I know this is off topic, but figured it might get more responses here vs. the Lobby because this is an Electronics forum...

I'm looking to finally purchase my first Digi Camera. I believe one or two of the frequent CL members are serious amateur photographers... I'm looking to spend $500-$750, and based upon some internet prices and reviews from reliable vendors and sites like dpreview.com, this is the list I have compiled:

3 Megapixels:
Canon Powershot G1 $619 (the oldest of the bunch)

Nikon CoolPix 885 (new) $510 (plus $100 for Rech. Li Bat & Charger)

Sony Cybershot DSC-S75 $540 (but only 8MB Mem. Stick)


4 Megapixels:
Canon Powershot G2 (new) $749

Sony Cybershot DSC-S85 (new) $648 (16MB Mem Stick)

Was hoping some of you may have already had experience with these cameras... is it worth the extra $ to go from 3-4 Megapixels? Those Canons seem to be the best deals imho. What does everyone here use?

 

Between 3 to 4 million pixels, you'll notice quite a bit of difference.
For the "snapshot" user, 3 megapixels will be fine but for a better
picture, and depending on what size you're going to blow up the shot to,
the 4megapixel will do better. If you crop alot then the extra pixels
will help.

Between optics, I would pick the Canon. The Sony will use high end
Schneider optics but they have a bluish tint to the picture. Can't be
helped as it's part of the German optical formula and lens coatings.
The Canon has better color rendition though some may say it's a bit on
the warm side. Actually it's more color correct than any other
manufacturer of lenses, including Zeiss, Schneider, Nikon, Pentax, etc.
The big 3 (abc/nbc/cbs) all use Canon lenses in their TV equipment since
the color rendition is met to a industry standard. Even won an Academy
award for science and technology in 1977 due to their lenses. The other
lenses are too "cold" and inaccurate in their color rendition.

My choice would be the Canon. Nikon will have a blue/green cast to
their pictures and this is normal for their ED (high end) glass.

Percy
Pro Photographer/Audio guru/janitor/etc.
Canon EOS 1n/1nRS/300 2.8 EF L/200 1.8 EF L (sharpest lens in the world)/85 1.2 EF L and a whole slew of other Canon goodies.

 

Thanks Percy,

While the small size of the Nikon is appealing, as is the Sony price, I think I'm leaning towards the Canon myself. I figure it's probably worth the additional 100-150 to get the Powershot G2 over the G1. Interesting what you said about Canon lenses and their use in TV. I would assume Canon has a good reliability record like the other brands...

Appreciate the input.