Another camera comparison?

Question

Ok...

between the Canon Powershot S5 IS and the Powershot SX100 IS which is a better camera? Which has better quality?

S5 IS :http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=15207

SX100 IS : http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=15672

Answer 1

These two cameras are both of good quality.

Again the one with the longest optical zoom would be your best choice, since you can never change lenses.  

These cameras are getting almost as costly as the entry level DSLR which has a sensor over 15 times larger than either of the two listed.  At this price point you may want to consider a real camera, one with interchangeable lenses and that is totally adjustable

Answer 2

While an SLR-type camera would be the ultimate, they cost way more than these two cameras.  The S5 can be had for around $330.  To go for a Rebel XTi, you'd be out $600 for the body alone, or $700 with the kit lens.  You'd probably still want to get a telephoto lens, which will add to the cost.

When I was comparing the S5 and SX100 a while back, I thought they had equivalent image quality.  Out of the two, I went for the S5 because it has more features.  It has a hotshoe for external flash, the flip-and-twist LCD screen, a viewfinder (the SX100 only has an LCD screen that can wash out in the sun), and allows you to use an adapter for telephoto and wide angle converters, filters, and a lens hood.