Question:
Hi
I was thinking of getting the new Canon IXUS I5 as opposed to the 4 mega pixel version.
I need the digital camera for close up pictures, does one mega pixel make alot of difference to the quality of shots?
Any opinions welcome
Cheers
James
Answers:
You might find this review useful:
The Canon IXUS series has different names depending on which country it's released in. If you find reference to the 'Canon Powershot SD20' on the net, it's the same camera. I think it's called 'IXY' series in Japan.
I haven't used the IXUS i series but I have had a chance to use the IXUS 400. I can only offer some general comments as well as some information gleaned from the above review:
When you say 'close up pictures', what do you mean exactly? Are these close-up portrait shots of people, or close-up shots of objects, that might require a macro lens (or the macro mode on the camera)?
If the latter, then the camera has a macro facility to focus in between 1.2 to 4 inches, so you can get really close to your subject! The flash is disabled when you're in macro mode.
The IXUS i5 features a fixed focal length lens (i.e. no optical zoom) so that extra megapixel over the previous model would probably come in handy. Although you could use the built-in digital zoom, this isn't generally recommended. It's much better to either get closer to the subject if you can, or get the shot and then zoom in using photo editing software on your computer. This is because the photo software generally uses much better algorithms and can harness the power of your computer to do it.
Generally, you shouldn't buy a camera just because it has more megapixels. This is because there are other considerations like the ergonomics, the battery life, the start-up speed, shutter lag and the optics of the camera to consider. However, you're comparing a camera with an earlier model here, and the extra megapixel maybe useful depending on what you want to do.
For example, the extra megapixel is extra data that will let you print bigger prints. Also, when it comes to doing any photo editing, the more data you have to work with, the better. You can also afford to crop pictures and throw away distracting parts of it and still end up with a decent sized print.
Bear in mind that your file sizes will be larger, depending on the image quality you select in the camera, so you may need to invest in an SD or MMC memory card with a decent capacity!
Hope that helps!
Answers:
Hi
Many thanks for your answer. I want to take pictures of antiques, I have been using my brothers Canon Ixus 4 mega pixel camera which I have been impressed with as you can take quite good close up shots, I thought it would pay to spend that little bit more and get the latest with 5 mega pixels.
I would probably buy a 128mb memory card would that be enough?
Thanks alot
James
Answers:
I would probably buy a 128mb memory card would that be enough?
The lack of an optical zoom may concern some, but I guess antiques won't run away if you get close! If you used the 4 megapixel version already, you'll know roughly how the i5 will work already.
There's a guide to memory cards with a table (at the bottom of the page) about the roughly how many pictures you can take here:
From their estimation, a 128Mb card will hold ~50 photos at 5 Megapixel resolution. This sounds about right as the sample pictures at the mentioned in my last post were 2-3 Mb each.
The answer to whether it'll be enough will be a personal preference. What else will you be using your camera for? My previous camera took photos at 4 Megapixels and 128Mb was fine for that except for long extended trips like holidays where I was away from my computer. I ended up dishing out for a 256Mb card in the end, but that was because I actually needed the extra capacity.
Answers:
Hi
Thanks once again for your message.
The main use of the camera is to take pics and close up ones of the antiques I collect as a clear record. I will probably use the camera when I go on holiday as well.
I think if I went for the Ixus 4 pixel it would be about £170, and £250 for the 5 pixel.
I think I would have to get at least a 256mb card, or a few esp if going on holiday.
My Nikon Coolpix camera takes ages just to download a few pics which I have had for many years, probably flog that on ebay when I get the new one in the next few months
Cheers
James