Expert: John Oliverio - 5/3/2004

Question
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Followup To
Question -

You've been a great help thank you.
If you don't mind please give me ur opinion on this one: Canon IXUS 500

thanx again





Hi
I want to buy a digital camera for family use for about $500, but I'm a little confused between brands and specifications, can you guide me to choose one?
1. Which is best: Canon, Nikon, Olympus or Sony?
2 . can you make a choice between these cameras:
http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/imsg/digicamera/c770uz/

http://www.nikon-image.com/eng/PDF/coolpix5700.htm



http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/-/-/-/SY_DisplayPro


http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/-/-/-/SY_DisplayPro



or just tell me what u recommend

Thanx
Answer -
Farouk,

I don't feel that any of the brands you mention are one better than the other.  And all of the cameras you mention are fine machines.  However, they are all of different classes.  The 5700 is the "high end" and would probably make the best picture.  But it is a relatively large machine.  The 770 is pretty cool.  I own the 740 and get great results from it.  And it is great for family because of the versatility of the lens.  (kids sports)   But it is also kind of big.  The VI is nice but doesn't really offer anything exciting in my opinion.  The P10 is a great size and will fit in a pocket but only offers a 3x zoom.  My vote?  The Olympus 770.

John

Answer
Farouk,

The 500 is a fine little machine.  It is well made and easy to use.  It also has a very sharp lens.  You may find it has more pixels than you really need though so you may want to consider the 410 which is the same camera with only 4mp.

John