s410 vs s1-IS

[greatgreybeast]

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, but I wasn't sure where to put it. Just wondering about anyone's comments/thoughts about choosing between the S410 and the S1-IS. I can get both for pretty much the same price (around $350). It would be my first digital camera so that's why I'm being cautious. I already know most of the specs for each one so I'm just looking for some experience with which one I should go with. Thanks a ton.

[Jon]

Do you have experience with any particular film cameras? Knowing what you're planning to do with the camera will help us make suggestions. Unless you want to routinely make big prints (8x10 and above), 4 MP vs. 3.2 won't make much difference.

The optical zoom capabilities are more significant (forget digital zoom - it's more like empty magnification) if you're interested in photographing, say, birds or sports. In that case, I'd lean toward the S1 IS.

The S1 also is much more controllable so if you're experienced, or want a camera you can grow with, it'd be the better choice.

The S1 is, however, much bulkier - if being able to carry it around conveniently is important, the S410 would be a better choice.