already have the memory stick. But these days memory cards are so cheap it's almost a non - issue. Personally, I simply find canons much easier to use, and they take great shots so I like them a lot. I'd say go for the canon, but take it with a grain of salt because I'm a big canon fan.

 

[dorqiekat]

what do you guys think about Casio? I think I'm going to go with the Canon and came across another option.

 

[Counterfit]

Stick with the Canon.

 

[After G]

I actually like Casio, strangely enough. Very intuitive controls, and I read a review that says the new slim 7MP Casio is good in the picture department. But Canon is good, and they have good Mac software. I'd say either way is okay, with a nod to Canon.