Help me choose between these cameras :)

[jdb0822]

1. Sony DSC-H9
2 Sony DSC-H7
3. Canon S5-IS
4. Canon S3-IS
5. Olympus SP-550

Looking for a cam that is good for fireworks, moving objects, excellent zoom and macro features.

Currently, I have a Canon Poweshot A530.

 

[eeyoresnr]

would like to know too

 

[Amy]

I can't help you with the Sony's. I've got a Canon S3 IS (my old camera was a Canon A70). The Canon S5 is just the newer version of the S3. Since you're currently using a Canon, maybe you should stick with a Canon to make the learning curve a little easier.

I love my S3, but it DOES have a learning curve. I've had mine for a little over a year, and I'm still learning and making a lot of mistakes. I was all set to try spot metering at the band concert last week, I thought I set it for spot metering, but when I checked the exif info, it was still set on evaluative. I guess I didn't do something right.

Anyway, check out this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1235546. It's all photos taken with the S3. You'll see how it performs for diff. situations.

 

[JCTurner]

I would go with the S5IS - the Sony has been found to be guilty of over processing images in camera so the quality isnt quite as good. The S5 uses the same sensor but processes differently.

If you want independent reviews have a look at www.dpreview.com. As you can see from my sig Im a bit of a Canon fiend.

Final bit of advice - try the cameras out - if you feel comfortable holding it its half the battle.

Cheers

JC

 

[Anewman]

When the S5 came out it was much more expensive than the S3 and IMO the price difference was not really justified.

But now that there is only a $50 price difference, get the S5.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I honestly don't know anything about the Sony or the Olympus. But I have an S2 IS and an S3 IS and I wouldn't hesitate to buy the S5 IS at all. Good luck!

 

[cosine4]

My vote is for the Sony H9. I have been very please with mine. You noted that you wanted something that takes good fireworks pictures. Below is my first attempt at fireworks. One thing that the H9 has that the others don't (that I know of) is that it comes standard with a remote control. This is great for fireworks since you don't have to touch (move) the camera to take a picture (its also nice for family pictures). As to the comment about a learning curve, most of the features are pretty standard interface. Some of the fancy stuff is varies some but is explained well in the manual.

Also, the way that the display pivots comes in very handy (moreso than I imagined) for taking pictures of kids (who are short) and reaching above things (crowds, fences, etc.)

Either way, I don't think you can choose a bad camera from that list.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Another vote for the Canon S5; it's got a great set of features -- a good lens for such a wide zoom range, great battery life, flash hotshoe, folding/rotating 3" LCD, great video and decent IQ.

It's only downside is the high MP on such a small sensor; a problem it shares with the H9 and the Oly. Personally, I prefer Canon's "lighter touch" to noise reduction as it leaves more detail for a more-powerful/comprehensive product like Noiseware to work with.

 

[Amy]

My vote is for the Sony H9. I have been very please with mine. You noted that you wanted something that takes good fireworks pictures. Below is my first attempt at fireworks. One thing that the H9 has that the others don't (that I know of) is that it comes standard with a remote control. This is great for fireworks since you don't have to touch (move) the camera to take a picture (its also nice for family pictures). As to the comment about a learning curve, most of the features are pretty standard interface. Some of the fancy stuff is varies some but is explained well in the manual.

Also, the way that the display pivots comes in very handy (moreso than I imagined) for taking pictures of kids (who are short) and reaching above things (crowds, fences, etc.)

Either way, I don't think you can choose a bad camera from that list.

Cosine - that is one of the most awesome fireworks shots I've seen! And it was your FIRST attempt? Wow!

 

[cosine4]

Cosine - that is one of the most awesome fireworks shots I've seen! And it was your FIRST attempt? Wow!

Thank you. Yes it was my first attempt, but I had done my research on settings, had a mini tripod resting atop a trash can and used my remote so that I didn't bump the camera.

Another from the same night: