Please help me find a camera!

[Marc]

I am the proud owner of a Canon EOS 10D with all the good stuff. Don't get me wrong, this equipment is far better than I - I doubt I'll ever be able to use all of its capabilities. The shots I’ve been able to capture so far are fantastic. The problem is size. You see, I ride a motorcycle, travel a lot for work, mountain bike, fly fish and a bunch of other stuff for which the 10D is a bit unwieldy. It's just not convenient to throw it in my pocket and take it out to a dinner with friends, etc. So, I’m looking for a second camera.

My requirements are fairly simple:

Relatively small size – I think the really small cameras are pretty cool
3+ Megapixels
Reasonably rugged (can throw in a pocket without worry)
Very good battery life
Water resistance would be nice but isn’t absolutely essential – I live in the NorthWest and it rains a lot here
Price less than or equal to $400
Compact Flash cards would be nice as I already have some – but not an absolute requirement
Ability to turn on and operate main camera functions with gloves (motorcycle shots) would be nice
I’ve read so many reviews, spec sheets and advertisements, I’m about to go nuts. I looked at (and really liked) the Pentax Optio S4 (http:///2003_reviews/optio_s4/s4_front_blk.jpg). On the up side, it is incredibly small, apparently takes excellent shots, got a great review and can be had for slightly more than $300. On the down side, I don’t think it’s weather resistant and I don’t know how well it will work with gloved hands.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/optio_s4/s4_front_blk.jpg

Next, I looked at the Olympus Stylus 400 (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/stylus400.html). According to Olympus, it’s water resistant and it looks like you might be able to operate this with gloved hands. It’s larger than the way-cool Pentax above, so it isn’t as cool – although it might still easily fit into a pocket. Another plus is that you can find these for around $300. It too has received good reviews and appears to take excellent shots.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/stylus400/400_front_blk.jpg

I’ve poked around on E-Bay looking at used Nikon 995’s because they came so highly recommended by a friend. However, used models seem to be going for more than either of the above two (new) cameras! The Canon PowerShot S400 (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/s400.html) is a cool camera, but it sells for about $400 and I’ve heard it’s hard to work with gloves on. Also, it’s not water resistant. Hell, there might be the perfect new camera about to be announced just around the corner in February!

Anyways, I’m at my wits end here. Any help you can provide me in clarifying my thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Marc

[gus]

They would both be my picks of the current bunch.




I am the proud owner of a Canon EOS 10D with all the good stuff. Don't get me wrong, this equipment is far better than I - I doubt I'll ever be able to use all of its capabilities. The shots I’ve been able to capture so far are fantastic. The problem is size. You see, I ride a motorcycle, travel a lot for work, mountain bike, fly fish and a bunch of other stuff for which the 10D is a bit unwieldy. It's just not convenient to throw it in my pocket and take it out to a dinner with friends, etc. So, I’m looking for a second camera.

My requirements are fairly simple:

Relatively small size – I think the really small cameras are pretty cool
3+ Megapixels
Reasonably rugged (can throw in a pocket without worry)
Very good battery life
Water resistance would be nice but isn’t absolutely essential – I live in the NorthWest and it rains a lot here
Price less than or equal to $400
Compact Flash cards would be nice as I already have some – but not an absolute requirement
Ability to turn on and operate main camera functions with gloves (motorcycle shots) would be nice
I’ve read so many reviews, spec sheets and advertisements, I’m about to go nuts. I looked at (and really liked) the Pentax Optio S4 (http:///2003_reviews/optio_s4/s4_front_blk.jpg). On the up side, it is incredibly small, apparently takes excellent shots, got a great review and can be had for slightly more than $300. On the down side, I don’t think it’s weather resistant and I don’t know how well it will work with gloved hands.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/optio_s4/s4_front_blk.jpg

