Canon SD850 compared to Canon S3IS

[crzy4dzny07]

I have my heart set on the new 850 since it's announcement last May. I actually had my points stacked money ready to buy the 800 for my Mother's Day present but then decided I'll wait until the 850 comes out.

I was reading this board and noticed a lot of people have the S3. The S3 is an older model, but it is cheaper than the PS I'm looking out. How do the cameras compare? I've looked on a few websites but am looking for personal experiences.

I've never used a SLR or DSLR but always am very interested in learning. I like the compact size of the PS cameras and like being able to carry them easily everywhere. I don't tend to do much more than kid shots, or touristy shots. Suggestions? I don't really want to spend more than the $350 that the 850 is starting at.

 

[Groucho]

The SD series and the S3 are kind of different beasts... the SDs are very small while the S3 is necessarily a bit larger, due to the longer zoom.

If you are interested in learning a little more about SLRs/DSLRs, you should consider the Fuji SD6000fd also. It has much more of a true DSLR feel than other long-zoom PnS cameras:

With a real zoom ring, etc. It also has a much larger sensor than the other long-zooms so image quality, especially at night, is higher. The downsides are that it doesn't have image stabilization (though the superior high-ISO performance can help make up for that) and that it takes xD cards, which aren't as common as SD cards and cost a bit more. It is cheaper than the S3, though, currently $252 after rebate at Beach.