I'm interested in getting a digital camera with an image stabilization function, as practical as these systems are, they've yet to become standard. Any recomendations for brands/models that have it?

8/19/2006 1:46:11 AM

compact = Canon SD700IS

midsize = Canon Is 3s

Can't beat the canon quality

8/19/2006 1:47:11 AM

canon really does have the best

i'm happy with my lumix stabilization, though

8/19/2006 1:54:58 AM

^ I have the Panny FZ5 with IS, and while I dig it, I really wish I had the S3 IS instead. My SD200 has easily been one of the best electronic purchase in my life.

8/19/2006 3:51:26 PM

dpreview.com

and yes to the S3 IS

8/19/2006 4:54:26 PM

I've had a Canon S2 IS for a year now, and it's an outstanding overall camera. I took it with me to Europe and have shot over 40 GB of pictures and movies with it.

The S3 just improves upon it as well. The zoom is great, the IS works well, and the user interface is solid.

The movie mode is wonderful, and really bumps up the versatility of this camera above and beyond its Panasonic and Sony competitors.

I've heard that Pana's Lumix series might have an edge in sharpness, but we aren't talking major differences, so it isn't a dealbreaker.

8/19/2006 9:30:37 PM

does no one like supersteadyshot? when sony bought konica minolta, they got a really nice stabilization system from them.

8/21/2006 12:54:37 AM

any other thoughts?

8/21/2006 2:34:13 AM

Canon FTW

8/21/2006 10:27:31 AM

You can get the Canon S2 IS for a lot cheaper than the S3 IS, $250-$300 for the S2 versus ~$400 for the S3. Plus the S2 is practically identical to the S3, the only big difference is that it's 5MP versus 6MP, and actually I can't think of any other differences that matter. I've owned the S2 for over a year now and it's probably the most versatile camera out there. It's an excellent video camera, macro camera, and it's got great image stabilization that works in any mode. For the price you can't beat it.

The older Canon S1 IS, if you can find it, isn't bad either, but it's only 3MP, it's a little slower, doesn't focus as easily, and no macro mode. But it still has that great Image Stabilization feature as well as takes adapters like the newer ones for more versatility and it's way cheaper if you can find it still, can probably grab one for <$150.

8/21/2006 12:11:57 PM

bump

8/24/2006 5:06:14 PM

While I'd agree with pochacco20 that the S2>S1 upgrade is far more substantial than the S3>S2 upgrade, another important update they made was decreasing the noise when shooting at high ISOs. With the S2, I never use ISO 400 due to the unacceptable amount of noise. With the S3, they added ISO 800, and I've heard now that the ISO 400 is actually acceptable, though of course not used when one doesn't have to.

8/24/2006 6:49:24 PM

That's a good point. I hadn't read up on how well the S3 deals with noise since its release. I just assumed that the sensor wasn't much better than other Canon's and I never had much respect for their noise level so... but if the S3 can handle noise then being able to shoot at iso400 is a huge advantage for low light situations. I just wish they put a hotshoe on it this time.

8/24/2006 7:31:17 PM

I've considered the s2 and the s3, but after years of using high-end cameras from the nikon line ive finally come to terms with the fact that I rarely use the advanced features. I'm leaning towards something from the Olympus Fast and Easy line, IE the FE-140

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product_Id=4087219&JRSource=googlebase.datafeed.OLM+FE140

8/25/2006 12:48:02 AM

Quote :

"The older Canon S1 IS, if you can find it, isn't bad either, but it's only 3MP, it's a little slower, doesn't focus as easily, and no macro mode. But it still has that great Image Stabilization feature as well as takes adapters like the newer ones for more versatility and it's way cheaper if you can find it still, can probably grab one for <$150."

I've had an S1 IS for 2 or 3 years now and I love it. 3MP is enough for my picture taking. At the long end of the zoom, it does have focusing issues. Other than that it's a great camera.

8/25/2006 8:09:06 PM

I like my Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3. The anti-shake moves the CCD rather than the lens element. For what it's worth, it works really well.

