What matters more to you

[Drewcipher]

We are looking to buy a new point and shoot digital camera. We have an EOS 20D already, but want a small camera. I think I have the choice narrowed to 2, and wanted to know what everyone thought was more important. We will using it for diving and tank shots. The choices are both Canon. First the SD-630 which is a 6MP camera that can go to ISO 800, the second is the S-80 which is 8MP but only reaches ISO 400. It also has a wider angle lens.

So, do you find it more useful to have more megapixels or faster speed?

 

[astrogazer]

IMO you are probably going to use that as a snapshot camera, I would assume. I would go with the speed flexibility, 6 MP is enough data to easily make a sharp full frame 8x10. You always have the DSLR for higher quality and special situations.

 

[CrystalAZ]

I concur with astrogazer.

Crystal

 

[reefrunner69]

I would look and see if ISO 800 is even useable on the 6MP cam, and also thepicture quality of the 8mp cam, on small sensors the higher ISO may not even be worth fooling with. I'd go with the one that provides the best image quality over the most range of sensitivity.

 

[astrogazer]

Since he has done his research, I made the assumption that all things were basically equal in both of the cannon's he was referring to. And if all things WERE equal and I was going to buy a POS then I would rather have the limited increase in speed flexibility for indoor shooting. I figured he has his 20D for big photo moments and wanted a more portable camera for everyday shooting. It's really only a 1 stop difference so it's not huge, but I know I've needed an ISO of 800 on a few occasions although I go thru great pains not to increase the ISO setting.

 

[jwedehase]

Hmm.. the wider lens would be the selling point for me. I never shoot above ISO 400 anyway.

 

[gregr]

the wider lens would be the selling point for me

Me too. I hate shooting at high iso's and almost never use those [high iso] pictures when all is said and done.
But then, if it's doing point and shoot duty the bottom line is get the pic, no matter what, so I concur with Astro No wait, I concur with Reefrunner. No forget that- I agree with Crystal

 

[astrogazer]

So there you have it ... a definate maybe on all the above
I think about the only thing you can ascertain with any certainty from this thread is it's highly a matter of personal preference ...

 

[Drewcipher]

Thanks everyone. I guess it will come down to which one she likes better for carrying.