Splurging On A Camera

I’ve decided to splurge. Like a really big splurge. Not like “Hmmm, it’s Friday; I think I’ll have some sushi” but like “I really am frustrated with this rinky-dink camera and I want to take better photos” splurge.

At first I thought I was desperate for a DSLR camera. You know, with all of the different, really expensive lenses and equipment? For months, I’ve been drooling over those professional-type cameras and their complexities and the brilliant photography I could do with them.

After the suffering I’ve done with my Canon Powershot SD110 and it’s measly 3MP and 2X optical zoom, just imagine how brilliant I could be!

Now, let’s assume that I have $800 to $1,000 to just through at the initial investment of a Canon Rebel XTi and one lens (probably a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6), the zoom isn’t any better than what I have now, though I’d get 8 or 10MP. I’d still have to acquire another lens for better zoom and extra lenses cost about the same as the camera if not way more.

Talk about an expensive investment!

I’m just not ready to commit that completely to photography as a hobby yet. As it is, the house is a pretty costly reoccurring investment outside of the mortgage what with all the things I want to buy for it.

So, I decided that what I really wanted was the next step down from a DSLR. Something almost professional quality but for someone not ready to take that final step. Looking around flickr at photos I liked, I noticed that a lot of them are taken with the Canon Powershot S3 Pro Series, which has 6MP and 12X optical zoom. So, I checked out this camera on Amazon and what I discovered is that it’s being replaced in July by the Canon Powershot S5 Pro Series, which has 8MP and 12 optical zoom and 2 more shooting modes.

So the question becomes, do I buy the S3 at a reduced price or how much better is the S5 with it’s 2 extra shooting modes and 2 extra MP? Who can tell me this?

tags: Canon, Canon Powershot, camera

5 comments

1. on May 11, 2007 at 2:26 pm

   woody said:

   The S5 would be better if the 12x zomm is your #1 priority.it also has bigger LCD thna the S2 and a hot-shoe.The G7 would be my choice for better photo quality - better lens and sensor, 10MP, 6X zoom. For pure speed, Rebel XT 8MP with 28-135mm IS lens for around $1000, with very good photo quality.

2. on May 17, 2007 at 5:00 pm

   Ravi said:

   I see you opted for the S3. I’m looking at the S3 for the same exact reasons that you did–don’t want to commit to a DSLR at this time.

   Did you consider the Sony H7? I am *torn* between the S3 and the H7. I love the H7’s larger screen, upgraded zoom and higher reolution, but I keep coming back to the S3 for the gimmicky (but oh so cool) color accent and stereo video ability.

   Maybe you can give me some good advice…?

   (Lovely pics of of the birds, btw. Excellent DoF!)

3. on May 17, 2007 at 5:39 pm

   n. mallory said:

   I have to admit that I didn’t consider Sony as a camera option, only Fuji, Nikon, and Canon. I just didn’t think of them. I’ve previously owned cameras from the other three. In the end, I chose Canon because most of the pictures I saw on flickr that I liked were taken with Canon cameras.

   I will say that reading the directions about the color accent didn’t impress me, but I’m kind of a realism-kind of person where photos are concerned at the moment. And I didn’t even consider the video and sound capabilities of any of the cameras because I’m only interested in photo-taking.

4. on May 17, 2007 at 5:43 pm

   Ravi said:

   I hear ya!

   Enjoy your new S3!

   =)

5. on July 8, 2007 at 6:19 pm

   Chris said:

   SO as far as I can tell the only difference between the S3 and the S5 is the S5 has one higher ISO option…. are there more differences?

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