On 8 Oct 2006 11:40:09 -0700, freestonew.TakeThisOut@yahoo.com wrote:
>hi all....
>
>Here I am with a camera buying problem. I really like the canon a610,
>but alas they cannot be found in stores, but these are several places
>on the net where they can be bought for $180 to $220
>refurbished, and with canon warrenty.
>Then there is Best buy with the new canon a630, at $300, and a $60
>protection plan to boot.
>
>but IS the 630 worth the extra $100, or so?!
<CUT>
>
>Is the a630 worth that $100+ difference?
>
>thanks...freestone
freestone,
Here is my opinion as an A95 & A610 owner.
The A610, A630 & A640 all have the same physical size sensor,
1/1.8" with 5MP, 8MP & 10MP respectively. *If* all other factors are
the *same* then sensor noise should increase with the higher density
(smaller pixel size), less light per pixel per unit of time.
From what little I have seem thus far I won't be adding an
A630 to my collection for 2 reasons:
1> The A630 (8MP) may exhibit higher noise or added in-camera
processing effects employed to reduce image noise.
2> The A630 (8MP) lacks the remote image capture firmware just as the
A610 (5MP) does, however both the A620 (7.1MP) & the A640 (10MP) have
it. Likely Canon's was to justify the added cost for those who want
this feature.
Another thing to consider is @ Canon's web site:
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fc...goryid=
Download their "Sample Images" from the cameras of
consideration & look @ the EXIF DATA & you will see that they have
been processed through Adobe PS SC on a Mac. This may have been done
only to reduce the image file size, but there is no way to know "if"
that's all that was done. Even so, just reducing file size alone
still makes direct comparisons much less meaningful with uncompressed
files from their other cameras.
Bottom line:
If you're not in a rush to replace what you have, I would hold
out until more information is available including a review from:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/
Until then, this may help:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/a610.html
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/a620.html
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/a630.html
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/a640.html
Best of luck with whatever you decide & if low noise in a P&S
is important to you, you may also want to consider the FUJI F30:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/fuji_f30.html
Respectfully, DHB
"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President,
or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong,
is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable
to the American public."--Theodore Roosevelt, May 7, 1918
>> Stay informed about: my buying question, a canon a610 or a630?