tboothby wrote:So the Canon PowerShot G10 is listed as 14.7 Megapix and 5X optical. V.S. Canon PowerShot SX10 IS which is 10 Megapix and 20X optical.
My primary interests are birds and insects, not photography, but obviously if I am taking pictures of them I want the pics to look as good as I can get for my money.
Do you think that the G10 with higher megapix/lower zoom will give better closeup photos then the SX10?
I have a rather old CoolPix3400 that is 3.7 Megapix and 4X I believe... and I have pretty much given up trying to use it. The images it produces are extremely flat, and if zoom is used very grainy and blurry.
I really appreciate your input DJwixx.
The problem with manufacturers is that they can sell equipment based on high numbers. People like the sound the xx Megapixels, xX zoom etc etc, but ultimately those numbers don't translate into great quality. For the average person I'm sure it's more than sufficient.
To your question - YES, especially if you use the RAW option. You'll get far less lens problems in a 5X than a 20X. By that I don't mean actual problems that require the camera to be returned, I mean the issues commonly associated with any camera or lens with a long zoom range. Personally I'd prefer the G10 to have less pixels to reduce the potential for bad results. Pro cameras excel because they have a lower pixel density, i.e. you have the same number of pixels but in a much larger sensor, so it reduces the potential for the pixels to 'bleed', for want of a better expression.
I mention the A650 because you can buy a wide/tele adapter to increase the range when you need but have a small camera to carry around for daily use.
With G10 out there may be some deals on the G9, IF you can find any stores with them.
I'd recommend buying a cheap memory card and going to store that has what you like in stock, take a few pictures in various modes, then take the card home and check the results to see if you get what you want, Also check how it feels in your hands and whether the controls you need are obvious and workable. Ultimately it will be down to you liking the results the camera gets rather than the recommendations of any one else.
Many camera owners are entrenched in their preferred choice of manucturer, so a Canon enthusiast will tell you Canon make the best of everything etc etc. The reviews you get may be biased depending on the originators opinion.
As for point and shoots, I like Canon and have had six or so. I use a Nikon DSLR, but Nikon can't make a point and shoot of any note. The new P6000 might be the only exception to date and possibly worth looking into.