Did I make the right choice?

[Littlegirl]

I've been wanting to upgrade from my old Coolpix (3100 I think) to a better camera. Looked at the Canon Rebel and decided those were a bit too intimidating. After some research I decided to get the Canon Powershot S5 IS (and I know there are many fans on this site!) While I was in the store I was tempted to buy the Nikon Coolpix P80. It felt so comfortable in my hands and lot of the buttons looked familiar (not that I know what to do with them...LOL) An older gentleman there said it was an awesome camera but he said the Canon has the additional flash capability as well as you have more room to play with adjustments and said he thought Canon would be better choice. Then I spoke to a sales associate and he said Nikon is notorious for having slow speed. That is one thing we hate about our original camera so that is a big thing that sold me on the Canon. Then he started playing with it and telling me why he thinks it was a better camera, and noted the Canon was $50 cheaper so he must be telling the truth. Today I looked at a webiste that does reviews and everyone seems to love the Nikon! Canon still got good reviews, just not as high. Opionions???

 

[Anewman]

Dont worry about the reviews, both are great cameras and with these two it is pretty much a matter of personal preference.



The Canon uses AA batteries(rechargeable) while the Nikon uses a proprietary battery. Some persons prefer the use of AAs while others might not.

Both cameras are very similar in size while the Nikon is about 25% lighter. Some prefer a lighter load, while others might feel that the heavier camera feels better built.

The Canon does have give more manual controls and settings(like manual focus). Some might prefer that, while others might prefer more simplicity.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I can't find any reviews of the Nikon P80 on my usual sites, but one thing I can see from the specifications is that the Canon has a faster lens (2.7-3.5 vs 2.8-4.5), and a faster lens works better in lower light situations.

The Nikon does has a larger zoom range (wider and longer), but that's not always necessarily a good thing.

Also, the Canon is very quick (shutter-lag wise) ... one of the speediest in the super-/ultra-zoom category.

Of course, I'm kinda biased as I LOVE my Canon S3....

 

[DisDaydreamer]

I went from a Fuji Finepix S5200 to the S5. I really wanted to stick with Fuji because I have had a great experience with them, but after doing all the comparisons I arrived at the S5. The first impression had after turning the camera on was "woah... that is a fast zoom!" I am really impressed with the auto focus even at 12X. I also have to have AA batteries (just me).

I wish it was a 10 mp, but I was working with 5 before so I am happy (for now). Didn't like the strap that comes with it. Had to buy me a retro "hippy" strap.

I also bought the metal 58mm lens converter sleeve (from adorama camera) which extends out beyond what the lens can extend to. It makes it much more comfortable to hold in my left hand.

This isn't going to be your last camera so stop looking at the opinions until you're ready to buy a new one. You have a great camera.

 

[Groucho]

I wish it was a 10 mp, but I was working with 5 before so I am happy (for now).

I wouldn't wish for that if I were you. The S5 already has slightly worse low-light performance than the S3 (and certainly worse than the S5200 due to the S5's smaller sensor), attempts so far to squeeze even 8mp out of a 1/2.5" sensor have not been pretty in anything but bright light. Even though, many have visible noise reduction even at the lowest ISO settings.

 

[bob100]

I went with the Canon S5 because of the features and recommendations (and good price, now less than $300). I'm just now learning the capabilities even the undocumented ones like using the "CHDK" program. I like that for the battery indicator!

 

[ToodlesRN]

I got the Nikon P80 for Mother's day ans was using a Sony T100 point and shoot and for me this camera is a great start before I jump into the DSLR's in a few years. I also love the fact that I don't have to interchange lenses with a 2 year old!