Next, I looked at the Olympus Stylus 400 (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/stylus400.html). According to Olympus, it’s water resistant and it looks like you might be able to operate this with gloved hands. It’s larger than the way-cool Pentax above, so it isn’t as cool – although it might still easily fit into a pocket. Another plus is that you can find these for around $300. It too has received good reviews and appears to take excellent shots.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/stylus400/400_front_blk.jpg

I’ve poked around on E-Bay looking at used Nikon 995’s because they came so highly recommended by a friend. However, used models seem to be going for more than either of the above two (new) cameras! The Canon PowerShot S400 (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/s400.html) is a cool camera, but it sells for about $400 and I’ve heard it’s hard to work with gloves on. Also, it’s not water resistant. Hell, there might be the perfect new camera about to be announced just around the corner in February!

Anyways, I’m at my wits end here. Any help you can provide me in clarifying my thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Marc

[ian408]

They would both be my picks of the current bunch.Several people have gone with the S400. I went the S50 route. I can
one hand it albeit poorly at the moment. But it does work.

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/1851504-M.jpg

I liked the cover over the lens and it's a bit larger than the S400. More
features, same price too.

[gus]

I would have a look at the QVR40 from casio as well. It claims virtually nil lag time if that is important for a pocket camera




I am the proud owner of a Canon EOS 10D with all the good stuff. Don't get me wrong, this equipment is far better than I - I doubt I'll ever be able to use all of its capabilities. The shots I’ve been able to capture so far are fantastic. The problem is size. You see, I ride a motorcycle, travel a lot for work, mountain bike, fly fish and a bunch of other stuff for which the 10D is a bit unwieldy. It's just not convenient to throw it in my pocket and take it out to a dinner with friends, etc. So, I’m looking for a second camera.

My requirements are fairly simple:

Relatively small size – I think the really small cameras are pretty cool
3+ Megapixels
Reasonably rugged (can throw in a pocket without worry)
Very good battery life
Water resistance would be nice but isn’t absolutely essential – I live in the NorthWest and it rains a lot here
Price less than or equal to $400
Compact Flash cards would be nice as I already have some – but not an absolute requirement
Ability to turn on and operate main camera functions with gloves (motorcycle shots) would be nice
I’ve read so many reviews, spec sheets and advertisements, I’m about to go nuts. I looked at (and really liked) the Pentax Optio S4 (http:///2003_reviews/optio_s4/s4_front_blk.jpg). On the up side, it is incredibly small, apparently takes excellent shots, got a great review and can be had for slightly more than $300. On the down side, I don’t think it’s weather resistant and I don’t know how well it will work with gloved hands.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/optio_s4/s4_front_blk.jpg

Next, I looked at the Olympus Stylus 400 (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/stylus400.html). According to Olympus, it’s water resistant and it looks like you might be able to operate this with gloved hands. It’s larger than the way-cool Pentax above, so it isn’t as cool – although it might still easily fit into a pocket. Another plus is that you can find these for around $300. It too has received good reviews and appears to take excellent shots.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/stylus400/400_front_blk.jpg

I’ve poked around on E-Bay looking at used Nikon 995’s because they came so highly recommended by a friend. However, used models seem to be going for more than either of the above two (new) cameras! The Canon PowerShot S400 (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/s400.html) is a cool camera, but it sells for about $400 and I’ve heard it’s hard to work with gloves on. Also, it’s not water resistant. Hell, there might be the perfect new camera about to be announced just around the corner in February!

Anyways, I’m at my wits end here. Any help you can provide me in clarifying my thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Marc

[DoctorIt]

You probably ended up with the 300D for a reason, right? Stick with what you like and go for one of the smaller Canon's. I had a S100 for years before I bought my 300D. I like the many similar characteristics between them - both use CF, same FileViewerUtility, same remote, menus are similar... Made it a little easier for me to jump up to the 300D. Granted, you are going "down", but still.

