Now I’ve had my Canon 400D for just over 2 years now and it has been a great asset for me in my journey of rediscovering photography (I used to do a lot of photography during high school as a course). Having a DSLR is great in which I can take superb quality photos and try out various techniques to get a desired effect, but one of the major problems of a DSLR is the size. Whenever I’m out and about I tend to miss some photo opportunities due to me not carrying a camera and since the 400D is bulky and with a carry bag, it was time to look for an alternative. Yep, I bought myself a digital point and shoot camera: the Canon IXUS 960IS.
Firstly let’s just say that this camera is technically half mine. It’s actually my sister’s camera as I bought it for her as an early birthday present since I’ll be away in Japan during that time. But really I bought this simply so I can use it as normally and not have to carry my DSLR around all the time. Also it gives me the opportunity to do covert shots in stores in Japan since most do not allow photographs inside.
One thing about this camera though, I got a fairly reasonable deal on it, but I should have badgered more for lowering the price like a typical Asian. Unfortunately I’m not very good at that kind of thing like some of my friends, or even my mum. I got it as a package so that includes the camera, a camera bag, and a 4GB SDHC memory card all for $550 AUD from JB-HIFI. But luckily for me since I’m going overseas, I can claim back the GST on the camera thanks to the Tourism Refund Scheme. Pretty much it means that any items worth over the value of $300 you can claim back the GST after you pass through Customs. Of course you have to be carrying the item as onboard luggage so it works out well for me.
I haven’t had much of a chance to test out the camera since my sister took it away for her holiday but I did have a quick look and I am very impressed by it. Image quality wise is good and the fact that this has macro capabilities means I can use it for figure photography as well. Still, I have to wait until I get it back from my sister until I can really try it out.
Nice buy, great camera
The only problem I have with digi cams is that some are so small and light. I always get the feeling I dropped it somewhere and frantically search my pockets for it.
At least with DSLRs you know when they’ve disappeared… thats when you start pissing in your pants.
you’ve spent quite abit already before the trip has started…cant imagine how much you will spend in Japan o_O
Wow I move to SLRs and you move over to the IXUS. A quirk of fate, that I’ve jsut got a 450D which is the newer version of your 400D, while you got a 960IS which is a newer version of my 800 IS.
tj han’s last blog post..[Ascaloth] Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto ~Natsu no Sora~, Episode 03
I know how you are feeling. Today, I brought my parents’ little Panasonic Lumix to work, and it didn’t even feel like I have a camera in my bag! *hrr hrr*
Very nice. This camera was actually one of a few in my list of cameras to choose from. I’m still deciding on a new camera I’m getting as its gonna be our family camera so my bro and sis needs to feel happy in using it as well. In this case, the price is a bit excessive to suit our budget. I’m still eying on the Canon Powershot A720 IS. With 8MP and a 6x optical for under $300, I reckon it’s pretty neat but it does feel kind of bulky and that bothers my sis. T_T
Sometimes, my family can be soooooooo fussy.
If u any tips for a new point to shoot camera, I would love to hear them.
If u don’t mind, can u add my blog to ur blogroll? ^^
Optic’s last blog post..What’s in the box? 4
Nice get for those situations you mentioned indeed.
@ Optic:
Powershot for more manual functions and zoom, also uses(most models) AA batteries which might be very useful at times.
ixus for a more compact and stylish camera.
@ Adun:
This one looks great from the front, but the buttons are..
Anyway, black is my style
Wow, we have the same camara. (:
My brother dropped my old one outside of Kyoto animation studios and shattered the lens.
Its for the best because this one is much better, though the pics sometimes are too big for myspace to except.
nice compact camera there, but I still prefer going around with the bulky DSLR tho (I wrap my DSLR on my neck all day last year when I was in Japan)
ron~’s last blog post..Shuraki 02: Ryu Mei Feng ~ GSC
Bubby: Well carrying the DSLR can get annoying when wanting to do little things but you take the cake with all your equipment. Despite spending money on this I’ll be fine come Japan.
tj han: A strange twist in fate indeed. But the IXUS belongs to my sister though, but I’ll be using it more often than her.
Optic: I thinking finding a camera for the whole family to use is one of the limiting factors when deciding on what to buy. Everyone wants something specific but luckily for me my sister just wanted something small and easy to carry and better than the last PnS camera we had. If you’re undecided on what to get I suggest you head into a shop and try out the cameras there to see what suits your needs and I’m sure you can pick up something decent for $300 or less.
FreezinD3v!L: Well this camera only comes in silver, plus it’s a titanium casing so it’s tough.
Punynari: Well with a titanium casing, you won’t have to worry too much about dropping this camera.
ron~: But for the covert shots, I need something small and that doesn’t make any shutter noises.
… what covert shots @_@ don’t tell me that after you go back from japan you’ll have plenty of panchira shots :p
btw, I found this for august schedule of akiba, may help you schedule your time
http://otasuke.new-akiba.com/monthly/2008/08
ron~’s last blog post..Shuraki 02: Ryu Mei Feng ~ GSC
Thanks for the tip FreezinD3v!L and Adun. ^^
Optic’s last blog post..What’s in the box? 4
Kukuku~ covert store shots~
Nice purchase, your sister is lucky~ Does it have image stabilisation? Mine doesn’t and they released a version with IS just a few months after I got mine u_u~
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