Canon Powershot or Sony Cyber-shot?

[amyellen]

Does anyone have a Canon Powershot xs20 or Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX1? What do you think of them? How do they shoot in low light?

[JulieSade]

I have the SX20. The SX20 does have a high speed ISO available (1600, I think). Pics do get very grainy at that point. It has a hot shoe on top to slide another flash on board, so you don't have to rely on the flash that's on the camera. I am a natural light shooter, I prefer it, but frankly, no digital camera I've ever had has been entirely satisfactory with low light shooting.

Overall I like the camera a lot, but then, I'm a Canon junky.

[amyellen]

I also really do not like to use a flash. Are you satisfied with the quality without the flash?

[carollee]

I don't have either of these cameras, but I do have a Sony camera and I absolutely love it. So if you are looking for an endorsement for the brand, I can certainly testify they are great.

[digigrandma]

I have a Sony Cybershot I use as my point and shoot. Not even sure what model it is, but, I sure have been happy with it. I like Sony products very much.

[beehive50]

Funny enough... we have both! Well, almost... I have a Canon SX20IS that I bought for my Europe trip... and didn't take 'cuz I wound up taking my DSLR! (The best decision for me, but that's another story!) We also have a Sony Cybershot DSC-W120, so I can't really comment about the DSC-HXI... So, my two cents (and I am so NOT a pro... or even close... photographer!)... both of them have taken some splendid photos!

We use the Sony alot 'cuz of it's small size... slips into that purse so nicely! And, overall, it takes nice photos. My DD uses it ALOT and it's served her very well. Alas... low light photos w/o the flash are awful! Even in it's "manual" mode... not good at all. So, so grainy. With the flash, tho... accepting the resulting shadows... it takes good pics.

I specifically bought the Canon because (1) it was a Canon , (2) I figured I could learn the manual modes easier 'cuz it would be similar to my Rebel XTi and (3) the zoom is SO great that'd it'd be the perfect camera for a vacation 'cuz I wouldn't have to change lens. Personally, I've found the learning curve to be harder than my Rebel... even when I use full-on MANUAL mode, the camera sometimes takes over and changes the settings. Now, mind you, I haven't take the time to check the manual to see if I'm missing something, even though I'm pretty sure I'm doing everything OK. So, it's REALLY annoying when I see an aperture or shutter speed just change as I'm focusin... grrrrr. And, sadly, like the Sony... low light shots are not good. Even when I manually set the aperture to 3.5, I can't get a decent low light shot. Very grainy. That said, like the Sony, it's taken some wonderful photos and I do keep it on my desk to grab and shoot during the day. DD also wants it now, so she can 'graduate' from the Sony!

So, I don't think that really helped much... my Sony is definitely a pocket-sized camera and may not be the same type of model as the Sony you're contemplating. For me/us, both of these cameras serve a slightly different purpose and work about the same (the good and the bad) as the other. So, this might not even be of help to you! Sorry...

*Caveat: Regarding the low light shots and manual mode... I am still very much the amateur so it might just be that I'm doing something wrong or not doing something I should. Not sure about that but, just so ya know...