canon 960 ixus

[lil_angel]

HI
I am seriously looking at the canon 960 ixus, it is a 12 mp digital compact camera. I would so love a digi slr but as I like to carry my camera with me I was thinking of going this way... does any one have one or thoughts on it??

[Codebreaker]

Nothing specifically about this model other than I like Canon cameras, but here's a couple of points to consider.

Why do you need that many pixels? More pixels doesn't necessarily mean better images. In some cases it means worse since its harder to keep noise down on high pixel count sensors, particularly those in smal P&S cameras.

Consider the aspect ration of the image - i.e it's width to height ratio . Popular print sizes are 6 x 4 (3:2) and many cameras (some of the IXUS range) produce images in the 4:3 ratio which means the 6 x 4 prints wont have all you see in the viewfinder.

Very important - try and handle the camera. Some are just so small and fiddly to use, especially if you are left eyed (yes I know it sounds daft) since you can find your nose getting in the way of using the controls on the back. Also if you have large hands pushing some of the buttons can be tricky.

Other than that you might just as well stick a pin in a list of cameras. :-)

Colin

[Chuck S.]

I have a similar model (Canon 850IS/IXUS 950IS) and I like its portability; it resides in my laptop carrybag as a 'just in case' camera. However, what I don't like is the lack of control over aperture and shutter speed. Once you've become used to making adjustments to capture motion or modify depth of field, the lack of ability to make these simple changes is frustrating.

I agree with Colin on the 'pixel race'. I would prefer a camera that has 'only' 8 megapixels to squeeze onto a small sensor, giving me a better chance to use higher ISO without fear of excessive noise. Sadly, the 'more is better' push of the marketing side of the camera business continues unabated. The latest models are pushing close to 15 megapixels; unreal...

[lil_angel]

are there any 8mp-10mp that you would suggest????
I want one with SD card not AA batteries?????? - cant remeber name of batteries but one like a mobile phone..... that is my main needs, plus a view finder - some i have liked but no view finder

i might also add that i mainly print 5x7 or 6x8 dont normally print 6x4 but do occasionally. sometimes print 8x10

and i think i want a decent amount of optical zoom like 5x