digital wonderland

[tiggz]

i need to replace my digital camera before i go out of town because my sister broke mine. no really, i'm kidding. it was a mutual accident and technically it still takes pictures, but the shutter and everything that protects the lens has been broken off and i don't feel comfortable toting it around to use.

i've loved my little Pentax Optio S and want to stick with that brand because it takes great pictures, it's lightweight, sturdy(concrete steps notwithstanding) and uses a lithium-ion battery(a must for me). so i'm only looking at other Pentaxes to replace it.

here are my options:


Optio S6 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom


Optio A30 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom with Shake Reduction System


Optio T30 7.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

[Poll #1001559]

i'm personally leaning toward the A30 because of all its shiny specs and of course it's the most expensive of the three. second favorite is the S6. it's the nearest to my current model.

Comments

[juleyah.livejournal.com]

Oooh... 10 Megapixels... Shiny!! *clicks for A30*

And the shake reduction would be great too.. (but that's because I'm a shaky fangirl... don't know if you're more stabile? :)

[kaidysoft.livejournal.com]

ahhhhhhhhhh. A topic for my expert camera saleswomanship! :)

Well, I have always been a die-hard Pentax gal - my 35mm SLR and high-zoom point&shoot are both Pentax. My craptastic gifted digital is a Kodak, which I am hoping to replace as SOON as I can afford to do so.

Working with all brands of cameras, I have opted to NOT buy a Pentax digital. They do not offer a small camera with more than a 3x zoom, while other brands offer 4x and 5x in the same small bodies, for around the same price. Optical zoom is the only way to go - digital zoom is crap. So, I have been contemplating the Sony T100, some of the Nikons, and a few Fujis. Only thing is, Sony takes the Memory Stick instead of the SD, and only this year's Fuji models take SD & xD cards. Plus, if I really hold out for the Sony T100, I will be shelling out near 300-400 bucks, which I don't have. lol

Of the above models, I would say that the 10mp would be the "top" model, however, unless you really want to clog up your computer with HUGE files, the large file size is really almost overkill. 5-7mp will give you a nice file size PLUS great 4x6 prints up to 11x14 or bigger. So, if you don't intend to do poster size reprints, or you don't mind cropping HUGE files for online use (most sites have a max size on pics anymore), then go for the 10mp. If not, you can save some dough and go with the 7mp.

That's just my opinion after handling cameras every day. Good luck and I know you'll LOVE whatever you pick!

[tiggz.livejournal.com]

are there any comparable cameras you can recommend that still use lithium-ion batteries?

3x zoom isn't great, but i've made it work for the most part. however, if i can get something that is comparable, has the li-ion battery AND has more than 3x digital zoom that would be awesome.

[slackerace.livejournal.com]

I didn't look at them on amazon, but the T30 and A30 (and E30) have rebates:

Click Here to view rebate form


I did a quick web review search, and think that overall, the T30 or A30 is your best choice. The S6 is discontinued and "old" technology (unless you can save LOTS of money by buying this one). Both the T30 and A30 came out this past March.

nice review of the T30 here. LCD is 1/2 inch bigger than the A30, and the camera is a bit smaller. I do think the A30 is prettier, though :-)

[tiggz.livejournal.com]

wow! thanks for the rebates form! $50 is a lot of money and i would have never thought to look for something like that.

thanks for the info on the S6 too. decisions, decisions.