Q&A: Canon SX30is or SX20is?

Question by Ificouldiwould: Canon SX30is or SX20is?

The 30 seems like a dream. My main reasons for wanting the 30 as opposed to the 20 is the 35x zoom, and 14.1mp, .5 inch larger lcd screen vs. the 20x zoom and 12.1mp on the 20.

I am referencing these two models from amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-SX30IS-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B0041RSPR8/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

and

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX20IS-Stabilized-Articulating/dp/B002LITT3I/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t

One review mentioned it could be a real pain that the 30 doesnt use normal AA batteries, it is a rechargeable, which could be inconvenient in travel whereas it would not be readily available if you forget some things. Also the 30 is without a lens hood, no Barrel threads (Neither are interchangeable lenses) Those are basically my only dislikes.

The 20 shown has a hood and a review states you can attach a 52mm uv filter. Which is good. And 20x zoom and 12.1 mp is still very good. ALSO uses “real” batteries. Big plus. (I’m not worried about adding extra weight.) Price is also a little better.

I’ve also looked at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FSKDX0/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Which is very cool because it has interchangeable lens, and awesome creative options, which i am pretty stuck on. I am not a pro, just a hobbyist, so I dont know ALL of the technical jargon…so I cant tell if the zoom is better. so that’s one downside, and the other is it is also the chargeable battery kind. Also I’m not accustomed to Panasonic, I don’t know much about the brand.

Soo..What do you think? One of these? Or if you know of any others that match these standards? I do not want to exceed $ 500. I don’t mind better prices either if quality is matched ;-D I’ll take any advice, corrections, suggestions to heart.

Please give me specific details!

Thanks in advance, I appreciate the help.
Oh and since I dont really know what I’m talking about I would appreciate someone who does. THANKS.
Well I would like the option of a large print so the mps are important right? I wasnt aware these were compacts. Thanks anyway though.

Best answer:

Answer by DigitalPhotography
Hey,

Since you sent me a pm, I’ll reply, but I don’t know a lot about compacts (not interested in them heh)

30x vs 20x zoom is a lot. Megapixels, as long as above 6MP, don’t matter if you’re viewing your pictures on the monitor.

Bigger 0.5″ screen can be very helpful. Do you travel a lot? Then, you’ll need to buy a special cord cable to charge your battery (cause of volts).

Quality is pretty much the same. Sorry for not answering for real, this is not my field

EDIT: You could also be looking for a DSLR, you have models at 500$ , here is a post to Which DSLR to buy – http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/03/which-dslr-to-buy.html

Good luck!

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