Which Digital Camera?

[Digger]

Another vote for the Canon S3. Great zoom, great shots. It's a keeper.

[JL]

I have 2 Canon's-S50 and a Rebel XT 8MB DSLR. It really depends what you need the camera for. On most outings, I'll just throw the S50 (5MB) in the pack and I'm off. If I'm around the house or know I will be shooting a bunch, the XT goes. I like the compact nature of the S50 and it capures great images. I also had Sony cameras in the past. EVF cameras do have some advantages over DSLR models, in my opinion. Namely a strong optical zoom range/macro settings without having to swap out len's and they are more compact. The best camera in the world doesn't do you a bit of good if you don't have it with you when you need it.

The Sony were/are good camera's. I had the floppy Mavica,CD Mavica, F707, F717 and several point and shoot models in the past. Been eyeing the R1 recently but will wait for it to come down in price before I make a move on that model. The only beef I have with sony cameras is the color reproduction seems to be a bit on the "soft" side. I think the Canon's have much more vivid colors.

JL

[Lurem]

Phil,
Bummer on the damage!

These are all great pieces of equipment. If you're still looking consider Sony 120X Digital (camera, zoom handycam) w/Carl Zeiss lens.    :D  
Test it out at the camera store!

[Artemis]

smaller cameras dont create pictures that enlarge well.  If you use a smaller camera with say, 5 megapixels, the pictures that you enlarge are usually going to be "pixelated" i.e. those annoying lil squares that muss up the pic.  I use a Canon Rebel XT.  (8 mega pixels) and the pics enlarge wonderfully.

[Brian P.]

How does the flash do on the Canon S3 IS? My current digital (Olympus Stylus 400) does great outside but leaves alot to be desired indoors IMO. The flash is not very powerful. It is great to drop in a pack as it is waterproof/resistant, but I want to upgrade.

I have always liked Canon and had good luck with them. My Canon AE-1 program is still a great film camera. It is just too easy to use digital now days. The S3 IS looks to be about the best bang for the buck.

BP