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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> camera comparisson - please help
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10/30/2005 04:18:55 PM · #1
Hi everybody !

I am buying a new camera, and I'm having seconds thoughts regarding which model to choose.
I've been using canon's A70 for almost two years now and I'm very pleased with it, but I've outgrown it and need something with more punch to it, with a focus on image quality (very lacking on the A70).
My default choice was the canon A620 since I'm very pleased with the canon A-series and was impressed by the specification of the A620, especially the 7MP.
But I've come across some other models that are about the same price range (my limit is around the 370$, it's in-fact a bit above my budget but I'll manage).
I'm very interested in the Fujifilm FinePix S5200 and would like your honest opinion if it's not a mistake going that direction.
The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z6 also looks promising, but except it's CCD IS it has nothing better to offer compared to the Z6.
I know the canon S2 IS is similar to the above two cameras but it's way above my overstretched budget, and I wasn't very impressed by it's features (especially poor macro for example).

As I said, my goal is to level up in terms of image quality and features (DSLR is way way too much right now).
I like the S5200 high ISO and RAW capabilities, which distinguish it from the other cameras. I know the canon A620 is lacking optical zoom and seems out of place in comparison to the others, but I really like it.

I would like to hear your opinions in regard to brand, optical zoom, image quality and MP.
And if you have your own favorite cameras that are 370$ tops and are packing a punch in them, I'd love to hear about it.

Here is a dpreview side-by-side comparison of the above models.

I have some time before I'll manage to raise the needed budget, so in the meanwhile I'd love to hear all your opinions.
Thank you,
Guy.
10/30/2005 04:28:24 PM · #2
Canon PowerShot A70 is not that bad. Look at this.
10/30/2005 04:42:10 PM · #3
S2 has poor macro? It's the only camera I've seen that can focus on dirt specs on the lens (focal range to 0" in super macro mode). Macro is one of the S2's strengths. THe S1 had poor macro.
10/30/2005 05:09:57 PM · #4
"It's the only camera I've seen that can focus on dirt specs on the lens"
really ?
I must have missed the super-macro.

Any thoughts regarding the FinePix S5200 ?
10/30/2005 05:42:49 PM · #5
I bought the S5500, (S5100) which is not the camera your asking of but the previous edition of the S5000 series! The most significant difference is an extra megapixel, zoom and any other capabilities are the same. I bought it almost a half a year ago, just before the S5200 came out, but I must say that it was well worth it. Being these cameras the same I would suggest you consider purchasing the S5200; considering the price of the camera, it's features and it's capabilities..

Go to here for some examples of my S5500 ( www.BjCnMxS.deviantart.com )

:) Hope this is helpful

Benjamin
10/30/2005 05:50:01 PM · #6
Originally posted by gemini:

"It's the only camera I've seen that can focus on dirt specs on the lens"
really ?
I must have missed the super-macro.

Any thoughts regarding the FinePix S5200 ?


Regular macro is average, but works well with the zoom. Super macro works fantaticly.

My $.02, the A70 is a decent camera, I use a A75 for work sometimes and my wife has the A85 (4mp version) for real estate stuff.
If you are not spending $500-800 to get something like a S2, or a step higher and get a Canon Pro1 or Nikon 8800 or... spend more and step into DSLR world, I think you will be dissapointed. Save up some $$$ and buy a real good camera, exactly what you want.

For now, buy an adaptor tube for your A70 (about $10 on ebay), and get some filters to play with. THe close up filter set will dramatically impove your macro capability.
10/31/2005 01:37:00 PM · #7
Benjamin, thanks for the advice.

louddog, spending more money isn't an option, I'm already streching my budget. What I am looking for is a new camera that will give me the biggest step forward in tearms of image quality and features.
The A70, as decent as it can be, has it's limits, and some filters aren't gonna make the difference.
10/31/2005 01:48:57 PM · #8
Out of the four that you mention, I would suggest looking most seriously at the two with image stabilisation - a wonderful feature to have.
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