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The A520 is probably one of the most popular 4MP cams out there, I like the colors straight outta the camera and there's quite a few manual features that you can play around with to be more creative. The downside of that camera is the flash recycling time which is unacceptablly slow, at 3 or 4 seconds or something like that, so everytime you use the camera with flash you'll have to wait 3 or 4 seconds before you can take the next shot. I don't think the Pentax is that slow but I can't remember.
The Pentax is nice because it's waterproof, my friend took hers with her to Egpyt and took some pretty amazing underwater shots that wouldn't have been possible with other cams unless you get the waterproof case, which ususally costs 150~200 bucks alone. It's small, easy to use and seems to have pretty low noise when taking night shots.
If you only print 4x6 or occasionally 8x11, I don't think you'll notice any noticeable difference between the photos from either camera, so it comes down to ergonomics and features that you have to decide on. If you get a chance you should drop by a camera store and play with both for a bit to see which one feels more comfortable.
Canon A520
Pros:
- comfortable grip (personal preference)
- nicely built
- Canon color
- 640x480 movie mode (but only like 30 seconds or something, kinda short)
- uses AA batteries (I see this as a pro because you can find replacements very easily, and NiMh recharable batteries are cheap)
- can use adapters for telephoto or wideangle lenses (but they're expensive)
Cons:
- slow operation time
- slow flash recycling time
- bigger than the Pentax
- refresh rate for the LCD screen is a bit slower than the Pentax
Pentax Optio WPi
Pros:
- waterproof, dust proof
- almost instant start up, good operation time
- Very good colors and details
- smaller
- continous AF
Cons:
- movie mode's kinda lacking at only 320x240 res
- more of a point-and-shoot camera with limited manual features
- Lithium-Ion battery (con for me cuz a replacement is harder to find and more expensive, but could be pro if you prefer a smaller camera)
There, my opinion's based on having used both cameras either through friends or at work, so take it as it is and see what other ppl say about them. Notice how my comments on them are mostly on the build, features, and certain operation issue because I personally believe those have more to do with choosing the right camera than megapixel count or brand name.
Either way you'll be happy with the camera, and hopefully you'll enjoy doing photography. Post some pics too after you've decided on either one, have fun!
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Nikonian
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