This is a pretty similar question that was asked in the 630 v 700 thread, just with different cameras.

I don't know much about digital cameras - the camera I currently use is about 7 years old. I am wondering if the Canon SD800IS is worth the money over the SD600, which seems like a perfectly capable camera. I am not a huge photographer, and really only take pictures when I go backpacking/climbing.

Cost isn't an issue, although I would feel a little better if I happened to break the 240 dollar camera versus the 400 dollar camera. I am mainly concerned with whether or not I will really be able to notice any difference in the picture quality between the two cameras.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

I have not used the 800IS but I do have the SD600. I would imagine the only real difference you would see is if you use the camera in a low light setting while holding it in your hand. Because the shutter will remain open longer, you will have to keep it very steady. With the 800IS, you have image stabilaztion so it will help with this and keep you from capturing a blurry image. The SD600 isn't too bad, I haven't really had too many issues with blurry pictures. The 800IS is a better camera because of this one feature. It's really up to you though if you want to spend the extra for it. If you will be using it primarily outdoors, I am not sure if it will make that much of a difference. I could be wrong though. Maybe Dan Martin or someone with more experience can chime in and help you further.

 

isn't it safe to say there's a big difference in price AND features offered between the models?

it's like comparing a M.B. E350 to a S550

 

Both the E350 and the S550 get you from point a to point b. So either would do. So is it worth it to spend more money? That is the question he needs to ask himself basically.

 

okay, so I did a quick lookup on both cameras... well, before even did that... I can tell you that the "IS" feature is a big plus... IMO, it'll be standard on all digital cameras in about a year or so... anyway, I noticed some really nice features about the 800IS... which I'm going to point out... but you can decide if those are anything that'll actually do you any good...

*image-stabilizer (as already mentioned)
*a wider angle 28mm-105mm lens (the 28mm comes in handy for those group shots where as 35mm is standard on most point and shoot cameras)
*3.8x optical zoom, not a big deal... but most are 3x
*ISO as high as 1,600 vs 800 on the SD600, better for low light (non flash) photos... though generally, @1,600 the pics are gonna be "noisy", but still helps...
*there are some manuel controls... which I'm quite certain you will NOT need

...but the downside is the price... about double... perhaps, you should consider the... slightly outdated version- 700IS, I'm sure you can find'em cheap... (right in the middle around $300)

 

^ - Sweet, thank you. I guess my main question was whether or not there was enough of a difference between the two to automatically say the 800IS. I'm really attracted to the image stabilization but don't know if I would even be able to tell the difference between pictures with and without it. I'm not concerned about the cost if the difference is drastic, but if its a few minor options then I will probably just jump on with the 600

 

I dont know anything about the 800IS, but I am very satisfied with my SD600. From taking pics in the clubs, to sports games, family parties, and car photo shoots, I am pleased. Pretty thin and easy to use.

 

the more I think about it... since you said something about "backpacking/climbing" which means more or less daytime activities, right? Well, usually outdoor shooting in daylight, set at "auto" it's gonna be set at a higher speed anyways... which means the whole "IS" thing wouldn't be a much needed feature... likewise the higher ISO... The SD600 should be just fine

 

IS will be a boon in low light conditions, or any time longer shutter speeds and hand holding are needed. Make no mistake, it's very good and very useful. Once you get used to it, it's hard to go back. That said, if the types of shots you take don't require it, you could probably live without.

Me, if cost wasn't an issue, I'd definitely get the IS equipped camera.

 

For your Information,
Check these two links out.

Review on SD600
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/spec...anon_sd600.asp

Review on SD700IS(Digital IXUS 800 IS)
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsd700is/
- This link provides you with in-depth review such as Design and Operation, Photographic Tests, Immage Stabilization, and some comparisons to other cameras.

Hope this helps!

 

Well I decided to go with the SD600. I would have probably picked up the 800 had it been in stock but it seems that everyone snatched them up for the holidays. I'm pretty happy with the 600 so far. I am upgrading from an Olympus D-490. The 490 actually took great pictures and I was really happy with the quality, but the size and weight of it was a little much.

Thanks for the input and links to different sites for reviews.