Which camera would you get? powershot g9 or powershot s5 IS?

Question

I think I want the s5 IS becuse it has higher optical zoom, but the other one has higher megapixels. Should I get the one with the higher megapixels because I could always change out the lense? Which one do you think is better?

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Answer 1

I'd go for the G9 ... simply for the fact that it shoots RAW as well as JPG...

Answer 2

It honestly depends on what your needs are. If you need something that is essentially a super-zoom camera, you're stuck getting the S5 IS. That is actually one of only things that the S5 IS has over the G9... unless you prefer AA batteries over a Li-ion pack. That other thing would be the rotating screen.

G9 has the following features that the S5 IS does not:

Built in ND filter (yes, there is an actual Neutral Density filter built into this little guy)

3" LCD screen

track-wheel function (easier to adjust settings with the scroll of a wheel rather than push of a button... and easier to move quickly through photos, too)

2 custom-setup modes

RAW shooting mode (you have to convert these in the computer to JPEGs but you get more quality out of the shot)

Features where the G9 exceeds the S5 IS include the megapixels (12 vs. 8). G9's sensor is slightly smaller, so the pixels are slightly more packed in, however with the RAW shooting mode you are able to get a lot more information out of your shots as there is nothing cut away in compressing to a JPEG file.

Answer 3

Megapixels really don't matter once you get to about six.  In fact, sometimes more megapixels can create a duller image, with less "pop".  Please look at the reviews re: noise at ISOs above 200.

Make sure you get optical image stabilization and the zoom range you will actually use.  

I've looked at both, buying neither, and I'd be hard-pressed to recommend the G9 unless you're a knowledgeable photographer who understands the advantages and limitations of this very expensive camera.  (Hint:  You can get a decent DSLR with real interchangeable lenses for around the price of a G9.)

Answer 4

I like the S5

higher mp mean nothing !

the zoom is more important

Answer 5

You can not change the lenses on either one of these cameras. That being said, the optics of the camera will make more of a difference than more MPs will.

The S5 has a larger sensor and less MP packing, which reduces noise a bit on the higher ISOs. To me that makes a big difference.