Any comments on the new PS S5 IS

[chas berlin]

Liz,
Pls tell me why you went w/ the G9?
I was considering the 850IS and now the G9, but also wondering about the S5.
G9 has more features, though the S5 looks better, is also manual, and has a much better grip. Only seen a review w/ pic of S5 in hand, so I'm not sure about it's size, and feel.
For digi I've only had an Olympus FE190 (used slightly and didn't care for). Nice and small, but image quality was lacking. I'm a film SLR guy, but wanting to get away from film and the wieght/size of SLR's.
Are they're any other digi cams you'd suggest I look at? Hoping to get just one that I will stick w/ for some time.
Your thoughts are appreciated,
Charles

[Liz]

Charles,

There are so many new p&s cameras out there I had a difficult time choosing. My main camera is the XTi, but due to back/neck problems I had to give up the heavier lenses. I decided to go for a p&s to compliment my XTi - and "sort of" replace the longer zoom lenses. I finally narrowed it down to the S5 and G7 and tried both. I decided to return the G7 and get the S5 due to the price drop so I returned the G7. In the meantime, I really missed the portability and the "feel" of the G7. At the same time, the G9 arrived on the scene. After a bit of research I decided I wanted the G9 and am very happy I made that decision. I really really like this camera.

Image quality is the bottom line for me; and although the S5 has excellent IQ, I found the G9 (and G7) images to be cleaner/brighter/crisper. The G9 also gave me better results right out of the camera with no post processing or very little. With the S5 I found I had to do more post processing. One thing to note - surprisingly the S5 will give you sharp results even at the longest zoom 432mm, even better than some zoom lenses on the XTi. The LCD on the S5 is flexable - you can move it to 180 degree angle. However, I much prefer the 3" LCD on the G9 - it's very readable and bright - you can see this screen from almost any angle - and can actually see it in bright sunlight. The LCD alone is worth getting this camera IMO (along with the other features of course).

They are both excellent cameras. I thought the G9 might be too small for me to get a sharp image as I have a slight camera shake problem. I was surprised that there is no cs effect at all unless I move; although the grip isn't as pronounced as the S5, it does have a better grip than the G7 - and I haven't found this to be a problem. If possible, I would suggest going to an electronic or camera store and checking both out - see which one feels the best. I honestly thought I would prefer the S5, but found the G9 to be "just right" in many ways including size and portability. Here are links to the G9 and S5 from B&H - check out the specifications and features and compare. Also I'm including a link to a few of the first photos I shot with the G9. No post processing - straight out of camera.

I'm no expert, so I hope my comments and experience helps.

BTW, the going price for the G9 is $499 - however, Circuit City is offering a 10% discount for AA members which brings it down to $450 plus tax. Normancamera.com is a reputable dealer that has both in stock - no tax unless you live in Michigan.

Link to photos (mine from G9
Jersey Shore - new G9 camera

Photos (not mine) from S5
http://www.pbase.com/photofreak777/national_zoo

G9
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...al_Camera.html

S5
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...S_Digital.html

Liz

Liz,
Pls tell me why you went w/ the G9?
I was considering the 850IS and now the G9, but also wondering about the S5.
G9 has more features, though the S5 looks better, is also manual, and has a much better grip. Only seen a review w/ pic of S5 in hand, so I'm not sure about it's size, and feel.
For digi I've only had an Olympus FE190 (used slightly and didn't care for). Nice and small, but image quality was lacking. I'm a film SLR guy, but wanting to get away from film and the wieght/size of SLR's.
Are they're any other digi cams you'd suggest I look at? Hoping to get just one that I will stick w/ for some time.
Your thoughts are appreciated,
Charles