OT: digital camera recommendations, anyone?

[SD Transplant]

I would also back up anything from Canon or Nikon. For mobility, I would recommend the Canon Elph series.

[ucodegen]

@fat_lazy_union_

Haven’t decided if the extra $100 would be well spent on the 12.1mp versus 8mp, especially with these point and shoot, I suspect there’s a limit how effective a higher res camera would be beyond 6mp.

As you go to a higher resolution on same size sensor chip, you run into ISO noise issues. You are trying to capture light with a smaller cell within the chip. To do this, the gain on the op-amps has to be pushed up. Any noise or even quantization noise gets magnified. DPreview shows both the resolution and sensor size. They also run noise analysis.

sensor size definitions

One thing I did notice is that the SD950IS(12Mpixel) has a larger sensor (1/1.7″) vs the SD850IS(1/2.5″)(8Mpixel). This would mean that the SD950IS will do as well or better in low light and the flash response would be better (would not need as bright a flash).
SD850IS photo sensor cell is 2.2um across
SD950IS photo sensor cell is 2.2um across

If you are shooting 4×6, anything over about 4Mpixel doesn’t add anything. If you want to print an 8×10, larger resolution does matter. I have a 12Mpixel DSLR and a friend of mine has a 6Mpixel DSLR. The difference is quite noticeable. on 8x10s.

I’m sort of bummed that it’s getting harder to find simple point and shoot that take the compact flash format. I hate memory sticks and SD cards are yet another format I need to stock now.

I agree here.. for the heck of it, I checked if my old point and shoot was still available.. it is and they are asking insane prices for it now, much more than what I paid. It does take CF (as do my other digitals).

[ucodegen]

@fat_lazy_union_

Haven’t decided if the extra $100 would be well spent on the 12.1mp versus 8mp, especially with these point and shoot, I suspect there’s a limit how effective a higher res camera would be beyond 6mp.

As you go to a higher resolution on same size sensor chip, you run into ISO noise issues. You are trying to capture light with a smaller cell within the chip. To do this, the gain on the op-amps has to be pushed up. Any noise or even quantization noise gets magnified. DPreview shows both the resolution and sensor size. They also run noise analysis.

sensor size definitions

One thing I did notice is that the SD950IS(12Mpixel) has a larger sensor (1/1.7″) vs the SD850IS(1/2.5″)(8Mpixel). This would mean that the SD950IS will do as well or better in low light and the flash response would be better (would not need as bright a flash).
SD850IS photo sensor cell is 2.2um across
SD950IS photo sensor cell is 2.2um across

If you are shooting 4×6, anything over about 4Mpixel doesn’t add anything. If you want to print an 8×10, larger resolution does matter. I have a 12Mpixel DSLR and a friend of mine has a 6Mpixel DSLR. The difference is quite noticeable. on 8x10s.

I’m sort of bummed that it’s getting harder to find simple point and shoot that take the compact flash format. I hate memory sticks and SD cards are yet another format I need to stock now.

I agree here.. for the heck of it, I checked if my old point and shoot was still available.. it is and they are asking insane prices for it now, much more than what I paid. It does take CF (as do my other digitals).

[ucodegen]

@fat_lazy_union_

Haven’t decided if the extra $100 would be well spent on the 12.1mp versus 8mp, especially with these point and shoot, I suspect there’s a limit how effective a higher res camera would be beyond 6mp.

As you go to a higher resolution on same size sensor chip, you run into ISO noise issues. You are trying to capture light with a smaller cell within the chip. To do this, the gain on the op-amps has to be pushed up. Any noise or even quantization noise gets magnified. DPreview shows both the resolution and sensor size. They also run noise analysis.

sensor size definitions

One thing I did notice is that the SD950IS(12Mpixel) has a larger sensor (1/1.7″) vs the SD850IS(1/2.5″)(8Mpixel). This would mean that the SD950IS will do as well or better in low light and the flash response would be better (would not need as bright a flash).
SD850IS photo sensor cell is 2.2um across
SD950IS photo sensor cell is 2.2um across

If you are shooting 4×6, anything over about 4Mpixel doesn’t add anything. If you want to print an 8×10, larger resolution does matter. I have a 12Mpixel DSLR and a friend of mine has a 6Mpixel DSLR. The difference is quite noticeable. on 8x10s.

