Annie,

I bought the Canon S21S (it's very similar to the S31S) last year and took it to the UK. I really love the 12xzoom. I had a Canon A80 before and I could tell the difference with the zoom (it had 4Xzoom) and also with the Image Stablizer. I was able to take pictures from the top of Edinburgh castle to other hills and I was able to get great close-ups. I also like the way it feels in my hand. It is a good idea to try out a camera just for that - I, personally like a bit bigger camera; it gives me more support.

JIll

Hello Jill

Sorry for this late reply and thank you very much for your opinion of the Canon S2 1S camera. I am still very taken with the Canon S2 and S3 cameras but will be looking at the Nikon and now possibly the new Olympus with 18x opitical zoom before making up my mind. Still have until the middle of October before I travel so plenty of time. My last photos were taken with a Minolta film camera and scenic and night pics were SHOCKERS so I want to make sure I get the best shots I can this time around.

Regards Annie

Hi rosecrystal.
I have the Canon S2 IS and have used it for over a year and a half now. The zoom is amazing and the image stabilization is fantastic. I agree that the zoom with the new Olympus x18 is fantastic but the Canon also has the flip screen. Something I would not do without. It makes your camera so much more flexible in the different perspectives you can get because of being able to angle the screen. Compare the two and ask the sales person. Good luck!!

Hiya Rosecrystal!

I've been comparing cameras and the S3 has also come up on my radar. So far the only really negative thing that bothers me about the camera is that it's gotten bad reviews on its ISO 400 and 800 settings. I like using ISO 400 and comments have generally been that the images are too grainy.

I looked into the new 18x Olympus and the biggest problem that I see with it is that at 18x zoom it'll be difficult keeping the pictures from getting blurred. Any little movement is going to cause movement on the picture. A tripod may be a needed necessity.

I didn't research the Nikon D40 but the few reviews that I read indicated that it came up short against the Canon. That said, it doesn't mean that I wouldn't consider it if I were interested in Nikon.

My real interest is in the Canon Rebel XT, but it has its drawbacks, namely the cost and its size. The Canon S3 can easily be held in one hand, while the Rebel can't (unless you've got the hands of a giant, that is ) ... specially if using a 300 mm lens. I'm sure to reconsider the Rebel if the price ever drops. To be honest, pictures taken while on tour are often done on the fly and spontaneously. That's not easy to do when lugging extra lenses or playing with settings.

Good luck in making your selection!

M.

Hiya Cat's,

I checked out the G7 and the 6x optical zoom just doesn't do it for me ... it's all about size, don't ya know?

It's getting to a point where those disposable cameras are beginning to look pretty good to me. lol

For now the Rebel is out of the question, but maybe one day ...

M.