[kcourt]

I have narrowed my choices down to Canon Powershot A80 or S500.

What are the advantages of one over the other? I know the S500 is smaller but was wondering if the controls would be too small to handle easily.


Also, since I am not a pro, which one would be easier to use.

Any feedback is appreciated.

Kathy

[nate_02]

Sorry, I can't say which of the two is better because I've only used the A80. I don't own one, but after using it, I think that is the one I would buy.

[TailsToo]

The Elphs are great for the casual photographer. Unless you need the extra controls the A80 has, get the S500.

[Dimitri]

Depends on if size is important enough. Size to me doesn't matter too much so I went with the A80 and love it. It also fits well in my hands when taking pictures. Ergonomic, even.

[AC Rempt]

All I can add is that I have an A70, and it's great. Easy to use, good quality shots and it's gone for an entire month of fairly heavy use and just now has exhausted the 4 AA rechargeable batteries. Compared to my old Sony, this camera is the bomb.

Also note that I have taken close-up and wide shots, indoors, outdoor and in all sorts of weather.

This is a great digital.

[Back up 15 and punt]

If you are going to consider the S500 then you should also consider the new S60. Try out this new camera. You will be impressed.

[Zim]

Assuming the A80 is like the other Axx, then your tradeoffs are price, vs. size, vs. rechargeable battery.

Personally, the smaller size is important enuf to me, and I have gone from Elph (APS film) to S100 to S230, and will prob wait for the S600 (if/whenever that happens) and upgrade then.

Cheers,
Mike

[zigzag]

Both great cameras - I would be making the same comparison if I got a new cam. I put a premium on compactness - the bigger the camera, the less likely I am to take it with me - so I would probably choose the S500. I have the original digital Elph and have never had a problem using the controls. Whenever I need it, it's right there in my pocket.

That said, the A80 has its advantages, so it would be a tough choice. You'll definitely need to buy additional batteries. The A80 uses standard AAs, while the Elph uses a proprietary. AAs are a plus if you run out of power - you can buy them anywhere in a pinch. The downside is that you'll have to buy a separate recharger. Also, you can now buy cheap generic extras for the Elph. I've seen them for only $30 at CompUSA, and on ebay for $10, and the recharger comes with the camera and is very compact.

Another thing I like about the A80 is the mode dial. You can set up 2 custom modes (settings that you use frequently) and dial right to them. I don't think the Elph has this capability - if you want to change a setting you have to do more fiddling. But this only matters if you'll actually need quick access to custom settings.

Both cameras would serve you well so I'd go with a gut feeling as to which you would like more. Also, you might not even need the S500 - the S410/400 have the same resolution as the A80.

If you don't care so much about compactness, I'd also consider the S1. Same price as the S500, and just about everything you could want in a consumer camera.

[kcourt]

Thanks for all your replies - you've given me a lot to think about.


One thing, I still don't know which to choose - will have to weight the points on each.


Kathy

[Mrjinglesusa]

I have a Canon S400 and Canon Digital Rebel. Both are awesome cameras. You can't go wrong with Canon products from my experience. You just have to decide what you value most - portability or power? The S400 is great when I want something small to take pictures with. For quality, I go with the Rebel.

[kcourt]

Well, I decided to order the A80 and it has arrived. I am glad I opted for it instead of the S500. The camera is small enough and I think it will be easier to use - at least for me.

Kathy