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General discussion

What's the best ultracompact? Anyone seen the Sony DSC-L1?

Oct 2, 2004 9:50AM PDT

I've been reading tons about digital cameras and learning quite a bit. Thanks for all the prior posts given great info. The more I look into these cameras, the more options there seem to be, here's what I'm going for

1. SIZE: Ultracompact, 5-8 oz.
2. QUALITY: High-quality point & shoot for 4x6s, optional larger prints
3. ZOOM: At least 3.0x optical
4. PRICE: Around $250-350
5. VIDEO: Prefer 640x480 resolution

Here's what I've narrowed it down to:
- Sony DSC-L1 (new): 5 oz, 4.1 megapix, 3x zoom, $300, 640x video, 1.5 LCD

- Minolta Dimage X50: 5 oz, 5 megapix, 3x zoom, $400, 320x video, 2.0 LCD

- Canon S500: 6.5 oz, 5 megapix, 3x zoom, $350, 640x video, 1.5 LCD

- Canon SD110: 5.8 oz, 3.2 megapix, 3x zoom, $250, 640x video, 1.5 LCD

- Minolta Dimage Xg: 3.2 megapix, 3x zoom, $300, 320x video, 1.6 LCD

Any recommendations? I'm leaning towards the new DSC-L1 assuming technology gets better with age. Do I need 4 megapix? Any suggestions please!

Discussion is locked

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EDIT
Oct 2, 2004 10:04AM PDT

Edit:

Just found out Canon's new SD200 replaces the SD110

- Canon SD200: 5.8 oz, 3.2 megapix, 3x zoom, $300, 640x video, 2.0 LCD

Nice!

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Re: What's the best ultracompact? Anyone seen the Sony DSC-
Oct 3, 2004 12:33AM PDT

Looks like you have done your homework.

The specs for the Sony L1 sure look good.

There is a preview (not review) at:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/l1.html

It is supposed to hit the market in October.
So there are no test results available yet.

I am interested in seeing more of the Canon SD200.
I have the predecessor to the SD100 (S230).
The S230 and SD100 have a stainless steel case.
It appears that the SD200 has a case made of a different material. I can not be sure of that.

The stainless steel case has been a boon to me.
The S230 has been dropped twice (once on cement).
Both times the battery popped out. It just keeps on ticking. Just used it at a wedding. Took 108 flash photos before the battery ran out of juice.

You have assembled a good list of prospects.
Which is best?

Don't know.

You have to decide, which is best for you.

....

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Note on the Sony L1
Oct 3, 2004 4:29AM PDT

While reading the specs on the L1, I noted that to use the movie mode at 640x480 at 30 fps, you must use the faster PRO version of the memory stick Duo.

So be sure you buy the correct memory stick to be able to achieve the 30 fps.

With the cameras having faster specs, we are going to see more requirements for faster flash cards for some of the newer cameras.

If you purchase the L1, give us a report on your experience.

....

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Re: What's the best ultracompact? Anyone seen the Sony DSC-
Oct 27, 2004 2:46PM PDT

Well, I've purchased an SD200 and used it quite a bit. I like it a lot, you just can't beat how small it is. Half the width of the older Canon S400.

Purple fringing is noticeable on pictures between transitions from light to dark (e.g. a close-up of black text on white paper). But non-experts shouldn't really worry, the picture quality is great enough for me.

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Re: What's the best ultracompact? Anyone seen the Sony DSC-
Nov 1, 2004 2:14PM PST

So tell us why the Canon instead of the Sony. I've had my eye on the DSC-W1 myself for the large 2.5" Display and the AA batteries it uses. Curious what you liked in the Canon specifically?