Shutterbug Strasse

Posted by kendall (A) on January 12, 2004 at 15:22:43

In Reply to: Canon A80 vs. Nikon coolpix 4300 best value for the $$$ posted by redbook on December 09, 2003 at 12:43:12:

I have the Nikon 4300 and like it very much. I have no direct experience with the A80, but I, like you, researched it and to my mind is outstanding-- a "can't miss."

I purchased the Nikon in part because it allows manual settings for shutter speed, aperture, etc. I found myself never taking advantage of those features. When I decide that I want to control those features manually, I will use the 4300 as a learning tool, then upgrade.

I would say that your choice is on the basis of cost and ease of use. Personally, I do not like the A80's flip-to-the-side monitor: opening/closing is just one more thing to do and I would probably break it. On the other hand, I really don't know how well the A80 compares with the Nikon in terms of battery usage-- an important consideration for me.

Good luck!