A95 vs. S1 IS

[olive]

I am new to this forum, but have read most of the recent posts on these two model in question.
We are looking for a "smallish" camera for general purpose photography, as well as some aerial/nature photos. We will eventaully upgrade from our current Canon EOS 35mm to either the 10D or 20D, but also want something a little more casual for everyday use. We do some enlargements, usually 8x10 size.
I like the image stabilization and 10x zoom on the S1 IS, but find the viewfinder and LCD screen quite dark and difficult to focus in low light. Would the A95 be a better choice? Any advice is much appreicated.

[Jon]

The A95 will be smaller. It has an optical finder, so the brightness of the lviewfinder screen won't be a problem. It's not as wide or long a lens as the S1, IIRC. The higher resolution will be fine for up to 8x10. I use an A80 as backup to my D60 and 20D.

[olive]

Thanks for your advice Jon,

I have read all of the reviews on the A95, but have not yet seen the model in any local stores.

However, in my previewing of the IS S1 right now, I have been very pleased with the results. I've adjusted my shooting style, the diopter and brightened the LCD panel. We experimented with some aerial photos in marginal, low light conditions and the results were surprisingly good. As others have mentionned before, minimal use of zoom in low light will produce better focussing and better photos. Nice to have the zoom there though, when the conditions are right.

Also, the rotating LCD panel for aerial photography provides a tremendous advantage. It allows greater shooting flexibility and there's no need to drop the microphone and use hand signals - this is huge plus.

Although a larger camera and less megapixels, I think I may stick with S1 for now.