Help me with my Final Decision (s6000, s3 IS, H5)

[aposatsk]

I'm looking for a camera to be used for portraits as well as to photograph scenery. Good low-light performance is required. I need to be able to fully control the camera's features (ISO, shutter, etc.).

My cost requirement is very limited -- 400$ Canadian.

I've narrowed it down to the following choices. Please tell me which one is best.

Fujifilm FinePix S6000fs
Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 (or H2?)

Thank you.

[Rocket_Scientist]

A cursory perusal of DP Review shows that the Fujifilm FinePix S6000fs does not have Image Stabilization--a must in my book. Of the other two, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS uses standard "AA" size batteries, which I find convenient. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 uses memory stick media, instead of the more common SD, but it does have 7 MB, whereas the S3 IS only has 6, but I would not be swayed by a single MP. And, anyway, the S5 IS is now available which has 7 MP. Perhaps I'm jaded ('cause I have the S3), but I'd vote for the Canon.

[Photo-John]

Like Rocket Scientist said, the Fuji doesn't have image stabilization, which is very important when you have a long zoom lens. Both the Canon PowerShot S3 IS and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 have mechanical image stabilization which work very well. They're also both very popular cameras. We have a pro review for the Canon S3 IS and there are plenty of user reviews for both cameras. The one issue I am aware of is that a lot of people have had problems with the shutter release button breaking on the Sony. Here are some links to reviews pages here that should help you make a decision:

Compare Sony H5 and Canon S3 IS >>
Canon PowerShot S3 IS Pro Review >>
Canon PowerShot S3 IS User Reviews >>
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 User Reviews >>