First Digital Camera

Just a quick additional comment about the importance of IS (Image Stabilization):

Most digital cameras - especially in the compact class - have a lot of noise and noise-reduction artifacts at higher ISO. ISO simply reflects setting the speed of the digital "film", such that lower light pictures require a higher ISO to capture without blurring (the exposure time at higher ISO is less, hence blurring from slight camera movement is minimized). This is where Image Stabilization is so important, because it essentially creates a "virtual tripod", allowing you to use the higher quality LOW ISO (say ~ ISO 100) pictures. I agree that on sunny outdoor shots, IS does little to help you, but a beautiful wide-angle cathedral shot like this it's near essential:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1033&thread=23357263

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http://www.pbase.com/kidziti

IS is great, but you can certainly get excellent photos without it. Just look at all the A620/630/640 pictures - many of them are outstanding.

For a new photographer, I think it can be dangerous taking the mindset "now that I have IS, my pictures will be great". IS is just one of many factors that can help you take better pictures. Taking a photography course, understanding composition, learning to use manual controls, buying a camera with a larger sensor etc.... these can all help improve your photos as much as IS.
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/thermal/

You can see how Sony H9 is an involution from Sony H5. Now Sony sensors have passed the threshold of megapixels that the law of physics allow (it seems that for 1/2.5" that threshold is abut 6 M and for 1/8" 8 M). The desperate struggle to conceal noise gives you impressionist paintings instead of photos.

A710 is over the limit but what will be with new 8 M sensors we'll see if Canon can do better than Sony.
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Victor
Bucuresti, Romania
http://s106.photobucket.com/albums/m268/victor_petcu/

I just thought of something. Would the software that comes with the camera be adaquate?

Also, after further consideration, I think that the Panasonic would serve me better. My only reservation with Panasonic is the short warranty.

I couldn't agree with you more!
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gail ~ http://www.pbase.com/gailb
My digital camera BLOGs: Panasonic TZ3, Canon SD700 & S2
http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-logs/index.php

kidziti said:

Unlike school, however, you can copy mine...

Click to expand...

Love it! That's a good one and it made me chuckle (ok, I'm a former teacher).

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gail ~ http://www.pbase.com/gailb
My digital camera BLOGs: Panasonic TZ3, Canon SD700 & S2
http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-logs/index.php

I am 60 also and IS is a lot more important now than it would have been 10 or 20 years ago. I have the SD700IS and bought a Tamrac 5206 soft case. I attach the padded case to my belt and it is no more cumbersom to carry than a cell phone. With a 4gb card in the camera and a pouch for a spare battery I can take a lot of pictures and video in a very small package.

Before you buy, go to the owner reviews here in DP review and you will read a lot of likes and little issues that may turn out to be a show stopper for your specific needs.

Daniell25 said:

I am now considering the Canon A710IS. It is not too large, has IS,
and I can use AA batteries. Anyone with this camera feel free to
comment.

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I don't have one of those cameras but having gotten shed of any cameras using AA batteries I wouldn't have another one that uses them - not for anything. Would you buy a laptop PC or cell phone that runs on them? They are old technology - fine for kids' toys and flashlights but I wouldn't have a camera that runs on them. I've had a few cameras that used AA's and been one of those who believed that was best, but having switched to a couple of camera using lithium ion batteries, there is no comparison.

Daniell25 said:

I just thought of something. Would the software that comes with the
camera be adaquate?
Also, after further consideration, I think that the Panasonic would
serve me better. My only reservation with Panasonic is the short
warranty.

Click to expand...

I assume you're referring to the software for the Panasonic camera ... the TZ3 maybe. I can't answer this question because I don't have a TZ3, but it would be best to post this question on the Panasonic forum.

My main camera is a Panasonic FZ30 (It's the previous edition of their top of the line super zoom.) and I like it a lot. As I mentioned before I also own a Canon SD800, which I also like, but if the TZ3 had been available at the time, I probably would have purchased it instead ... oh, well.

Lastly, I was at Costco today (in Santa Cruz, CA) and they are selling the TZ3 for $320. However, it's not available via Costco online. Whatever camera you purchase, you should also get extra memory (SD card).

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• Simon

http://scpics.smugmug.com/

Daniell25 said:

I just thought of something. Would the software that comes with the
camera be adaquate?
Also, after further consideration, I think that the Panasonic would
serve me better. My only reservation with Panasonic is the short
warranty.

Click to expand...

If you purchase it with a VISA Platinum or MasterCard (Gold - ? ...can't remember the level of MC but you can check this), it doubles the manufacturer's warranty! Just make sure you purchase from a Panasonic authorized dealer (like Best Buy for example).

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http://www.pbase.com/kidziti