Which would you recommend?

Question

Canon EOS 450D

Canon EOS 40D

Canon Powershot SX100 IS

Canon PowerS5 IS

Answer 1

I think EOS model suit to you as this camera requires your creativity to take picture. As you told that you want to learn more about photography. Canon powershot model is a digital camera and it does not help more to improve your photography skills.

Answer 2

Carmen's right.  You need to figure out what you want to do with the camera, and how serious you are about photography.  The S5 is a winner if you want to go the point-and-shoot route.  The SX100 doesn't have a viewfinder, just the LCD screen, which is unacceptable to me.  The S5 also allows you to use filters and converters and has a hotshoe for flashes, so it gives you some more flexibility than the SX100.  The S5 is as good as you can get with a point-and-shoot.  An SLR will get you better low-light performance and less shutter lag, among other benefits.  I haven't gone the SLR route yet because of the huge additional cost and the inconvenience of carrying multiple lenses and a larger camera body.

Answer 3

The 40D of course for me if I shot canon but what are you planning on photographing or what are your intentions?.You list P&S's and DSLR's remember DSLR's are fully adjustable cameras that well require a good understandign of Shutter speeds. ISO and F-Stops. If you are serious buy a DSLR and maybe take a class in photography.