What to buy?

[Warman]

Im shopping for a new camera and was considering the Powershot A80 because i had an A60 and liked it a lot. After some thought I started thinking G3 and inevitably G5 but i read that it has some nasty problems...
Chrome aberrations, no 9 points AiAF, high noise and its expensive. The only benefit i can see is the RAW mode that the A80 doesnt have.
So, please help me choose, I want a camera up to the price of the G5 with very good manual controls for creativity. I know this is a Canon forum but please feel free to recomend another brand if you feel its better.

[stduc]

Who says the G5 has high noise? My friends G3 has about the same noise as my A80 and a darn site less than my A70.
Personally I don't like the G cameras. The lens obstructs the viewfinder and the camera is too big for too little benefit over the A series. The A80 in particular. RAW mode and auto bracketing would be nice though!

[Warman]

here is where i read it:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong5/page13.asp

quoting:
"Overall Image Quality / Specific Issues
I'm sure the production of the G5 was a 'no brainer' for Canon, simply slot in the new five megapixel 1/1.8" CCD in the place of the G3's four megapixel 1/1.8" CCD and just to spice things up a little turn the body black.



There were obvious compromises in making that jump from four to five megapixels, noise has increased from ISO 100 upwards, indeed the G5 is looking noisier than a lot of the competition. Purple fringing is also worse, both at maximum aperture and stopped down, which wasn't something we were expecting."

About the viewfinder, i realy rarely used the viewfinder of my A60 mostly relying in the LCD.

So you are saying that if it were you, it would be the A80? Btw, is the 9 point AiAF so important? what are its advantages over the G5 system? Also, no other brand models would spice your apetite?

[scrubman]

here is your answer... get the S45... has manual controls AND saves RAW mode AND 9 point auto focus AND tons more... i just ordered one 2 days ago... cant wait to play!! it will be my 4th camera... had Olympus and Fuji and now im ready for High Quality photos and manual controls ESPECIALLY focus! and hopefully better low light pics with auto focus from the AF assist!!

[flylow]

I was checking out prices from info at www.bensbargains.net and I bumped into the S45 at:

http://ww2.onecall.com/About_30001000_25_380_0_0_0_0.htm

$379 including 3 day shipping.

[tommy_t]

I went from an s30 to a G3 (after considering G5) in five months of owning s30. Overall best move I could have made.
One thing I do miss is the size. I don't carry my G3 to social functions like I did the s30. It's all business now.

[Warman]

The S50 does have some features which i was looking for but lacks a couple of important ones. No rotating LCD, cant be attached to aditional lens, 9 point AiAF doesnt work in M mode.
About the G3, well, i think it would have been my choice if they were still for sale at my suplier.
Anyway, thank you all for your help, i think i will go for the G5 and pray its a good choice.