Help me choose a cam. =)

So..I got my A710IS returned. And I may get another one.. Only reason I returned it was because it was broken .. Im just wondering if the S3 is better or I was also looking at the Sony H5... I like the long zoom. but when it comes down to it It's all about picture quality and manual controls. I love macro too

im looking in the 499.99 Canadian range.

The S3 picture quality is really good. You can check this review for samples.

i was toying between the s3 IS and the a630 and went to the A in light of the larger sensor ... tough call though - could go either way

Shame this wasnt last week - S3 was 460 at futureshop

They just dropped the price again today - down to $450

I would go with the S3, futureshop has it for 449.

I own an S3, and after extensive shopping, and comparing, and even being almost sold on going with panasonic, (Carmans foto source) I would still choose the S3. What a great camera it is. I ended up snagging it at Costco. macro,super macro, 12X zoom, IS, histogram, etc. etc.

Circa2000 wrote in post #2489065
So..I got my A710IS returned. And I may get another one.. Only reason I returned it was because it was broken .. Im just wondering if the S3 is better or I was also looking at the Sony H5... I like the long zoom. but when it comes down to it It's all about picture quality and manual controls. I love macro too

im looking in the 499.99 Canadian range.

I have the S2 and absolutely love mine, would never go back to anything less than a 12X zoom camera.

Check for price matches at staples and use some online coupons and can probably get them for almost 100 dollars cheaper than what you're looking at.

im still torn. I want a SLR so bad but i just dont have the funds. I dont know what to do.. im just not happy with most P&S picture quality... any suggestions?

An advanced P&S (like S3) has certain advantages, for example - smaller size and weight, x12 zoom, image stabilization, swivel LCD screen etc, all these coming with very nice price tag. If image quality is your main issue and you can live without the things I just mentioned - you can get an older 350D (or even 300D) with a nice lens (Sigma 17-70). The image quality, especially at higher ISO settings, will be much better that that of S3.