Which would you buy and why...

[Jeff64142]

I have been researching forums and reviews for a few week and have narrowed down to a few choices, but the final choice is proving difficult. Any pros or cons to the following list of possibilities would be appreciated.

Sony DSC-S75 or 85
Canon S30 or S40 (out soon)
Olympus C-3000 or 3040

I'm trying to stay in the $300 - $500 range, but am finding that the $500-750 range has what a want most.

One of the biggest questions I have is this: since the Sony S75 is 2 years old, will is stand up to the semi-equivelant S30?? The S75 has a faster lens and will be more in my target price range. Are there any real disadvantages to it???

Thanks alot,
Jeff

 

[Bobby Kansara]

I currently own a DSC-F707. If I couldn't have that, then I'd buy a Canon G2. I know that it's not on your list, but I sincerely believe it to be the second best camera available right now. It's Compact Flash. That means more compatibility and cheaper memory. It's four megapixel (to compete with S85) and it's a camera you can grow into if you're a novice like me. Plus, Canon seems to support their products after purchase better than Sony appears to. You're more likely to see firmware upgrades to fix problems with a Canon than the Sony. (Keep in mind, I'm not pro-Canon; I bought a 707!). But if the G2 is too expensive, then the third best option may be the S85. I don't know how the S40 compares, but read Phil's review when it becomes available.

But the most important thing to keep in mind:

NO MATTER WHAT YOU BUY, YOU'RE CHOOSING AMONGST GREAT CAMERAS AND, THEREFORE, YOU WILL END UP WITH A GREAT CAMERA**

Don't let the evangelists convince you that their camera is the only good one. You'll drive yourself nuts with indecision.

My $0.02.

 

[fg]

For the price, the S75 can't be beat. And it's only a few months old, not 2 years! The S85 only has a marginal increase in resolution, and features.

If you want bang for your buck go S75. If you can spend the extra go 707, or consider the Cannon cameras (I'm not that familiar with them).

-fg