I'm Camera Shopping... and need help!

Michelle · #1 08-02-2010, 11:52 AM

Paging our camera experts!

I lost my Canon PowerShot SD1100 a few weeks ago.

For a while now, I've been thinking about upgrading to something nicer than an SD model, so now is my chance. 80% of the photos I take are at livestock shows. The animals I'm shooting are in pavilions (where they are in a darker area with A LOT of light coming in from the sides), or in arenas (where the lights are way up high). In both cases, the animals in the pictures turn out pretty dark. Also, 50% of the time, I'm shooting from at least 50' away and the area is pretty dusty. So I obviously need a camera more equipped for these conditions.

I want to spend under $500. I'd really like to stay in the Canon family, but really know nothing about cameras. I've looked on NewEgg.com and found the G11 and S90. Does anyone have experience with these cameras or can you tell from the specs if they would accomplish what I need? Any other suggestions?

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motordavid · #2 08-02-2010, 12:20 PM

Hi Mich,
Both are very good cams, with rave reviews...In a side by side comparo,
the only effective difference, imo, is the slightly longer optical zoom on the G11.

But, is it worth the $ diff? Dunno...

Fwiw, my old Canon S50 Powershot, remains a fabulous compact P&S cam,
6 years old...
I suspect the S90 is simply a higher tech/newer version of my old S50. Thus,
I would be inclined to pick the S90 over the G11.

Back at the Cattle Show ranch, that need to shoot 50-100 feet away, is problematic,
without a true telephoto or zoom tele, with an external flash: focusing, throwing flash
that far effectively, etc. are all tough to do. And, very difficult with a Point & Shoot.

Not trying to bump you up into DSLR.

But, for all the other shooting you might do, besides long range into a dark area,
for the dough, and "pocket/purse performance", I would take the S90.
GL, mD

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SANguru · #3 08-02-2010, 12:26 PM

how much do you want to spend?

Michelle · #4 08-02-2010, 01:33 PM

Thanks for all of the info, mD! Definitely not looking to jump into a DSLR quite yet, or at any point! I'll save that for the pros like yourself.

Josh -

I totally meant to put that in the first post! Under $500.

haigha · #5 08-02-2010, 02:35 PM

Here's a less expensive option from Canon that gives you 10x zoom:

Amazon.com: Canon PowerShot SX120IS 10MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Images Stabilized Zoom and 3-inch LCD: Camera & Photo

Zoom seems to be one of your most important requirements.

There are some minuses on this one compared to the higher priced cameras. The form factor vs. the SD may be a deal killer (see the customer-submitted comparison pic on Amazon). Also, check out the customer reviews which are mixed.

Also, it uses AA batteries (can be a plus since you can buy a boatload at your local warehouse store for about $12).

Meiac09 · #6 08-02-2010, 02:53 PM

I'm not an expert on the P+S other than my experiences, I've gone through 3 Sony Cybershots, all of which have lost the ability to focus. My friend's 5 year old Canon SD-850 IS is still working great, and takes good pictures (for a P+S, I've moved on to a DSLR and my phone for P+S stuff) so I think you're on the right track as far as series is. Maybe a more upgraded version?

Michelle · #7 08-02-2010, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haigha

Here's a less expensive option from Canon that gives you 10x zoom:

Amazon.com: Canon PowerShot SX120IS 10MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Images Stabilized Zoom and 3-inch LCD: Camera & Photo

Zoom seems to be one of your most important requirements.

There are some minuses on this one compared to the higher priced cameras. The form factor vs. the SD may be a deal killer (see the customer-submitted comparison pic on Amazon). Also, check out the customer reviews which are mixed.

Also, it uses AA batteries (can be a plus since you can buy a boatload at your local warehouse store for about $12).

Thanks for the link. I'll check that one out.

Zoom is important, but the absolutely #1 priority for me is having something that will shoot in crappy lighting. I crop most of my photos, so the zoom feature isn't as much of a requirement as the lighting.

Actually, the AA batteries are a con for me. I like having a much lighter rechargable lithium-ion battery.

rayxi · #8 08-02-2010, 03:48 PM

If you want to stick with Canon I recommend the SX210:
Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Digital Camera (Purple) 4247B001 - B&H

It has 14x optical zoom, image stability, takes 720 HD video, has all the manual settings as well as the usual P&S modes. The low light mode goes to 6400 ISO but it's no free lunch as pics tend to noiser. But hey, a noisy pic with decent exposure is better than a pic with just shadows. No barn mode though.

I have the SX200 which this one replaced and I'm very happy with it. It goes with us whenever I don't feel like lugging my DSLR gear.

SANguru · #9 08-02-2010, 04:08 PM

what ray said. Also.. are you shooting in low light mode/cranking up the ISO etc?. all the point and shoots have pretty good capabilities but you gotta set it.. and of course.. RTFM!

buy it through costco.com online. They will extend the manufacturer warranty and you also have a much better return policy.

amacman · #10 08-02-2010, 04:25 PM

I recently bought a Fuji S2500 after spending too much time trying to find something reasonably priced in compact form I opted for this bridge camera costing £180 ( $ 260 )
it has 18x zoom , HD video , has low light setting and other settings by turning a wheel on top of camera , and 12 million pixels .it can be set manually if you prefer but I have not tried those functions yet .
here are some pics .
1. Admiralty arch at 2 am on auto setting with flash . both pics were same size before I messed up trying to make them upload here .
2. Admiralty arch at 2 am on ambient light setting .no flash .the bigger brighter picture .
3 and 4 inside a dim cave on ambient light setting . the pics show more light and detail than I could see with my eyes .and the person in the corner was hardly visible to the eye .easily over 50 ft away and no zoom in any pics .
maybe show more pics after typing this .
it has an optical viewfinder which is very useful in bright sunlight although the lcd screen is a good size and very clear .
it can do super macro or you can narrow the field of view .
a cheap camera which may suit your needs
I did not want to spend fortunes because the family use it and are not very gentle with things .pic quality was better before I resized these pics to upload here .

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