I am getting an extra lab class to teach this semester so there is a little extra money coming my way. Yeah, I could spend it on medical bills, paying the rent, eating but... well you know.

Here's the deal: I saw the first previews of the Canon G9 and thought this might be a pretty good camera in 6-8 weeks time. Having had the original G1, I like the look and feel of the G-series.

But here's the fly in the ointment. Way back in time, I used to be a pseudo-street photographer, way back when streets were first invented. I didn't take photos of the homeless as I truly feel that is exploitation. But I did get candid street scenes that would have been impossible if those involved noticed the camera. It was difficult but I did OK.

So... I was looking at the Canon S5. As I see it, the Canon S5 has the wonderful swivel LCD screen that most cameras have abandoned. I was thinking, with little good nature shots here in Eastern Maryland (for what I like at least), if I hung the S5 with the lens pointing forward and used the LCD screen pointing upwards towards me, street photography should be much easier. Right?

But, street stuff is not what I would do all the time. There are no S5 user reviews on this site but reviews on DP Review and the user report on Luminous Landscape indicate that it is not a bad camera. The pro review here was not so glowing. Obviously, the G9 is being hotly debated on other sites even though these users have never actually seen or touched one! Without a tech review, I can only compare it to a G7 which seems OK if not spectacular.

I really don't know what I am asking. My recently former girlfriend went for the G6 which she loves. Score one for the G. I like the look of the G9 much better than the S5. The S5 has that swivel LCD. Both have RAW mode. The.... Ack!

Any comments, insults, "what the h---?" proclamations, etc. would be appreciated.