Camera Advice & Reviews

I've been awfully fond of my Canon Elph (Powershot S400) since I first got it 3 (or was it 4?) years ago. I love it's size, it takes decent photos (particularly since I started playing around with the manual settings), and I get the digital quality I need for my pretty casual use (it's a 4 mega pixel model). The only thing I don't like about it? Twice it has let me down at really inconvenient times. First at SXSW two years ago and now this weekend at Urban Craft Uprising in Seattle. I'm rather bummed that it crapped out on me this weekend as I was so inspired by UCU, and also spent time with (and met some new) friends whose lovely smiles I would have loved to bring home in my pocket. Alas, the first time it crapped out on me (just wouldn't turn on) I sent it back to Canon for repair and with little fuss got it back in pretty reasonable time. Today I went to the Canon website to arrange sending it back for repair again (this time it turns on but the viewfinder just shows a blank image, though it will allow me to preview previously taken images so it's not the viewfinder that is done for), but was disappointed to learn that because I'm beyond my warranty the cost for repair would be $149, plus tax and shipping. I'm a girl who very much likes to reuse and repair rather than replace objects, but for $149 one can very nearly get a spanky new camera. So... So, I'm a bit torn as to what to do. I may infact send it back for repair, as I do like my camera, but I've been thinking about getting a digital SLR for a while now and am wondering if now is the time. Or, if perhaps I should just replace this little critter with a newer version. So as I contemplate that (and I've got a while as this will need to be a 2009 purchase), I'm wondering if anyone has a camera they love so much that they think I should know about it as I weigh my options. I'm likely to either go for another compact point and shoot or a fancy digital SLR, so thoughts on either type of camera are most welcome.

Comments

[alex]

I just got the Canon Powershot 590 on Saturday because my fancy digital rebel that I've had for over 6 years broke down. I knew I was going to get another rebel but needed something in the meantime that was inexpensive and a bit more portable.

I went with the 590 because of so many great reviews and the fact that Amazon has it for $110! I like the size of it and the feel. It feels a little toy'ish because of the plastic case but it's been good so far. It's small enough to fit in my purse pocket and has all the functions I wanted (including image stabaliser - need that with all my Urth!!)

You can see it here: http://tinyurl.com/6yn7yh

But I'm lusting after the Canon Xsi Rebel (http://preview.tinyurl.com/6q8jhb) and will get that as my high-end camera.

[fancy]

I've been lusting after an SLR but can't afford it (yet). I've been very happy with the Canon PowerShot A95 that I bought a few years ago. I like that it has many shooting modes, 5 mega pixels, and a flip screen (since I'm usually alone when I'm trying to get photos of myself, this is a big help). It is a bit larger than the tiny point and shoots out there now, but I don't mind this because the quality and reliability are great. Really, I think that you can't go wrong with most Canons.

Happy camera shopping!

[[email protected]]

SLR!!! Just do it! About 8 years ago I thought it was time to get with the times and put my film SLR cameras to rest. I asked my friends (including yourself!) their thoughts on digital cameras and ended up with a great little Canon Powershot A85 that really did the digital trick. Ideal for snap shots and website photos. But somewhere along the way I lost my excitement about photography. Then I bit the bullet and bought a Nikon D40 (at a very good discount price with an additional lens) and WOW!!!! This is what I was missing! So many more ways to play with capturing the image. I'd never go back. The bulk and additional weight of the camera are well worth the potential creativity. Let me know if you'd like any more info. See you next weekend!

[louise]

hihi!
i haven't checked out your blog for a while, but it must be fate that i'm checking it out today and seriously thinking of buying this: http://www.panasonic.ca/english/audiovideo/camerascamcorders/digitalstill/DMCLX3.asp

it's a point-n-shoot but with more (manual) features, and smaller than a digital slr - which i can see myself having a hard time lugging around.
i think they can be had for a cheaper price too...

[KayB]

I think you may want to give Canon another shot - my Elph had the same issue - black viewfinder- and was fixed since it was a known defect in the camera. We had it fixed about six months ago and havent had any problems since. The camera is five years old - so way out of warranty. My understanding was it was some sort of recall.

[Furniture removalists]

Just try also the Olympus digital slr :-)