Canon IXUS?

[Tiptopperoo]

Hi All,

I am just looking for a P&S camera, and have heard good things about the IXUS models. Just wondering whether its worth me paying ~400AU for the latest model or only ~250AU for a slightly older model (70, 75).

The main difference I can see is the image stabiliser which I don't think is worth another ~150bux.

Anyone aware of features on these cameras that would lend some more towards U/W than others? Can I turn any of these cameras off auto?

Or has anyone got a reccomendation on a different P&S for a similar price?

Cheers
Dave

[alcina]

I rarely feel the need to buy the latest and greatest.

My concern with the Ixus range is a lack of manual controls. For me, not having them is a definite deal breaker. The Canon A range is a better choice for uw in my opinion.

Oh, and buy from the US - the shipping is fast and the prices are unbeatable. BuyDig.com, The Internet's Digital Superstore and B&H Photo Video | Digital Cameras, Camcorders have worked for me in the past (actually, double check buydig - they might not let you use an Aussie card, I can't remember what I did). www.beachcamera. come is also good if they will accept your card. Sorry I can't be more helpful on that score - I often have stuff shipped to my family first

[Tiptopperoo]

Thanks a lot for your help.

The A570 seems a bargain as I can land it in Oz for less than $500AU with the canon housing and a 4GB memory SDHC Sandisk memory card!

Do you find B&H are generally best on price and service? I may ring them and see if they will do a better package price!

Thanks for the headsup

Dave

[alcina]

They don't dicker. Their price is their price - not worth the phone call

Yes, B&H has excellent service and their prices are usually right in the ballpark and fair. Some places may have seemingly lower prices, but get you on shipping or bait and switch or just plain PITA to deal with. I use and love BH. No hassles.

[Tiptopperoo]

Hmm so many options, the G9 is sooo tempting too! But I can get a great deal on an IXUS 70...

[alcina]

Not a great deal if it won't do what needs to be done

[Zeeman]

I deal with B&H fairly regularly, I purchased a 100mm macro lens and an Ike port for my 400D just a few weeks ago (for a fair bit less than just the 100mm macro lens in Sydney) and it was delivered to my door within 4 days.

Can't beat that.

Also, do yourself a favour, get an A series. An 640 is nice if you can still find one, the A650 is pretty much a G9 without RAW - but software hacks should soon fix that anyway. Trust me on this, the Ixus wont really do. I have one as something to carry around when I can't be bothered with my 400D (or my A640 before that), but to get shots you will be happy with, and also a camera that gives you plenty of room to grow, get an A series.

Z...

Thanks a lot for your help.

The A570 seems a bargain as I can land it in Oz for less than $500AU with the canon housing and a 4GB memory SDHC Sandisk memory card!

Do you find B&H are generally best on price and service? I may ring them and see if they will do a better package price!

Thanks for the headsup

Dave

[Tiptopperoo]

Hmm, I am gonna go with the IXUS just for land and sea portable compact pointy shootyness. If I find that I want more, I will buy more later, as my investment in the IXUS 70 with housing is so minimal as not to be an issue!

Thanks for everyone's help, I certainly know where to shop online for camera gear now!

Regards
Dave

[Zeeman]

No probs - you will at the very least enjoy the shots you get, and a camera like that is always good to keep should you move up to bigger and better things.

On another note, I think the Ixus does pretty good video - I know my Ixus 65 does shoot nice video, very viewable at full size on my laptop anyway, so learn how to quickly switch to hi-speed video mode for when that Whale Shark happens to swim by. There is video of one down Wollongong way, a couple of fisherman cut it free from some rope. you never know your luck...

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