An unsual dilema Canon S5 or Nikon D40

[MakeMyDay]

So since I am posting here it is obvious that I am in the market for a new digicam. Since I do enjoy taking photos it might aswell be a better then average camera.

After some reading checking on prices etc I have reached a dilema that I can not solve on my own.

In Germany ( where I currently live ) Nikon is having a 90Euros cashback offer for the D40/D40x. That make it possible for me to get a Nikon D40 kit for 390Euros. That is nice.
I can get the S5 for 410Euros. Now this seems a bit expensive seeing as the Nikon is a DSLR and cheaper...

But then again the S5 is an ultra zoom that will come handy. But the image quality isn't the best ( review are hard to find) and it surely won't be any better then the Nikkon.

I do not know what to do . I like photography but I don't know if I will take an DSLR with me all the time. But if the picture quality of the S5 isn't good I will hate myself for buying it. When it is allot more costly ( since you need batteries for it too).

Would I be crazy to go for the S5 when a DSLR is cheaper to get?

[coldrain]

You are comparing two totally different cameras here.

The S5 IS is an ultrazoom, much more compact.
It has a 35-430mm or so focal range in 35mm film equivalent, it offers things like preview/framing in the display, it has a movie mode, panorama assistance. It has a swivellable display, and image stabilization. It allows for macro photography, the D40 with standard zoom lens does not.

And a set of 4 rechargable NiMH AA batteries with charger should cost around 15 euros.

The D40 is an entry level DSLR. With 18-55 kit lens it has a focal range of 27-88mm. It does not have any of the things mentioned above.
Whar it does have on the plus side, as DSLR, is:
Bigger sensor, so better noise performance, especially at higher ISO settings.
Bigger sensor, so a low more narrow depth of field possible.
RAW format, for when you want to have more control over output in post processing.
And of course expandability in future lens wise.

So... you really are comparing two totally different beasts. And it is up to you to decide what you want... a compact ultra zoom, or a DSLR with standard lens.
The ultra zoom has much more tele range, the D40 offers some wide angle range.

If you want to give the D40 macro and tele capability, with image stabilization, the price will shoot up. But of course, the results can be quite a bit better (depending on the photographer's skill of course).

If you want the same tele reach with IS as the S5 IS:
Nikon 70-300 f4.5-5.6 VR.
If you want a macro lens for macro photo capability:
Cheapest option, without auto focus in a D40:
Sigma 50mm f2.8 macro.
Cheapest option with auto focussing:
Sigma 150mm f2.8 HSM macro.

So... first decide what you find important. If focal range, macro , movie mode and what not are not important, a D40 be a nice choice for that money. So will a Pentax K100D for that matter, but that one will offer image stabilization in the body.

If compactness and zoom range is important to you, then the S5 IS is a good choice too.

[Turn]

the S5 will most likely have additions if one was so inclined :)

but yeh when it comes to DSLR, the body price is only 1/3(very rough estimate) of what you'll end up with if you want a decent kit

[TooMuchButtHair]

The reason I chose to get my dad an S3 (which isn't even as good as the S5) is that it has ultra-zoom capabilities (like you mentioned) without having to buy an incredibly expensive lens. It also can take some pretty amazing pictures both in the auto modes, as well as in manuel modes. They won't be as good as the D40's would be, but they will still be pretty darn good. Another big reason I chose the S3 is it's fantastic movie mode. The quality of the movie is great, and the sound is recorded in stereo, which is pretty neat.

All-in-all, the D40 will take better pictures, but the pictures the S5 won't look bad at all. The S5 has the D40 easily beat in terms of versatility, too.

[MakeMyDay]

Yeah.. well I had my mind made up for the S5 but then I came across the D40 deal. And pictures taken with the D40 look just SO much better :(

I will wait for the dcresource review of the S5 to make up my mind.

You are right though that the body of the D40 is only 1/3 of the price you have to pay to get a decent kit together..

[griptape]

You may as well just read the S3 reviews if picture quality is your concern. It has the same lens as the S5, the same size sensor, and aside from a couple megapixels, a bigger LCD, and a hot shoe, it's not an earth shattering upgrade.