Well, it's official - some time during a recent bear hunt my trusty Kodak digital point and shoot camera leapt from my pack, apparently never to be seen again. This puts me in the position to "need" to acquire a new one for hunting and general family use (kids at Christmas, vacations, etc.). I've narrowed my choices down to two options in my price range with the basic desired features: 1) Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT; 2) Canon 5S IS.

I would appreciate any input from you fellows regarding these choices. As I see it, the advantages and disadvantages of each are:
Digital SLR – Canon Rebel XT
Advantages (or “the goodâ€):
10.1 megapixel (seems really good)
Compatible with current lenses and flash - I currently own the film version of Rebel
JPEG and RAW file format
Familiar with EOS package
Remote control capable (self-photos would be easier than with a timer)

Disadvantages (or the “not so goodâ€):
Smaller screen than the other option
Requires battery pack (unknown whether standard batteries will work)
Slightly heavier (one ounce) and larger (1/2" each dimension)

Price: $449 for body only; $539 with 18-55mm lens; no accessories


Canon S5 IS
Advantages (or “the goodâ€):
8.0 megapixel (still quite good)
Image stabilizing lens
Compatible with current flash (but not lenses)
Built-in 12X optical zoom
Controls similar to EOS Rebel (current camera)
Multiple power sources (including “regular†batteries)
Slightly larger screen
Slightly lighter and smaller

Disadvantages (or the “not so goodâ€):
Not compatible with other lenses
No remote capability
Only saves in JPEG file format

Price: $349 camera only; $409 with 1GB card, card reader, case, 4 NIMH batteries and charger, and a full size tripod


Comments? Input?

Thanks,
Troy

Consider spending a little more and look at the Pentax K10D. Dust and rain resistant, great reviews.

The Canon Rebel XT is a couple of years old now, and you should be able to buy it for around $500.00 or less with the kit lens. The XT is not a 10.1MP camera, but an 8MP one. The Rebel XTi is the 10.1MP one.

Canon upgrades the XT line of cameras almost every year, so I would think that sometime in 2008 to 2009 the XTi would cost almost half of what you would pay for it. However, it does not make any sense to keep on waiting for the newest version, since you can be taking great pictures today.
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Keep in mind that there is an older 8MP Canon camera that was just upgraded with the 40D. This older version is the 30D, and outstanding camera that should cost not too much over the XTi.

I would advise to buy a XT now, or a XTi, or even better a 30D sometime in November when camera stores such as B&H, and Adorama, offer Christmas discounts. If you can afford it, don't spend too much on a camera body, and use the extra money for a better than the kit lens. If you buy a top of the line lens such as "L" series, you still can use it on an upgraded and more expensive body in the future. Lenses are where most of the money goes, and the bodies can be replaced every few years.

The best lenses would be Canon's "L" series, but these are very expensive. Another option would be a Tamron 17-50mm to replace the kit lens, or a Tokina 12-24mm if what you want is a wider lens. Regardless of lens type, make sure that the lens you buy matches the camera's sensor. Dealers such as B&H and some others provide that type of information right at their web page, on the lens specifications.

You can see some of my photos right here in this forum. I have used a Tokina 12-24mm to take most of them, plus a Hoya circular polarizer filter. This polarizer is not the top of the line, but still costs around $170.00.

i think the cannons have got the edge in the point &shoot cameras, in the SLR S i think the nikons are the way to go

i have go a S3 and it is brilliant, the s5 should be even better
daniel

I have an S2 and an S3. They are both excellent cameras. The S5 as M 98 suggests should be even better.

Advantages for me personally the Canon S series has are as follows.

1. These Cameras will work with standard AA batteries including the lithiums which IMHO are the way to go in a remote location. They crush alkalines for life and the Nimh's loose their advantage where recharging is not available.

2. The image stabilization is built into the body of the camera. On Canon SLRs I believe image stabilization is only available in specific lenses.

3. The video clip mode on these cameras is absolutely NOT a joke. On many point and shoots the video function isn't really worth using. On the Canon S cameras the video function absolutely is worth using. The video clips and sound the Canon S cameras are capable of is honestly better than quite a few consumer video cameras out there. Yes you need a few big SD cards to take video, but IMO it's worth it.

4. You should get the Teleconverter for the S camera. The adapter also allows the use of standard filters. (Note: the camera firmware has no provision for third party teleconverters so don't fall into that trap.)

5. The timer mode on the S cameras can be set for three shots. This makes taking self photos much easier.

quote:

Originally posted by M 98:
i think the cannons have got the edge in the point &shoot cameras, in the SLR S i think the nikons are the way to go

i have go a S3 and it is brilliant, the s5 should be even better
daniel

Not really. Nikon SLR cameras (film) had an edge over Canon, but Canon is way ahead with digital SLR cameras and lenses. When you see sports photographers using cameras with white color or light gray color lenses, that's a hint that the camera and lenses are Canon's (Canon with L lenses). You can see them all over the place at sports events and journalism. The top of the line Canon digital SLR camera boasts an over 21MP sensor, and costs nearly $8,000 (body only).

I still have Nikon cameras, including a F3 HP with motor drive, dedicated flash, and lenses. It is still an excellent camera, but it uses film instead of software and sensor.

Don't overlook the G series cameras by Canon. I prefer the slrs. I use a 30D and find it perfectly satisfactory. However, I use a G6 to good advantage at times. Dr.C