Anatoli,
After reading about the camera you already have, I wondered if you
would be happy with a downgrade! On the other hand, I can also see why
you would not want to carry the Cyber-Shot 717 around all the time.
Fortunatly, there are many lightweight digital cameras on the market
today.
There are several things I’d focus on here:
Media/Memory
Depending on your budget, you may want to consider getting a back-up
camera that uses the same type of media that your primary camera uses.
That way, you can double your memory resources. (When my daughter who
lives nearby bought her digital camera, she chose it based on the
media type MY camera used. It really works out well, as we share
compact flash cards. It’s particularly nice when one of us goes on
vacation, as we take ALL of our collective compact flash cards!). As
your current camera uses a Sony memory stick, you may want to select
another Sony camera!
Batteries
Next, I would think sharing the same type batteries would be
beneficial to you. (Yes, my daughter and I have the same type of
rechargeable batteries and chargers, for quick interchange, especially
at family functions). Some cameras are know to deplete batteries
quicker than others. Rechargeable batteries are a must. A camera that
allows the use of regular alkaline batteries in case of emergency is a
great feature too.
Weight
How important is the weight of the camera to you? For a few extra
ounces you can get more features. I prefer a “meatier” camera, one
that feels good in my hand, one upon which I can get a good grip!
Other features:
Things I would insist on would be: a USB connection and cable, a
good(enough) LCD display, for easy immediate viewing. I have not been
overly impressed with the docking stations I have seen. They do serve
the dual purpose of charging the battery when not used for uploading
pictures. If you use your camera daily, as I do, it is of little
benefit.
The Canon S220, one that you mentioned as having on your list, is only
6.3 ounces! However it has only 2.1 megapixels, and uses Compact Flash
cards as its memory storage. The optical zoom is questionable, and is
describes as “2x optical zoom lens and 5x combined zoom” on the Canon
site.
http://www.powershot.com/powershot2/s200/
http://www.powershot.com/powershot2/s200/specs.html
This owner says the S220 is somewhat slow and has “shutter lag”, weak
flash, and somewhat blurry pictures. She was not terribly happy with
this model, and recommends checking out the “Return policy” before
purchasing.
http://www.epinions.com/content_64753143428
The Canon S20 got a pretty good review on this page from ZDNet.com.
The optical zoom is 2x , and has 3.34 megapixels. For an extra $100,
you can get cost-effective nickel hydride batteries, an external
recharger, and an AC adapter. This digital camera also has a separate
button battery to protect its memory settings. The review states that
the camera is slim, but not lightweight, weighing 12.8 ounces. List
price was $630 (USD)
http://www.zdnet.com/supercenter/stories/review/0,12070,194992,00.html
http://www.zdnet.com/supercenter/stories/specs/0,12071,194992,00.html
At PCWorld’s site, I found a good review of the Canon PowerShot A200
on this page:
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,106151,00.asp
Scroll down to Number 7. It has a 4x digital zoom not optical
however), 2 megapixels, comes with an 8mg Compact Flash card, and
costs between $149-$212 (USD).
The Sony CyberShot DSC P2 2.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom, weighs 6
ounces, and uses a memory stick like your present camera. Comes with
an InfoLithium battery, AC adapter and charger.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2002_reviews/p2.html#specs
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2002_reviews/p2_pg2.html
Price comparisons of Sony Cybershot DSC P2
http://zdnetshopper.cnet.com/shopping/resellers/0-11326-1411-9063194.html
The Minolta X review is here:
http://www.zdnet.com/supercenter/stories/overview/0,12069,553380,00.html
In the first review above, the woman who was not overly pleased with
her Canon S220 was even less pleased with this model. However, it
weighs in at 5.5 ounces, has a 3.3x optical zoom, and 2.11 megapixels.
This camers uses the smaller SD/MMC memory cards.
http://www.zdnet.com/supercenter/stories/overview/0,12069,553380,00.html
http://www.zdnet.com/supercenter/stories/specs/0,12071,553380,00.html
I looked on Zdnet under “ Budget Digital Cameras”
http://www.zdnet.com/supercenter/filters/compareresults/1,12155,,00.html?cat_id=18&mpid=&pid=555479&pid=561121&pid=555474&pid=561506&pid=556030
The Canon PowerShot A40 weighs in at just over 13.3 ounces, has a 3x
optical zoom, and 2.0 megapixels, has a fast shutter speed , and uses
compact flash memory cards. Check here for full specs:
http://www.zdnet.com/supercenter/stories/specs/0,12071,555479,00.html
In November’s issue of PC Photo, there is a nice comparison chart of
digital cameras under $400.(No recommendations, just specs) Check
here:
http://pcphotomag.com/content/2002/nov/simple.html
and for more
www.pcphotomag.com
With all that said, my own personal opinion, regardless of any review,
although the reviews are good, is the Epson PhotoPC line. The new
Epson PhotoPC 3000 weighs in a .73 pounds dripping wet (Without
batteries), 3.3 megapixels, and 3x optical zoom.
http://www.photo.net/ezshop/product?product_id=2423
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/3000Z/30ZA2.HTM
The camera I bought 2 years ago is an Epson PhotoPC 850Z, and it is
the best of what I’ve seen. It is somewhat larger than those you
listed, but it has a great grip, and I do drag it all over, in a nice
padded bag. It is pretty good at battery-sparing as well. I have
uploaded my images to online photo-printers and gotten extremely sharp
resolution on 8x10 prints. Everyone is impressed with my prints, even
when not impressed with my photography skills!!! The detail is
fantastic. It cost $750 2 years ago, and can be had now for around
$400. I personally recommend it. From all I have read, all of the
Epson PhotoPC cameras are great. I think you would be happier with a
somewhat better camera.
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/epson/photopc850z-review/index.html
So, anatoli, in a thumbnail, I would recommend getting another Sony,
as in Sony DCS P2, thus sharing resources such as memory and battery,
and being light in weight; or a somewhat chunkier camera, but,( in my
humble opinion) a great camera, an Epson PhotoPC series.
If anything in my answer is not clear, please ask for an Answer
Clarification before rating. This will allow me to do further research
of clarify anything I did not clearly explain.
Say Cheese,
~crabcakes |
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