[Richard Cabesa]

I really like my Canon A80. 4 megapixel, CF cards, AA bateries. It's a little bigger than the Canon S series but the shape makes for a secure grip with gloves on. I have no problem operating the camera even with my winter gloves while on the moto.
David

[wxwax]

Marc, how about going down to a store and putting your paws on some of your contenders? Might help eliminate/elevate some.

[Marc]

Marc, how about going down to a store and putting your paws on some of your contenders? Might help eliminate/elevate some.Read every review I could. Spoke to fish. Went to several stores and settled on...

http://www.powershot.com/powershot2/s400/images/prod_img.jpg

I've got an anniversary coming up and I've dropped a hint or two. You never know what might show up. Now that I've picked one, just watch Canon come out with the S500 the week after I get it...

Thanks for the help!

Marc

[wxwax]

Sweet camera. High on my lust list. Congratulations. :thumb Now, where's that message board for dropping hints to the wife....

[Buddy]

marc, after two weeks what do you think about the S400??

[wxwax]

What he thinks is that he was right - Canon has come out with the S500! :rofl

[drholm]

Marc...I went through the same process and ended up with a new S400 a few weeks ago. So far it has exceeded my expectations. Costco online had it at $399 including a second battery. Their 6 month, no questions asked, refund policy made it a no-brainer.

The large shutter release button seems to work for me with riding gloves. What did you decide to use for image processing? Irfanview or the software that came with the S400?

[fish]

the s400 rocks. small, solid, good quality. easier to use than a 10D (damhik).

as far as i know, MPM has not purcased a camera...he's waiting for his wife to buy it for him.

[kbasa]

I like mine, though it's taking me a bit to master it.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/2404532-M.jpg

[ian408]

I like mine, though it's taking me a bit to master it.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/2404532-M.jpg
Tasty lookin' stuff there kbasa...


ian

[wxwax]

I'm getting the feeling that kbasa eats and drinks well.

[komet]

I'm getting the feeling that kbasa eats and drinks well.
I think you are right!

[Marc]

Happy Anniversary!

Well, today's the BIG day. Went out for a nice dinner, had some wine and exchanged gifts. Guess what? I got a new S400!

So, here's the dilema. The frau is OK with me returning it and getting an S500 or S410 - but they're not out yet. The higher pixel count makes no difference to me. However, the reduced shutter lag time would really be great. After all, I've really gotten spoiled by the 10D - I'd really miss that *now* feeling when I push the shutter release button.

Whichever way I go, I'll be keeping this S400/410/500 for a while. So photogs, what would you do?

Marc

[ian408]

Happy Anniversary!

Well, today's the BIG day. Went out for a nice dinner, had some wine and exchanged gifts. Guess what? I got a new S400!

So, here's the dilema. The frau is OK with me returning it and getting an S500 or S410 - but they're not out yet. The higher pixel count makes no difference to me. However, the reduced shutter lag time would really be great. After all, I've really gotten spoiled by the 10D - I'd really miss that *now* feeling when I push the shutter release button.

Whichever way I go, I'll be keeping this S400/410/500 for a while. So photogs, what would you do?

Marc
Keep the S400. It won't be that big a deal. Trust me.

Ian

[wxwax]

I'd go for the faster response time. I think it's a big deal. :dunno

[fish]

Keep the S400. It won't be that big a deal. Trust me.

Ian

And kiss your wife sweetly.:sweet

[Marc]

Thanks for the thoughts, guys! I went over to DPreview and read all the data gleaned from the guys over there - turns out I misread the spec sheet. There is NOT a faster resonese time as I had thought. There is only enhanced video capabilities which I'll never use.

So, last night I opened the package and started charging the battery. It means more to use the gift my wife gave me, than to take it back for a slightly more flashy unit.

Look for 10D/S400 comparison shots soon!

Marc

[wxwax]

:thumb. Thanks for saying that, I was wondering... I thought I'd missed something, was going to go back and re-read today. Excellent camera!