I've had several inexpensive digital cameras over the years, I'm looking to step up to a better quality digital camera. I really enjoy the outdoors and bird watching in particular, and so I'd like to get a camera that would allow me to take good pictures of birds in particular. I don't have a big budget and with 3 kids and lots of other responsibilities I don't know how seriously I will get into photography, so I'm looking for something relatively inexpensive.
I was pretty much set on getting a Canon Rebel XT with 18-55mm lense (approx $500) and seriously considering getting the 75-300mm telephoto lens (the $200 one without image stablization). But then while I was in a store I noticed the PowerShot S5 IS with 12x optical zoom for only $350.
What are the major differences between the two?
I realize the Rebel XT is a dslr and the Powershot is not, but practically how speaking does that impact the photographs? Which would you recommend for my situation?
Thanks,
Paul