Accessories for CANON S5 IS Superzoom

I plan to buy a CANON S5 IS Superzoom tomorrow for $299.99, from Circuit City. Actually, I wanted to buy the CANON G9 or wait for the S5 IS's replacement to hit the market, but I've decided I don't want to spend the extra money.

Which batteries and which flash cards would be best to use with the S5 IS, or does it really make much difference?

I already have a dozen or more 15-minute rechargeable RAYOVAC I-C3 batteries (NiMH 2000 mAh) which I have been using with my 4-MP CANON PowerShot A80. I read that someone recommended NiMH 2500's for the S5 IS. Would it be worth it for me to change? Since I always keep a spare set on hand, I would need to buy two sets. Perhaps the RAYOVAC's I already have will suffice?

Also, which flash cards should I get for the S5 IS? Apparently it accommodates three different types: SD, SDHC, & MMC. How different are they from each other? I believe the "HC" stands for High Capacity. Another thing I read is that some cards are much "faster" than others. I figure I'll get at least two 4G cards.

I guess it would make sense to buy a filter to serve as a protective lens cover. Someone recommended a certain brand, but I've forgotten the name.

Finally, are there any other accessories which would be worth getting? I definitely want to buy a nice case.

Thank you.

I just shot over 500 superfine pix on a set of Panasonic 2300mah batteries this week, but as usual, when they decide to quit, they quit all at once and very quickly. Your mileage may vary, but enjoy your new S5!

Gidday, and welcome to the forums.

I used a s5is quite a bit last weekend and quite enjoyed it. About 500 shots out of it on a single set of batteries, predominantly using the LCD as viewfinder as it was mostly landscape / tripod mounted.

It comes with a lenscap, but it's purposefully designed to pop off when you power it up and as such *very* easy to knock off.

You can use filters (and a slip on proper lens cap) but you need the adapter ring to do that - the front of the camera isn't threaded. I've got a series of them on the A75 and they never get removed. (UV, Circular polariser and skylight all get swapped around.)

Cheers.

I wouldn't go out and replace the batteries you've got right away. Why not use them and see how they do? If you find them running out too fast it's plenty of time to replace them. It's not like they just won't work; they just won't last as long in use.

Thank you, one and all, for the helpful advice.

I figured it made sense to continue to use the batteries I have until I feel the need to upgrade. And I'll definitely be getting an adapter ring and at least a UV filter.

Unfortunately today's heavy rain means I'll have to postpone my purchase for at least a day or so, but I'm certainly looking forward to my new S5 IS.

Just to add some taters to the soup-
I shoot alot of sports and movies for a flat track roller derby league (500 pics average per bout) with sveral 2-3 min vids for team review. Always large picture setting. I use a SDHC card and really like the batteries rated at 2700mah. Never have had a problem with loss power except once when I got lazy over a week. Shot 4 bouts over that week and batteries died in the middle of the 4th bout. i was expecting it and had backups ready.
One thing about SDHC chips - make sure your card reader is compatible with this chip. High Capacity disks are always a minimum of 4GB and are not compatable with non-high capacity readers....however, when I bought my Sandisk UltraII SDHC it came with a usb adapter for my disk. So check and see before you buy HC your computers compatibility or that your disk either comes with appropriate adapter or yor ready to spend more on a current card reader if you require it.

I bought this card for my S5 and love it. It may be a little big, but the price was perfect
http://www.adorama.com​/IDSSD4GE3.html

That's very good advice -- thanks!!!

Bought 2 Kingston 4GB SDHC cards at Norman Camera for $12.00 AR. Was going to just get one but at that price I couldn't pass the second one up. And you're right about having a SDHC card reader - my SD reader wouldn't work with the SDHC card.
I just bought the eneloops batteries for my S5 but I haven't had a chance to use them yet. I hope they're as good as everyone says they are.

I'd recommend getting a Lensemate adapter. It'll allow you to screw on filters as well as give your left hand something to hold on to, and protect the zoom mechanism.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that it makes the SxIS cameras look like mini DSLRs .

Canon Guy wrote in post #5297134
I'd recommend getting a Lensemate adapter. It'll allow you to screw on filters as well as give your left hand something to hold on to, and protect the zoom mechanism.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that it makes the SxIS cameras look like mini DSLRs .

Thanks. Lensmate is the brand name I wasn't able to recall.