Canon Powershot A95

[cr8zy]

hey PhilMUGGers! i am about to purchase the Powershot A95, but before i do so, i just wanted to get some feedback or opinions on this camera. i've read a few reviews and like what i read, but i thought some of you in here can give a personal account/opinion on this particular camera. i usually go for the pocket size digitals but decided to go for a camera with a little more function, rather than size. i want some good shots without jumping to the SLR level or spending the $$$.

i'm also planning to buy the SanDisk Ultra 512mb flash card for the camera which is a 5MP.......

1. how many high quality pix can i get with a 512mb card
2. what is the difference between a normal compact flash card and the ultra II Compact flash cards???

thanks all!

[randytamayo]

Hi,

1. how many high quality pix can i get with a 512mb card

@ISO100

Images on a
Image Type Size 512MB Card
2592 x 1944 JPEG Super Fine 2,910 KB ~197
2592 x 1944 JPEG Fine 1,790 KB ~350
2592 x 1944 JPEG Normal 560 KB ~693
2048 x 1536 JPEG Fine 925 KB ~545
1600 x 1200 JPEG Fine 650 KB ~867

These are rough estimates as your ISO may still vary the number of shots you can get - usually higher ISO means lower number of images. Aside from these the type of image you are taking also has an effect on the number of images...images with more detail are usually larger than images with a lot of plain (backgound?) parts

2. what is the difference between a normal compact flash card and the ultra II Compact flash cards???

Aside from being more expensive, Ultra XX cards are faster than the normal cards - they are also pro level cards. But your camera needs to be able to support these higher bandwidth CF cards in order to be able to full maximize them. But if you can afford them, they are a better investment in the long run. I cant find info though if the A95 supports the higer speed cards.

my 2cents
randy

[Edited on 12-16-2004 by randytamayo]

[cr8zy]

BUMP! Anyone??

[cr8zy]

Thanks randytamayo! I'm sort of new to the digital camera scene. I just have basic knowledge. Hehe!

[ditoy_eagle]

An Ultra card will give you faster read-write times than the ordinary CF cards. The Digital SLRs (300D, 10D, 20D, 1D mkII) which are used by advanced hobbyists and pros will benefit with the better performance of the Sandisk ULTRA or even the EXTREME for faster bursts and more images captured. This is best suited for shooting sports so you will be able to get more of the action. For everyday photos where you don't need fast successive shots, the ordinary CF card will do.

This site Rob Galbraith shows you the performance of various CF cards. As I mentioned above though, these tests were done with Digital SLRs where timing is crucial.

[Edited on 16-12-04 by ditoy_eagle]

[cr8zy]

ditoy_eagle:

thanks for the feedback. do you think i wasted money for the card i got, since i just don't have an SLR?

sample prices:
San Disk 512mb Ultra II Compact Flash = P3360
San Disk 512mb Compact Flash = P2520

i know there are cheaper cards out there but i wanted a brand name like San Disk.

your opinion?

thanks!

[cr8zy]

Well, I got my A95 and i love it. I've been playing with it for the past couple of days, since I just got my San Disk 512mb Ultra II Compact Flash and Maha Powerex 2200 mAH NiMH batteries.

Anyways, thanks to everyone for the feedback.