Any opinions on this?

[Tuffcookie]

I currently have the Canon S5 IS. I am going to WDW the end of July.

I am not ready to take the DSLR plunge. I know how expensive that can be!

I am thinking about upgrading from the S5 to the Canon SX10 IS.

I would have 10 MP and 20 optical zoom and I'm pretty sure I could get one for around $350-$400.


Any thoughts on this?

TC

 

[Frantasmic]

I have the S5 and still love it. I also have the Canon XSi.

I don't think the extra 2m pixels will make that much of a difference to your pictures. You already have enough at 8 for 11x14 shots in good color and I doubt most of your pictures will be printed at 11x14.

So, the real question is if you will use the extra zoomage. Is it worth that much money for more zoom?

My recommendation is to view bob100's flickr pictures of what he has done with the S5 and uploading the chdk program that allows you to add extra abilities to your S5. Have a greater shutter speed and the ability to shoot in RAW would help your S5.

 

[bob100]

I have the S5 and still love it. I also have the Canon XSi.
I don't think the extra 2m pixels will make that much of a difference to your pictures. You already have enough at 8 for 11x14 shots in good color and I doubt most of your pictures will be printed at 11x14.

So, the real question is if you will use the extra zoomage. Is it worth that much money for more zoom?
My recommendation is to view bob100's flickr pictures of what he has done with the S5 and uploading the chdk program that allows you to add extra abilities to your S5. Have a greater shutter speed and the ability to shoot in RAW would help your S5.

I also went the dSLR upgrade path - Canon S5 to XSi, and you're right, DSLR and lens can get expensive! If you need the extra zoom for birds or kid's sports the SX10 could be worth it but otherwise for just a WDW trip you might be better off keeping the S5 for now. The Canon forum has some info and comments on S5 owners who also bought the SX10.
www.photography-on-the.net/forum
The CHDK program can increase the S5 options - RAW, timelapse, shutter/aperture, battery indicator, etc. but generally you don't need it for good pics, if you know the right settings. the camera can deal with most situations. The RAW feature can help a lot but only if you're knowledgeable with photoshop.

 

[alan]

The main advantage of the SX10 is probably not the long end of the zoom but the fact that it goes to a 28mm equivalent at the wide end. As far as I remember, the S5IS has a 35mm equivalent. So for shots where you want a wider field of view or where you want to get a group of people into the picture, the 28mm wide end makes a big difference (much bigger than you might expect).

However, it's a lot of money for a comparatively small upgrade...

regards,
/alan

 

[Pea-n-Me]

What is it about the S5 that makes you want to upgrade? You've sure gotten some great photos out of that camera!

 

[Tuffcookie]

Thanks! I go thru this every Spring...

I keep telling myself I will keep the camera I have but if I do upgrade it will be to a DSLR. Then I start looking at DSLRs and realize the intial camera body purchase is just the start!

I know where this whole thing is headed...I will eventually get a DSLR!

TC

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thanks! I go thru this every Spring...

I keep telling myself I will keep the camera I have but if I do upgrade it will be to a DSLR. Then I start looking at DSLRs and realize the intial camera body purchase is just the start!

I know where this whole thing is headed...I will eventually get a DSLR!

That might be the way to go, then.

But don't worry, we can help you with that!!

I just don't know that you'll see that much difference between the two Canon bridge cameras (and the S5 is awesome already, as you know). Maybe better to take that money now and begin your investment if you know that's where you're headed.

Getting a dSLR can be as expensive as you want it to be, no question about that. But if you plan really well (which involves a lot of time and energy), you can keep costs down to a minimum. For instance, if you go with a Canon, perhaps instead of the kit lens, you might want to get a better lens that would cover a wide variety of needs, and later add one or two more when you're ready (once you know what your needs are).

Most people here feel all of the entry level dSLRs will take good pictures for you, so the body is less important than the lenses, and that you'll be investing in a system so it's good to do your research ahead of time. Another big thing is to hold all the contenders and see how they feel, how intuitive you find the dials, etc.

The good thing about this is that you buy piece by piece, so you don't have to buy everything you'll eventually own all at once. That's probably the saving grace of buying a dSLR.