I’m sort of bummed that it’s getting harder to find simple point and shoot that take the compact flash format. I hate memory sticks and SD cards are yet another format I need to stock now.

I agree here.. for the heck of it, I checked if my old point and shoot was still available.. it is and they are asking insane prices for it now, much more than what I paid. It does take CF (as do my other digitals).

[ucodegen]

@fat_lazy_union_

Haven’t decided if the extra $100 would be well spent on the 12.1mp versus 8mp, especially with these point and shoot, I suspect there’s a limit how effective a higher res camera would be beyond 6mp.

As you go to a higher resolution on same size sensor chip, you run into ISO noise issues. You are trying to capture light with a smaller cell within the chip. To do this, the gain on the op-amps has to be pushed up. Any noise or even quantization noise gets magnified. DPreview shows both the resolution and sensor size. They also run noise analysis.

sensor size definitions

One thing I did notice is that the SD950IS(12Mpixel) has a larger sensor (1/1.7″) vs the SD850IS(1/2.5″)(8Mpixel). This would mean that the SD950IS will do as well or better in low light and the flash response would be better (would not need as bright a flash).
SD850IS photo sensor cell is 2.2um across
SD950IS photo sensor cell is 2.2um across

If you are shooting 4×6, anything over about 4Mpixel doesn’t add anything. If you want to print an 8×10, larger resolution does matter. I have a 12Mpixel DSLR and a friend of mine has a 6Mpixel DSLR. The difference is quite noticeable. on 8x10s.

I’m sort of bummed that it’s getting harder to find simple point and shoot that take the compact flash format. I hate memory sticks and SD cards are yet another format I need to stock now.

I agree here.. for the heck of it, I checked if my old point and shoot was still available.. it is and they are asking insane prices for it now, much more than what I paid. It does take CF (as do my other digitals).

[ucodegen]

@fat_lazy_union_

Haven’t decided if the extra $100 would be well spent on the 12.1mp versus 8mp, especially with these point and shoot, I suspect there’s a limit how effective a higher res camera would be beyond 6mp.

As you go to a higher resolution on same size sensor chip, you run into ISO noise issues. You are trying to capture light with a smaller cell within the chip. To do this, the gain on the op-amps has to be pushed up. Any noise or even quantization noise gets magnified. DPreview shows both the resolution and sensor size. They also run noise analysis.

sensor size definitions

One thing I did notice is that the SD950IS(12Mpixel) has a larger sensor (1/1.7″) vs the SD850IS(1/2.5″)(8Mpixel). This would mean that the SD950IS will do as well or better in low light and the flash response would be better (would not need as bright a flash).
SD850IS photo sensor cell is 2.2um across
SD950IS photo sensor cell is 2.2um across

If you are shooting 4×6, anything over about 4Mpixel doesn’t add anything. If you want to print an 8×10, larger resolution does matter. I have a 12Mpixel DSLR and a friend of mine has a 6Mpixel DSLR. The difference is quite noticeable. on 8x10s.

I’m sort of bummed that it’s getting harder to find simple point and shoot that take the compact flash format. I hate memory sticks and SD cards are yet another format I need to stock now.

I agree here.. for the heck of it, I checked if my old point and shoot was still available.. it is and they are asking insane prices for it now, much more than what I paid. It does take CF (as do my other digitals).

[Coronita]

Again folks, thanks for more input. I hate shopping for electronics, because the moment you buy it, it depreciates by 50% the next day. But I guess I can think of it as a freebie.

 

ucodegen,

thanks for the input. I didn't realize the sd950is has a larger sensor. I thought both had the same size sensor, which to me made think the higher res a moot point. But now that you point out sensor size is different, now I'm leaning there. For point and shoot, we rarely do anything larger than 5×7. But I guess since this is a free gift card, I might as well use it up. We've use to use a Digital S110, which is a 2.1 mp camera. Gave my sis a S300(or something like that) and my dad an S400(or something like that). Everyone's been pretty happy. I thought there might be something other interesting from another brand. Sony was interesting, but again I have issues with memory sticks…. I guess I'll continue the tradition with canon.

