Need a companion to the XTi, help me please...

[evohuntinwrx]

Hey guys,

I currently use a XTi for my more serious photraphy needs, however I wanted to pick up a P&S from Canon to take around to places were carrying around a DSLR9with large lenses) is not really an option (I.e. trips to theme parks, vacations were I dont want to tote all the lenses around, etc.)

Im currently stuck between the S5IS and the SX100IS. The SX is priced VERY well at Circuit City, the S5IS is obviously more expensive but looks to be more Pre-SLR quality...

What do you guys feel is the true difference in IQ between the 2 in general shots. Does the difference justify the extra $150+ for the S5?

Thanks guys for any input you may have...

Mike Vera :)

[Shadiow]

I love the S5IS, but you should look at the G9 as well.

[evohuntinwrx]

I love the S5IS, but you should look at the G9 as well.

So is that a no on the sx series? lol

The G9 is nice, however I dont think at this point I want to spend alomst have a grand (over with taxes, warranties, case, etc) for a secondary camera...

[Jon]

The electronics in the S5 and the SX100 are pretty much the same. The biggest additional features of the S5 are the electronic viewfinder (easier to deal with than the back LCD on a sunny day), the hot shoe, and a few mm more zoom. The S5 also uses 4xAA instead of 2x, so you'll have better overall battery life (but have to carry twice as many batteries).

[evohuntinwrx]

The electronics in the S5 and the SX100 are pretty much the same. The biggest additional features of the S5 are the electronic viewfinder (easier to deal with than the back LCD on a sunny day), the hot shoe, and a few mm more zoom. The S5 also uses 4xAA instead of 2x, so you'll have better overall battery life (but have to carry twice as many batteries).


So since I have the XTi for more serious shots, do yuo think that the sx100 would be comparable in IQ to the S5 if thing like the viewfinder and quad battery setup werent important to you?

[KJCSPhoto]

I too own an XTI, and I was just in your shoes a few weeks ago, read some of my posts here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=487944
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=5481117
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=500863
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=501044

At first I did not like the S5is, but it has a way of growing on you, you can’t expect too much in terms of IQ especially after using a DSLR, but the S5is makes up for it in other ways, and as long as you know its limits –just like any P&S- it can produce good shots. One of the main reasons why I went with the S5 is because of its movie capability, but also its vari-angle LCD screen (no more laying in the mud for macro shots) and the fact that it is a canon, mainly because all of my digital cameras have been canons and I was very familiar with the menus and such.

Hope this helps
Kevin

[dale500]

How about a S3-IS as an option. You can get a Canon refurbished S3 for $219 direct from Canon. http://estore.usa.canon.com/Specification.asp?ITEM_ID=37410 It has the same lens as the S5 and pretty much the same feature set. The only thing missing is the hot shoe.

I also recomend the Tamrac Velocity 6x sling pack. http://tamrac.com/5766.htm You can carry your camera around any theme park for the full day in comfort. There is plenty of room for extra batteries, memory cards, even a mini tripod. Travel light and have fun.

Dale

[Jon]

So since I have the XTi for more serious shots, do yuo think that the sx100 would be comparable in IQ to the S5 if thing like the viewfinder and quad battery setup werent important to you?
It's hard to rule the viewfinder out of the equation. The only way you can compose your shot with the SX100 is with your arms out to let you see the LCD. And that introduces plenty of opportunity for shake.

[evohuntinwrx]

It's hard to rule the viewfinder out of the equation. The only way you can compose your shot with the SX100 is with your arms out to let you see the LCD. And that introduces plenty of opportunity for shake.

I didn't think about that hmmm....... I really like the S3..Will IQ suffer do to its relatively low MegaPixels?

[Jon]

Not really, unless you want to routinely shoot 8x10 or larger. It's still a 6 MP camera; my D60 only had about that. And plenty of people have gotten fine 8x10 and larger prints from the original 4 MP 1D.

[KJCSPhoto]

evohuntinwrx

No I do not think that IQ will suffer in the S3, I seem to think that the S5 might be suffering from more pixels crammed on the same size sensor. Since you are used to a DSLR not having a viewfinder might be a little awkward, I personally find it easier to compose shots with it, really the only time that I use the LCD is when I am shooting movies, and when I am taking odd angle shots.

Kevin.

[rider1]

For what it's worth, I was in the same position as you. Went out and bought the PowerShot SD800 IS (I don't know how this compares to what you are considering). I am sorry to say I am disappointed in almost every image. Let me be fair, I am comparing these images to the xti's images taken with 2 really decent lenses. I took the P&S with me to a park last weekend because I thought it would rain. I took some pictures of my dog and some ducks etc. I am "happy" with one out of the 20. I just think i expect too much out of the P&S- but so might you. Wish I had the $300 back I spent so i could add another $100 and get a Macro lens. Down the road I'll just find a way to pack the xti.

[dale500]

I have an S2 which has only has 5mp compared to the S3's 6mp. I can print quality 8x10's with no problem.

I have read some reviews that rate the S3's image quality higher than the S5. I would love to have the S5's hot shoe but after reading about its image quality compared to the S3 and S2 I have decided to wait and see what Canon comes up with next.

Dale

[bayoubooger]

I love the S5IS, but you should look at the G9 as well.

+1 on the G9

[Big Hands]

I got an SX100 for the same reason as you (an alternative to my 20D and sack-o-glass) and feel it has worked out quite well. There are those of us that don't have issues with the lack of viewfinder and I shoot plenty on some days and have never run out of battery power even though I have spares just in case (I just haven't needed to use them).

I took it on a 10 day cruise and left the big guns at home and have not regretted it for a moment. I did add the HF-DC1 flash and would highly recommend it for any p&s as it extends the flash range out to about 30ft if needed and works well as a fill flash if you're into that.

The flash recycle times are pokey on p&s cams and the SX100 is no exception. It may be slower than some, but none are speedy compared to what you may be used to wih a DSLR.

The G9, SX100 and S5is are all good picks, it just depends on your preferences for size (the S5is is about twice the size due to it's thickness - mostly the lens protrusion), zoom range, viewfinder or lack thereof and a few other mostly minor IMHO feature differences. And the G9 does have a larger sensor and I can see the difference in IQ although I still consider the IQ of the SX100 and S5is to be plenty good and more than acceptable for my purposes.

You can see some sample galleries from all three at DPR and decide for yourself what is acceptable.They all have their place depending on what is important to you. It's great to have nice choices.

[snatiep]

I have both the 30D and the S3, and I highly recommend the S3!! I have many 8X10 prints from the S3 that are stunning!

I have also heard and read posts here that the S3 owners that upgrade to the S5 are disappointed. They like the S3 more.

I wasn't aware you could buy refurbished S3's on Canons website, maybe I should order a backup S3 for my S3?

[kawwauser]

i started off with a s2 then went for the xti along with some expensive lenses,i found i still used the s2 on hillwalking trips /holidays,when my s2 packed up i started looking for a replacement,the zoom factor guided me to a nikon:os4,
it has a 10x zoom ,video capability ,but no view finder,i got mine for £140 they are discontinued so you may get one for less,
no pp only resized pics

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/kawwauser/q.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/kawwauser/q6.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/kawwauser/q5.jpg