Conspicuous Consumption and Proud of it.

[scottopic]

[Poll #341802]

Remember: the fate of the free world hangs in the balance.
If you don't vote, the terrorists have already won.

Comments

[adrienmundi]

Yeah, but optical zoom gets crisp lines on closeups of.... well, of whatever you want closeups of; digital loses resolution with each "enhancement".

Woo! Camera geekery...

[velvetfaery.livejournal.com]

I have to second this... it makes much more of a difference than you'd think. Optical zoom rules. I don't even look at digital zoom in evaluating a camera... it's a joke.

I have the Canon A80... it's 4 MP, 3x optical zoom, and it has a flip screen. It takes filters and a few lenses, if you decide you want to do funky stuff. Since it's just been replaced by the A95, the price is super low. Plus, it has a range of features that let you operate the camera at any creativity level, from fully automatic to fully manual. I carry mine in my purse all the time, so it's not really a big camera. Everything that's been printed off of it has been beautiful, even at 8x10.

I really wouldn't get the one you're looking at unless you absolutely must have one that fits in a pocket... the extra convenience doesn't make up for the more limited features. Most people also find the smaller cameras harder to keep a steady grip on, resulting in blur from shaky hands.

Oh, and another recommendation... if they have what you want, you might consider buying the camera from Costco (or their web site). Their prices are reasonable, but, more importantly, they have an any reason, any time return policy (which is a lot better than having to wait months for repairs under warranty if anything breaks).