For quality shots of my daughter, I still plan on using my Digital Rebel XT with my Tamron 17-50/2.8. Yes, I'm no pro, and couldn't justify buying a full frame Canon DSLR with a Canon L series lense. I've been pretty happy with it, except the lense won't be transferable to a full frame camera if I ever want to go there. Plus it was also free from another gift card and with Best Buy making a $100 pricing mistake on the body.

Guess I need to buy another memory card too. Grrrrr

 

[img_assist|nid=5962|title=selfportrait|desc=|link=node|align=left|width=100|height=80]

—– Sour grapes for everyone!

[Coronita]

Again folks, thanks for more input. I hate shopping for electronics, because the moment you buy it, it depreciates by 50% the next day. But I guess I can think of it as a freebie.

 

ucodegen,

thanks for the input. I didn't realize the sd950is has a larger sensor. I thought both had the same size sensor, which to me made think the higher res a moot point. But now that you point out sensor size is different, now I'm leaning there. For point and shoot, we rarely do anything larger than 5×7. But I guess since this is a free gift card, I might as well use it up. We've use to use a Digital S110, which is a 2.1 mp camera. Gave my sis a S300(or something like that) and my dad an S400(or something like that). Everyone's been pretty happy. I thought there might be something other interesting from another brand. Sony was interesting, but again I have issues with memory sticks…. I guess I'll continue the tradition with canon.

For quality shots of my daughter, I still plan on using my Digital Rebel XT with my Tamron 17-50/2.8. Yes, I'm no pro, and couldn't justify buying a full frame Canon DSLR with a Canon L series lense. I've been pretty happy with it, except the lense won't be transferable to a full frame camera if I ever want to go there. Plus it was also free from another gift card and with Best Buy making a $100 pricing mistake on the body.

Guess I need to buy another memory card too. Grrrrr

 

[img_assist|nid=5962|title=selfportrait|desc=|link=node|align=left|width=100|height=80]

—– Sour grapes for everyone!

[Coronita]

Again folks, thanks for more input. I hate shopping for electronics, because the moment you buy it, it depreciates by 50% the next day. But I guess I can think of it as a freebie.

 

ucodegen,

thanks for the input. I didn't realize the sd950is has a larger sensor. I thought both had the same size sensor, which to me made think the higher res a moot point. But now that you point out sensor size is different, now I'm leaning there. For point and shoot, we rarely do anything larger than 5×7. But I guess since this is a free gift card, I might as well use it up. We've use to use a Digital S110, which is a 2.1 mp camera. Gave my sis a S300(or something like that) and my dad an S400(or something like that). Everyone's been pretty happy. I thought there might be something other interesting from another brand. Sony was interesting, but again I have issues with memory sticks…. I guess I'll continue the tradition with canon.

For quality shots of my daughter, I still plan on using my Digital Rebel XT with my Tamron 17-50/2.8. Yes, I'm no pro, and couldn't justify buying a full frame Canon DSLR with a Canon L series lense. I've been pretty happy with it, except the lense won't be transferable to a full frame camera if I ever want to go there. Plus it was also free from another gift card and with Best Buy making a $100 pricing mistake on the body.

Guess I need to buy another memory card too. Grrrrr

 

[img_assist|nid=5962|title=selfportrait|desc=|link=node|align=left|width=100|height=80]

—– Sour grapes for everyone!

[Coronita]

Again folks, thanks for more input. I hate shopping for electronics, because the moment you buy it, it depreciates by 50% the next day. But I guess I can think of it as a freebie.

 

ucodegen,

thanks for the input. I didn't realize the sd950is has a larger sensor. I thought both had the same size sensor, which to me made think the higher res a moot point. But now that you point out sensor size is different, now I'm leaning there. For point and shoot, we rarely do anything larger than 5×7. But I guess since this is a free gift card, I might as well use it up. We've use to use a Digital S110, which is a 2.1 mp camera. Gave my sis a S300(or something like that) and my dad an S400(or something like that). Everyone's been pretty happy. I thought there might be something other interesting from another brand. Sony was interesting, but again I have issues with memory sticks…. I guess I'll continue the tradition with canon.

