Canon Cameras

Canon EOS 350D or Canon S5IS ?

Hi, I am planning to buy a camera with good zoom and good photographic quality. I was going to buy Canon S5 IS with 12x zoom. But, my friend suggested me to go for Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT. This would cost me 150$ more, but he says it is worth it. Please let me know what do you think. thanks

Public Comments

1. It depends on what your needs are. The Canon 350D is a budget dSLR which outputs images of higher quality than any P&S on the market. It comes with a normal zoom lens (29-88 35mm equiv., or approximately 3x zoom -- assuming you're buying the kit). The Canon S5IS is an ultra-zoom P&S which offers a long telephoto lens (36-432mm 35mm equiv. or 12x zoom) and image stabilization out of the box. The image quality, especially at the higher ISOs are incomparable to the dSLR though. If you have any slight interest in photography go for the 350D. If you're interested in taking snapshots of your friends or vacation destinations without hassling with the camera go for the S5IS.
2. The Rebel XT will provide better image quality and performance than the S5 IS, because it's a dSLR. However, good 'zoom' or a longer focal length, is dependent on the particular lens you are using. This will be an extra cost you will have to factor in, when considering this camera. The S5 IS does have a good 12x optical zoom (432mm) and also has manual controls, and would be a perfectly good enough camera for many people. However, it's image quality and performance cannot really compete with a dSLR. If you're not prepared to invest in a good lens or two, and you're not "that" into photography and have never been interested in using an SLR camera before...then the S5 IS might be a better option for you. But, if you have an interest in developing your photographic skills, and you can find a good deal on a package (with a good lens), then the XT (or newer XTi) would be the one to get. good luck...
3. If you want to have good photographic quality, the 350D is for you. However be ready to dig deeper into your pocket because good lenses are expensive, not to mention other accessories. Does it worthed it for you? It depends. For someone who knows and have experience with photography, the difference between a 350D and a decent lens vs the S5 IS would be tremendous. But for casual user I think the only noticeable differences is that the 350D takes faster picture (no shutter lag and capable of doing faster shutter speed with the right setting), and it can handle low light situation with less noise (grain) compared to the S5 IS. Does the two thing matters to you over the size and expense of a 350D? Only you can decide. I hope this helps.
4. I think 350d is good camera with relatively cheap price and if you have enough practice with some good prime lens; it can give you superb pictures. However 350 on its own is just like ordinary digital camera - you need combination good lens, understanding of light exposure, and adequate practice to get superior quality picture prints. It's like buying a fast moving car and you use it occasionally on small narrow road, you can not get the maximum speed.