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Question

Successor to my aging Canon Powersho A40?

Feb 16, 2012 6:50AM PST

So after spending a recent vacation cursing at my bulky Canon PowerShot A40 for being, well, too heavy and with a flash that takes a decade to reload between shots, I've decided it's probably time to finally replace the darn thing after a decade of use.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Replacement vs. Upgrade
Feb 16, 2012 7:31AM PST

The two cameras you looked at would essentially be replacements for your old A40; in some ways not as good, in others, better. Upgrades would give you a longer zoom lens, more gadgety features, and possibly a larger digital imaging sensor and brighter lens. No small camera is going to have a fast flash recycling time, but the weaker the batteries used (AA alkalines), the longer the wait there is. That is yet one other reason why most cameras these days use proprietary battery packs.

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'not as good'
Feb 16, 2012 9:22AM PST

In what ways would you saw those models would be 'not as good' as the A40 - any specific failings I might want to brace myself for? I'm guessing using two AA's to the four the old one uses will limit battery usage, but am wondering whether there's anything else.

Thanks!

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A Guess
Feb 16, 2012 11:38AM PST

This may be just perception on my part, but in my experience, older inexpensive equipment, regardless if it is cameras, audio, bicycles, whatever, are/were built better than newer inexpensive equipment. Your old camera had a bright glass lens; the newer cams may not be glass, and not as bright. But in every other way, the newer cams are better; 10 years is a looong time with regards advancement in digital technology.

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Thanks!
Feb 17, 2012 1:07PM PST

Thanks for your help!