S50 vs S60: is newer always better?

[klexys]

I can't decide which of the two to get. I've heard much praise for the S60's wide angle lens, but also curses at the barrel distortion. If anyone has both (or anyone who has researched this more deeply than I), their comments would be very welcome. The S50 seems less plasticy than the S60, but I don't know how reliable support would be, since the S50 has been discontinued. And because it has been discontinued, I probably will have to buy it off eBay, something I usually try to avoid with expensive electronics. So, if anyone can tell me if the S60 has an all metal body, and if the construction is reliable, that would be great.

[rsachs]

I have had both the S50 and S60. At first I thought the S60 body was a bit cheesy compared to the S50's nice black metallic. However, after using the S60 for a while, I can say its definitely a better camera.
The wide angle at 24mm is much better than the S50's 28. You get a lot more image in.
The user interface is vastly improved, in both the buttons (now separate buttons for selection and navigation instead of the awful 4 way rocker), and the menus. Its much easier now to review the pictures after shooting, select items in the menu, and so forth.
The S60 camera is also a bit smaller in height and width so easier to pocket.
I strongly recommend the S60 over the S50. I got an excellent price at OneCall.

[klexys]

I got the S60, and I am very pleased with it. Would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

[BOBinsane]

Ditto to rsachs' comment on the 4 way multicontroller. I'm getting an S50 for an extremely good price. But if it weren't for the price point, my Powershot S30 would still be working today if the multicontroller didn't exist.

[xdjoynerx]

according to dpreview, the image quality is 100% identical.

its a tiny bit smaller, and has a wider lens. thats about the only advantages....

they also downgraded to some small orange af lamp insted of the nice big bright white af lamp on the s50