Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Which is the best from the Canon brand

Nov 2, 2004 8:43PM PST

I am looking for 3-4 MP camera which gives me good image quality and features at reasonable price.I have narrowed down my search to Canon.
I have in mind A75 or A80 simply because it meets my requirement and high on VFM i.e. Value For Money. Other models of Canon are also good but bit expensive than these. Any thoughts on this ? Which one should I go for ? Also how are A85 and A95 compared to this ?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Re: Which is the best from the Canon brand
Nov 2, 2004 9:29PM PST

The A85 is similar to the A75 except the A85 is 4.0MP as opposed to the A75 at 3.2MP and the A85 is about $100.00US more. So you are buying 0.8MP.
If you are looking for optical zoom both of the above are at 3x which isn't a lot. However, going to 10x is going to cost more. By the way, don't let anyone sell you on the digital zoom feature. If zoom is important go for optical.
Other things to consider include type of battery (I like AA), battery life, next shot delay, type of CF card, print features, manual control features, and size (do you want it to fit in your pocket/purse). I like my mid-size A85 and a friend likes his big Kodak.
Another important feature is how does it feel in your hands. Is it comfortable to hold without covering the lens, flash or AF-assist beam? Are controls easy to use? I would recommend going to somewhere like Circuit City where you can handle the cameras and someone can explain the features. (Unless you are absolutely sure at this point, don't buy yet). WalMart has many on display you can handle.
The advice you get on this forum is helpful but there is no substitute for talking to owners, salespeople as well as seeing the camera.
Remember, when talking to sales people they will deny they are paid a commission when in all probability they are in some form. They also may be pushing a particular brand or even a model within that brand. So visit more than one outlet.
Good luck.

DC

- Collapse -
Re: Which is the best from the Canon brand
Nov 2, 2004 10:51PM PST

Canon's "A" series of cameras has been their most successful line of cameras. Their mission this year was to introduce more cameras. They did part of that by upgrading the "A" series, which lets them pretty well cover the price range. Their prices start at the A60 which can be found for under $150 and goes up to the A95. They have a camera for everyone's pocketbook.

They started with a good camera and expanded upon it.

....

- Collapse -
Re: Which is the best from the Canon brand
Nov 13, 2004 5:54PM PST

A lot depends on what type of photos you plan on using the camera for, as well as how much you are willing to spend. I'm a big fan of the Canon line.