Help!.... I just bought the new S5is from Canon and took some pretty good focused pics indoors and out... however, the camera likes to up the ISO alot in Auto mode, making the pics rather noisy. I'll be shooting panoramas of mountains and badlands out west (Montana and Alberta) in a week, and the Stitch function looks attractive for that although haven't used it yet. In addition will be using camera for aquarium shots (Has a aquarium scene mode, but all it does is boost the ISO and changes the e/v compensation I think, making the pics look grainy again. Yesterday bought the Fuji S9100 which starts off at 28 mm (wide) and goes to about 300mm (10.7x tele) (21.4x with 2x digital zoom) It seems to take good shots outdoors as well, but suffers from blurry shots with the aqua shots.... Help ... which camera should I keep and what am I doing wrong? (the S9100 was about $80 more than Canon, but found a misfiring pixel on the LCD.) (How is Fuji's customer service rating?)

Well.. I have the S3 IS, and I never use the "Auto" mode. I do use the "Program" on occasion, where you set the ISO, and it can only adjust the shutter and aperture.

I have the Canon S5 - and really like the results. Most p&s digital cameras have a problem with noise in low light. The Fuji may be better (not familiar with it). However, the S5 has many features that are great - like the ones you've mentioned. Also, the flip screen is a great feature and the LCD is really nice - it's a nice size, plus the resolution - I can see much better in daylight with this LCD than any I've used.

For me personally, the optical zoom at 432mm is a real plus. I have a slight camera shake problem - and I can get sharp photos at the max zoom (the IS is great). IMO you can't beat the Canon color.

Here is a link to some photos shot with the S3, S5, G7 - and another brand camera. You might want to check it out as it includes samples of indoor shots - and I believe there are one or two aquarium shots. This might help you decide. These images also show what you can do with the amazing features in this camera - and fooling around with the settings.

The camera used is clearly marked above the image. If you click on the image, you will find another page with all photos shot with that camera.

http://www.pbase.com/photofreak777/root

Liz