Dilema: Which one to choose?

Coming from a Point & Shoot camera, I want to step up to Advanced High Zoom cameras. I'm still on my learning stage and I'm not considering a DSLR as of yet.

Anyhow, here is the problem.

I have been wanting a Canon S5 IS for a while now but based on the reviews it seems that the Panasonic FZ18 is better. I really like the FZ18 because it has so many good features like 18x zoom and it shoots RAW image but the S5 IS has the Canon brand and it has always been a good brand for a camera. When buying a camera, is it better to consider the brand or the features?

http://www.megapixel.net/reviews/pan...8/fz18-gen.php
http://www.megapixel.net/reviews/canon-s5is/s5-gen.php

Any help would be appreciated and other suggestions would also be helpful. My spending limit is about $400 right now. Thanks in advance.

Best,
Erik G.

 

I would seriously consider at least looking at the D40, I know you said you weren't at that stage yet, but you can use it as a P&S and you will not have to buy another camera for a long time.

 

How big is it compared to the S5 IS? Another reason why I chose the Advanced ones is because its medium sized. I don't want to carry a big SLR camera with me all the time. And I don't have a Point & Shoot anymore since I lost it.

What about the lenses? Don't they cost a lot? And how effective is the lens that comes with the camera?

 

it is very small by DSLR standards, its not pocket-sized by any means but its great just hanging around your neck, it is also very light. You have many options with lenses and you can expand and when you feel like you want to upgrade your camera you don't need new lenses. The kit lens is actually really good. I have had mine for 6 months and absolutely love it. Jorge just got one so he will probably be here soon.

 

Get the S5.

I love it.

I got to use one for a while, so i know a little bit about them.

 

I got my younger brother a canon S5 IS for christmas, i tryed it out my self its a really fast good camera, the nice thing about it is... You can just click 1 button and it will start recording, and if you click the shutter it will take a picture just like that, You should always stick to Canon if your looking for a point and shoot, but if a SLR canon or nikon is good, hope that helped Mr.

 

Its always good to go see the camera in person and check it out before you buy it, the S5 is the size off lets say, a SLR body with out the lens and a bit smaller.

 

Yes, i´m here...

You'll need to spend some bucks to upgrade it. for example, the filters, they're cheap, but some hard to get, i just got my cpl filter after a month of searching

BTW the d40 is as big as the s5, if not more...

Jorge

 

wow funny I missed this, I just bought a s5 2 days ago. I'm just a crappy photographer, but Im sure once I figure it out ill really enjoy the camera.

 

There is not much required, just click the button... its a "digital" camera

 

yeah it takes great pics in auto mode, but I wan to learn how to adjust the manual settings, I however dont think I ever will because I just P&S pics anyway.


Couple of questions:
I've notice that when i zoom in if it gets out of focus it wont re-focus until I zoom out and back in, is that normal?

Can I use this camera to make HDR photos?