Should no IS on A510 be a concern?

[badgerone5]

Anticipating buying first digital camera in next week or so. Really torn between S1 IS and A510. Either would be a big step up I believe from my Rebel EOS bought about 18 yrs. ago.

IS feature on the S1 gets rave reviews, and thought to be necessary for long optical zooms--but how long is long? A510 doesn't have IS and is 4x--should that be a concern? Have never had a problem w/camera shake w/existing Rebel, but Rebel is much larger.

Really like stats on S1 IS (currently $306 at Beach Camera--gotta love the price), but am a bit concerned w/no auto assist (common complaint in forums). Maybe this concern will be addressed on next S1(?). A510 has auto assist lamp. The price is pulling me towards A510, considering I also will need a new printer...

[Newbie]

I do not have much experience concerning EOS rebel cameras, but I believe that is a SLR camera. If that is so, I do not believe that going with either the S1 or the A510 you will be making a big step up. Actually your picture quality might go down, but you may not notice it or may not care, I don't know really.

As for the IS on the A510, well IS would have been interesting to have because it gives u the possibility to use a shutter 2-3 stops slower. But since the A510 goes to 140mm at full telephoto, versus 380mm for the S1, the A510 does NEED it. The reason for that is because normally when shooting at 380mm you will need a shutter of at least 1/380; when shooting at 140mm, you'll need a shutter speed of at least 1/140. Those numbers are not exact and will vary depending on the person, but they give you a good idea of what it would be like.

With all that being said, I personally find that the A510 will be a very interesting camera for what it will be used for. The same way the S1 IS is an excellent camera for what it is made for. Find what you will photograph most and under what conditions and you will know which camera you will buy.