Upgrading to a Canon, need advice!

[kat_loves_photography]

I currently own a Kodak Easyshare CX7530 digital camera. 5 megapixels, 3X zoom. I've had it for almost 3 years, and I decided I wanted an upgrade, something more versatile and creative. So, I started researching and I found the perfect Canon S3 IS. I was about to purchase it, when I heard of the release of the next generation, the Canon S5 IS. It seems the only difference between the two is the screen and the megapixels. But for someone upgrading from a basic point and shoot camera, do these differences make any difference?

[griptape]

I'm pretty sure the general consensus is that it isn't worth the upgrade for most S3 owners. I was pretty underwhelmed by the feature upgrades (extra mega pixels, bigger screen, and a hot shoe, which was actually a much requested feature for a lot of S3 owners). My personal opinion is that if you're willing to spend $500 on an S5, you might as well spend $600 on an XT (a reasonably easy price point to find these days). But the S3 is indeed a very capable camera (especially when you have plenty of light), and very much worth the sub $300 price.

[XaiLo]

I did not wait for the next upgrade to the S3 I didn't foresee the leap that would address my desires I upgraded to the Nikon D40 currently selling for $525. If the option is S3 vs S5, the S3 is the better value. If you still fancy the S5 then for $500 I'd look at an entry level DSLR. HTH :)

[downtrodden]

Having both the S3 and S5, i agree with Xailo and Grip here. The *ONLY* reason i shelled out the cash for the S5 was because i promised my girlfriend my S3, the S5 was on sale for 475 AND a friend gave me a 12% off coupon. So it came down to either me buying another S3 for me for 300 bucks or paying a few extra bucks and getting some upgrades.

the S3 is still the better value, maybe in a year the S5 will be competitively priced and will be worth the eap. Until then, if you're looking for the best quality you can get and you're willing to drop 500 for a new camera, i'd look into the DSLR world. the image quality is unparalleled by *ANY* point and shoot.

~Cory

[kat_loves_photography]

thanks for your help guys
yea, i am leaning towards the S3, seeing as it's $50 off today at a certain store!
when i get it i'll post some pictures :D
yes, i'm sold.:)