Powershot A300???

[murph]

Hey folks I'm in the midst of buying a new digi camera, being doing research for weeks, checking out Pentax, Sony, Olympus, HP and Canon, and the one that has impressed me the most for the price seems to be the Canon powershot A300, maybe someone can tell me if this is a good camera to buy? I know I'll have to get a better memory card, and it takes 2 or 4 double A batteries, don't know if they'll last very long, I know digi's can drain battery power fast! I like the A-70 as well, but the 300 is just more in my price range, unless the camera isn't very good?

http://www.powershot.com/powershot2/a300/index.html

thanks for any help...

murph

[Removed_2815]

Hi Murph,
Okay, I will add a little insight into your query. I can't tell you much about the product in question, as I have no experience with that particular model. However, I do use the Canon A70, and it is the cat's meow. The camera is an artist's tool, however, so some people can't get the shots they desire and some people can get the most perfect photographs from this camera. Once you get used to it you can't go wrong.
As for the battery issue: the Canon A70 uses 4 AA bateries, and I can attest to how fast the camera drains alkalines while the LCD screen is on. However, pick up some high-quality (1950 mAh) Nickel Metal Hydride rechargeable batteries and you're laughin'....
I used this camera every day, with the screen on, for maybe 20 minutes a day for 36 days straight and only had to recharge the batteries once!
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
R

[murph]

I took your advice and broke down and spent a couple hundred more and bought the A70, beautiful camera! I upgraded to the 64 meg card, bought the NMH batteries and the charger! I was reading the manual for the last hour, it sure has a lot of functions, I'm sure I'll have a lot of fun with the camera....I'll be sure to post pics of my herps when I take some good ones, which shouldn't be long! thanks for the advice! I know I made the right decision.......

-murph

[Removed_2815]

Murph,
Good decision mate. The general consensus on numerous digital review forums is a rating of around 4.3 out of 5, and this camera has been reviewed by thousands of people so you know you are getting valid reviews. Based on my experience I would rate it 5 out of 5, if I were to deduct any points it would be for the easily scratched LCD. However, I have remedied this by purchasing screen protectors from Radioshack. It is just a package of thin, clear plastic covers that adhere (without any damaging adhesive) to the screen and protects it from damage. I paid under $8 for the protectors and they will last a long time.
Also, if you look here (http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=235422#post235422) you can scroll down to my reply in which I posted links to some of my photography (all pictures were taken using the A70).
Feel comfortable in your decision and have fun.
Ryan (I feel that Canon is somehow indebted to me for this spiel :))

[Removed_2815]

Also, don't be intimidated by the manual, your best teacher is trial and error and since there's no film to develop, you can learn from your mistakes instantly.
If I can be of any assistance feel free to ask.
Cheers,
Ryan