CANON S5 IS or PANASONIC FZ18

[Coldfire7]

Hello all! I am looking for a megazoom camera that is guaranteed to consistently take excellent shots...at least is most situations. I am currently considering the Canon Powershot S5 IS and the Panasonic FZ18 (both of which have received fairly good reviews). Lately, I'm also hearing about the Canon SX 100 IS. While I am a little partial to Canon, I simply want to get the best I can for around $400!
I'll be in the States in one month (just for a few days), and I really need some advice on what to chose...especially since I can't do like you guys and run down to the nearest camera store and check out the latest stuff.
Please help!! Thanks.

[PeterJames]

I'm in the EXACT same predicament. Go to cameralabs.com and check out their video reviews. I was leaning towards the canon, but now I'm kind of leaning towards the Panasonic. Due to 18x zoom (30x with additional lens) and RAW support.

[TheMayer78]

Coldfire7, first things first, no camera is guaranteed to take great shots every time or ever for that matter unless the person behind it is capable of using it well. I spent about 2 months reading, researching and agonizing over my decision about which camera to buy. I went with the Canon S5is and am very glad that I did. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a big zoom P&S.

PeterJames, I'm sure the Panasonic is a fine camera. It does have a wider-angle, and more optical zoom. The amount of zoom that the camera can provide should not, in my opinion, be the biggest determining factor. There are many other aspects of these cameras to consider. If we're talking about adding on lenses the Raynox DCR-2020 will give the Canon 2.2x zoom. Unless for some reason you cannot use digi-zoom with addon lenses then this will net you 105.6x zoom! Ridiculous. From all the reading I did I think the general consensus is the Canon is capable (in the right hands) of providing better quality images.

Coldfire7, I think it would behoove you to fill out the questionnaire in the first thread so everyone can better understand what you are looking for and be a better help for when your small window opens to do your stateside shopping. Also bigger is not always better. I gave much consideration to many other cameras but in the end decided the S5 fit my needs better than any other (that I could afford!).

Hope this helps

[Coldfire7]

Thanks to both of you (TheMayer78 & PeterJames) that have posted replies thus far. I didn't fill out the questionnaire since I thought it was obvious:
Canon (first choice), Panasonic (second choice), zoom range greater than or equal to 10x, SLR Type body (ie. size not a big issue), Megapixels (at least 8), price not exceeding $400 US.
I appreciate the comments I have gotten so far, but I would like to hear from others who may have faced the same predicament.
Thanks and Happy New Year to all!