For quality shots of my daughter, I still plan on using my Digital Rebel XT with my Tamron 17-50/2.8. Yes, I'm no pro, and couldn't justify buying a full frame Canon DSLR with a Canon L series lense. I've been pretty happy with it, except the lense won't be transferable to a full frame camera if I ever want to go there. Plus it was also free from another gift card and with Best Buy making a $100 pricing mistake on the body.

Guess I need to buy another memory card too. Grrrrr

 

[img_assist|nid=5962|title=selfportrait|desc=|link=node|align=left|width=100|height=80]

—– Sour grapes for everyone!

[Coronita]

Again folks, thanks for more input. I hate shopping for electronics, because the moment you buy it, it depreciates by 50% the next day. But I guess I can think of it as a freebie.

 

ucodegen,

thanks for the input. I didn't realize the sd950is has a larger sensor. I thought both had the same size sensor, which to me made think the higher res a moot point. But now that you point out sensor size is different, now I'm leaning there. For point and shoot, we rarely do anything larger than 5×7. But I guess since this is a free gift card, I might as well use it up. We've use to use a Digital S110, which is a 2.1 mp camera. Gave my sis a S300(or something like that) and my dad an S400(or something like that). Everyone's been pretty happy. I thought there might be something other interesting from another brand. Sony was interesting, but again I have issues with memory sticks…. I guess I'll continue the tradition with canon.

For quality shots of my daughter, I still plan on using my Digital Rebel XT with my Tamron 17-50/2.8. Yes, I'm no pro, and couldn't justify buying a full frame Canon DSLR with a Canon L series lense. I've been pretty happy with it, except the lense won't be transferable to a full frame camera if I ever want to go there. Plus it was also free from another gift card and with Best Buy making a $100 pricing mistake on the body.

Guess I need to buy another memory card too. Grrrrr

 

[img_assist|nid=5962|title=selfportrait|desc=|link=node|align=left|width=100|height=80]

—– Sour grapes for everyone!

[Coronita]

Well, my Canon SD950IS arrived today. All I can say is wow. Image Stabilization is awesome. The sad part is that I think my pictures taken with this camera are coming out better than the ones I shoot with my digital SLR, which was considerably more expensive (tells you what my skills are like).

Anyway, thanks all for the recommendation. I haven’t bought a electronic toy that wasn’t work related in over 2.5 years. So I’m a little giddy right now. (Ah yes, it’s the little things in life that make things interesting).

[img_assist|nid=5962|title=selfportrait|desc=|link=node|align=left|width=100|height=80]

—– Sour grapes for everyone!

[Coronita]

Well, my Canon SD950IS arrived today. All I can say is wow. Image Stabilization is awesome. The sad part is that I think my pictures taken with this camera are coming out better than the ones I shoot with my digital SLR, which was considerably more expensive (tells you what my skills are like).

Anyway, thanks all for the recommendation. I haven’t bought a electronic toy that wasn’t work related in over 2.5 years. So I’m a little giddy right now. (Ah yes, it’s the little things in life that make things interesting).

[img_assist|nid=5962|title=selfportrait|desc=|link=node|align=left|width=100|height=80]

—– Sour grapes for everyone!

[Coronita]

Well, my Canon SD950IS arrived today. All I can say is wow. Image Stabilization is awesome. The sad part is that I think my pictures taken with this camera are coming out better than the ones I shoot with my digital SLR, which was considerably more expensive (tells you what my skills are like).

Anyway, thanks all for the recommendation. I haven’t bought a electronic toy that wasn’t work related in over 2.5 years. So I’m a little giddy right now. (Ah yes, it’s the little things in life that make things interesting).

[img_assist|nid=5962|title=selfportrait|desc=|link=node|align=left|width=100|height=80]

—– Sour grapes for everyone!

[Coronita]

Well, my Canon SD950IS arrived today. All I can say is wow. Image Stabilization is awesome. The sad part is that I think my pictures taken with this camera are coming out better than the ones I shoot with my digital SLR, which was considerably more expensive (tells you what my skills are like).

Anyway, thanks all for the recommendation. I haven’t bought a electronic toy that wasn’t work related in over 2.5 years. So I’m a little giddy right now. (Ah yes, it’s the little things in life that make things interesting).

[img_assist|nid=5962|title=selfportrait|desc=|link=node|align=left|width=100|height=80]

—– Sour grapes for everyone!

[Author]

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