8/25/2006 9:08:08 PM

^ i agree.

8/26/2006 12:30:01 AM

I recently purchased the Canon SD700IS and am VERY impressed. I've owned the G5 for a couple of years and while I like it, it's not something I find myself carrying around that often for everyday pics.

The SD700IS is small enough to fit in my pocket, even with a (minimalist) case to protect it's finish.

Image quality is fantastic! Very quick boot time too ... you can "hurry up and take a picture of THAT" very quickly. A true Point and shoot ... I leave it in the "manual" mode so that I can disable the AiAf, which doesn't always pick the right focus point. The flash is bright and even, and with a 2Gb 133x lexar SD card, I can hold over 700 full resolution/fine quality images. Also on "continuous" mode it will fire pics in quick-fire succession until the card is full. (!!)

Highly recommended. Purchased from B&H http://www.bhphotovideo.com. Adorama http://www.adorama.com also has competitive pricing. The lexar SD card has a $25.00 MIR Expired.

[Edited on August 26, 2006 at 9:53 PM. Reason : expired MIR]

8/26/2006 9:50:38 PM

picked up the SD700IS Brand new for $289. a hell of a camera at an awesome price. thanks for all the info.

http://www.usaphotonation.com/products.asp?product_id=12766&engine=shopcartusa

8/28/2006 10:09:26 AM

Darn... we forgot to mention that you should only purchase from a reputable dealer if you're getting one online. Unfortunately USA Photo Nation seems to be one of those scam dealers that attract online buyers with their ridiculous low prices but then rip you off in some way or another. Check out their reseller rating:
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller8278.html

They have a 0.33 rating out of 10. Not a good sign. You should read some of the horror stories that people have to report about that company. Do yourself a favor and CANCEL YOUR ORDER and call your credit card company right now.

[Edited on August 28, 2006 at 1:05 PM. Reason : Cancel your order!]

8/28/2006 1:04:42 PM

Here's a legit deal for the Canon SD700IS at Dell:
http://bensbargains.net/deal/3899/

Quote :

"Canon PowerShot SD700 IS 6MP DigiCam $374 at Dell Home"

8/28/2006 1:49:09 PM

bah, betrayed by froogle.com. i suppose ill look into the one from dell

8/28/2006 4:54:59 PM

beachcamera.com is another good site. they were the second-cheapest reputable seller that I found for my S3.

[Edited on August 28, 2006 at 4:59 PM. Reason : lkj]

8/28/2006 4:59:11 PM

I bought my S1 from Beach Camera.

8/29/2006 9:08:45 PM

sd700 finally came in the mail, gives me tingley sensation in my nether region. thanks for all of the info

-kr

9/11/2006 8:13:42 PM

feels even better after you've shaved down there

congrats

9/11/2006 10:11:59 PM

How are the in-motion shots on the SD7000?


What compact cameras out there have the best anti-blur/IS? My hands tend to shake and blur pictures, and I'm looking for something that will get the picture even if my hands are moving a little. I want to spend under $300 and I'm looking at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 or the SD7000 but I'm not entirely sure on either of them. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks wolfweb

9/25/2006 12:26:44 AM

I can literally shake the camera up and down and get a crystal clear shot. I dunno how the other models compare but ive been very satisfied with my sd700. You can nab an open box model on ebay for around $320, shipped.

9/25/2006 7:39:13 AM

'grats!

awesome cam

9/25/2006 8:29:10 AM

Quote :

"feels even better after you've shaved down there"

so very true.

11/11/2006 9:19:02 PM

I've got a Casio EX-600 and the image stabilization is pretty good on it.

11/12/2006 6:35:59 AM

I just bought the panasonic lumix dmc-fz7 and i'm in love. I managed to take a clear shot while jumping up and down on my bed and plan on getting some of my pets tomorrow

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16830134044 and I got a bonus 1g SD card with it too

11/15/2006 11:41:10 PM

w t!!!!! and now the trifecta is complete. i think a contest is in order

11/16/2006 12:42:03 AM