need your opinions re:digital cameras

[cyber-sibes]

OK, here's what we're looking at & a couple more questions ----

We're looking online at a Cannon Powershot S1 IS

does anyone use a flash card reader, or is it unneccessary?

sounds like you can just plug in the USB & download from the camera, yes?

we're thinking of starting with a half-gig card, it would save enough money so we could get a 5-yr. warrenty, which I think is a good idea.
do you think a half-gig is enough to do most stuff?

thanks, you've all been so helpful!

[Cinder & Smoke]

a Cannon Powershot S1 IS

so we could get a 5-yr. warrenty, which I think is a good idea.

Ummmm, think Twice about the 5-year warranty ...

Many of the after-market or third-party warranty outfits go out of business
before you ever get to try to collect.

ANNNND ... most cameras break within the Manufacturer's one-year warranty
IF they're ever going to break.

Then, by the third year, the price for that same camera will have dropped so
far and / or the newer cameras will be so cheap for the features offered; you'll hate yourself for having to get the ole klunker fixed because you have the warranty.

Unless you're really clumsy and might *drop* it a lot ... gigi cams don't *drop* well!

[AlleyCat]

I have to agree about the warranty. We were offered a 4-year warranty and we opted not to take it. It was $100 which isn't awful, but we just weren't sure about the reliability of long-term warranties.

[cyber-sibes]

Good points about the warranty, & price drop, I'll bring that up. Thanks Phred and Mommyof3cats!

[BC_MoM]

For those of you with the PowerShot A series.. what is the focusing and portrait mode like? I really like cameras that do blurring behind the subject.. it's a BIG plus that I'm looking for, although, I think I'm most likely getting the A520.. but I think all cameras that do that are out of my price range, right?

[anna_66]

Pat, I did opt to get a card reader since I have 2 cameras with different cards. To me it's just easier (but then some think it's easier to plug it up to the compuer) and doesn't use up your batteries.
And I did get a warrenty on my first camera, but of course I never used it so I didn't get it with either one of the ones I have now. I figure I can get a new one for close to the price the warranty will be.