Canon Help Under $250 with at least 6mp

[Thinking_Mommy]

Hi guys! Im in the market for a new camera and I would like to go with Canon this time. However there are a few things Im looking for in a camera and want yall to spam me with models that fit my specifications and your likes and dislikes about them!

I want at least 6mp
A decent optical zoom
Ability to change PASM
Video with Sound
Several Modes (macro,backlight,fireworks, etc)
Adjusting for lighting conditions (tungston,outdoors etc)
And I would love the ability to add lenses and whatnot, but its not a neccessity!

I really appreciate all the help Im getting on this! I want to make the best choice for my money!

[inkista]

I'd recommend the Powershot A630 (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=183&modelid=14108). It's pretty much got everything you listed plus a twist-out screen which is great for composition, and a slightly larger-than-average sensor (1/1.8", rather than 1/2.5"). Buydig.com has it for $188. I'd say it and the 710IS (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=183&modelid=14117) are the sweet spots on value right now.

[Thinking_Mommy]

I'd recommend the Powershot A630 (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=183&modelid=14108). It's pretty much got everything you listed plus a twist-out screen which is great for composition, and a slightly larger-than-average sensor (1/1.8", rather than 1/2.5"). Buydig.com has it for $188. I'd say it and the 710IS (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=183&modelid=14117) are the sweet spots on value right now.

Oh I have eye-balled the A630. I couldnt figure if you could use additional lenses with it though? Can you? If so, what is the threading for the lenses?
You rawk, thanks for helping me with this!:)

[Thinking_Mommy]

Does A630 have image stabilization? Also, what about the ability to add lenses and such?
Im so excited!!!

[xxpinballxx]

no mommy it does not have the ability to add lenses. Its one that retracts in and out of the body for the adjustments. i don't believe it had Image stabilization either.

[jenjen]

The SD630 doesn't appear to have any lens attachment doodads (yet). However, the A710 IS does - if you go to Canon's site and view the accessories for that camera, there's an adapter that lets you use two different "converters" - one for tele and one for wide. The A710 doesn't look as compact as the SD model, but on the plus side (depending on your point of view) it uses AA batteries which you can buy everywhere in case you run out of juice in the middle of the day.

[Thinking_Mommy]

The SD630 doesn't appear to have any lens attachment doodads (yet). However, the A710 IS does - if you go to Canon's site and view the accessories for that camera, there's an adapter that lets you use two different "converters" - one for tele and one for wide. The A710 doesn't look as compact as the SD model, but on the plus side (depending on your point of view) it uses AA batteries which you can buy everywhere in case you run out of juice in the middle of the day.

So of the two, which would YOU choose? Is image stabilization really that important? Can I take normal photos without it, and only need to worry in dark and highly zoomed photos?
What exactly is Image Stabilization?
I can get the ability to add lenses, or I can get the camera with the flip out screen that allows viewing from many angles...Im having a hell of a time making a decision and need you dear people to help me figure out what an ametuer photographer would best benefit from!
Thanks again for your responses!

[Saralonde]

Maybe this will help you decide:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_a630%2Ccanon_a710is&show=all

[inkista]

Oh I have eye-balled the A630. I couldnt figure if you could use additional lenses with it though? Can you? If so, what is the threading for the lenses?
The SD630 doesn't appear to have any lens attachment doodads (yet).
Err. I said the A630, not the SD630. :)

It's not like with SLRs, where you can completely swap out the lens. All P&Ses have fixed lenses. There are lens "accessories" which are similar to teleconverters on the SLR side--it's like sticking another lens in front of your existing one and will degrade image quality. The A630 and A710IS can take two accessory lenses: one for wide (WC-DC58N, 0.7x), one for tele (TC-DC58N, 1.5x). And [sigh] they both require an adapter (LA-DC58F/G) to use them.

For $250, unless you can find an old dSLR, or a 35mm film SLR, you're not going to be able to get fully interchangeable lenses.

So of the two, which would YOU choose? Is image stabilization really that important? Can I take normal photos without it, and only need to worry in dark and highly zoomed photos?
What exactly is Image Stabilization?
Image stabilization is essentially like putting the lens on a gyroscope to correct for minute amounts of motion. It can help make a longer-exposure photo less motion-blurred from camera shake, as you mention, typically for dark environments or zooming a lot. Yes, you can take normal photos without. People have been doing that for nearly a century. ;)

IS can be important, depending upon what you're shooting and how, but essentially if you have a tripod, you don't need it. You can get by without it simply by carrying around one of those little plastic table-top tripods, a beanbag, or a gorillapod. And a tripod actually has far more capability than IS. Typically, IS can only get you two stops (i.e., you can leave the shutter open for about 4x as long as without it). A tripod is practically unlimited in how long you can leave the shutter open.

For me the biggest difference, aside from the IS and the zoom factor, is that the sensor in the A630 is larger (1/1.8") than the one in the A710IS (1/2.5"). That means better resolution & better noise performance. I'm all about the image quality. If you're a pixel-peeping resolution junkie, then go for the A630. If you're a feature-creature who likes to travel light and zoom hard, then the 710IS might be a better choice.

[jenjen]

Image stabilization is a convenient thing, but sure, you can do without it. You just need to work harder to steady the camera in less-than-ideal lighting. Find a stable surface to brace the camera against, etc. IS lets you be a little more lazy about it. And IS isn't perfect - it gives you sharper images in cases where you would get blurry ones, but in bad lighting it doesn't take the place of a tripod. It's not a miracle. And it eats battery power. That said, I use mine all the time!!! :)

They're both good cameras and will take good pictures - you just need to think about the kind of places you take pictures and which features you would use more. Maybe make a list of which features each one LACKS and decide what you don't want to do without?

[Dr. WooD]

For just a little more cash you can get a IS S3. I had the S2 version, and loved it too death.

[inkista]

And for a little more, you could get the S5 IS with a 12x zoom. :) Of course, for that money, you could also get the TX-1 and shoot HD video with 10x zoom and IS. Ah, upgrading, what a slippery slope...