Canon vs. Nikon vs. Kodak - Digital Camera Forums

amrita · 06-16-2006, 03:51 AM

Hi,

I am new to digital cameras and have been doing a lot of research but the more I read the more confused I get!! In general, between Canon, Nikon and Kodak is there any one company that consistently outperforms in terms of performance and reliability? Which one has a better reputation in the market?

I have come down to comparing the Canon A620, Nikon Coolpix L1 and the Kodak Easyshare C663.

My budget is under $300 including all accessories. I'm looking for at least 6 megapixels, compact size, image quality of 8 (out of 10). I do not need manual controls since I'm not a sophisticated photographer. I will be using it to take family pictures, not much action. However I do not want something very fragile or something that will break easily since my teenagers will use it too, though they are pretty careful usually.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!
Amrita

Ben Stafford · 06-16-2006, 05:12 PM

Out of those three, I like the Canon the best. It has the best image quality, (in my opinion), the rotating, flip out lcd is awesome and it operates very quickly (short cycle time between images, minimal shutter lag).

It does have more features than you are looking for, but who knows, maybe one of your teenagers will get creative with it!

amrita · 06-16-2006, 10:04 PM

Thanks Ben! I've been leaning towards the Canon - you helped me make up my mind! One more question..what do you think of the Canon A540 vs. the A620?

Thanks, Amrita

Ben Stafford · 06-16-2006, 11:19 PM

I like the A620, because of the flip out LCD and because there are more manual controls. If you just want something more simple and more lightweight, the A540 should fit the bill. It only takes 2 AA batteries, while the A620 takes four.

amrita · 06-16-2006, 11:38 PM

Thanks Ben - I may just go for the A540. I was just doing some research and the A620 only has a 2 inch LCD whereas the A540 has a 2.5 inch LCD. The LCD size is very important to me since my eyesight is not that great. Do you think that having only 2 batteries is a handicap since they wont have as much power as 4 batteries?

Thanks, Amrita

Ben Stafford · 06-18-2006, 08:40 PM

You'll be just fine with the 2 batteries. I assume that since that A540 is a bit newer, that Canon has improved power management when using 2 cells vs. 4 cells.

amrita · 06-19-2006, 04:27 PM

Thanks so much Ben! You have been a tremendous help.

Sincerely,
Amrita