T1i or P&S?

<p >I currently own the 5D + 24-105mm. I'm 60 years old and sometimes I just don't feel like lugging the thing around on vacation. I was thinking about an upper end P&S such as the not yet released Panasonic ZS3 or the Samsung HZ15W. I had thought about the G10 but it's almost too big. Then... I thought why not the new Xsi or T1i with the 18-55 kit lens.. it's very light.. about 1 lb. Anyone else have similar thoughts?</p>

<p>I'd go for the p&s digicams -- they are the best option if you want a one-lens solution. But I'd also go for a couple of lightweight primes for the 5D (e.g., EF 50mm f/1.8, EF 24mm f/2.8...).</p>

<p>If you want to put it in your pocket, get a P&S. If you don't mind carrying a camera bag, then a T1i looks promising. It's still not small though. If you think the G10 is too big, you don't want a T1i with a lens.</p>

<p> Go for the P&S.</p>

<p>I have an XTi, which is almost the same form factor and weight as the XSi. Yes, it's light, especially with the kit lens, but it is still a LOT bulkier and heavier than a P&S. You will never forget that you have it hanging off your neck or in a bag. If you just want snaps, I think you are better off with a P&S. If you want to do serious stuff, that's a different matter. Last year I gave my son a Sony P&S (forget which model, but one of the dinky ones) before a big trip, and he loved it. He never had to think about it--just threw it in his pocket (make sure you get one with a retracing lens cover). He got some great shots with it.</p>

<p>I have decided since posting this to go with the P&S. Problem is which one? I love the looks of the Leica C-Lux 3 but it only has a 28-125 or something similar and not in the same telephoto league as the ZS3 or HZ15W. Will just have to wait for them to be released and compared to each other since they are very similar.</p>

<p>Why don't you try a medium format folder. I have had excellent results with one. As long as you have a good scanner. </p>

<p>Why don't you try a medium format folder. I have had excellent results with one. As long as you have a good scanner.</p>

<p>The Canon PowerShot SD780 IS is really quite nice. </p>

<p>I've had mine for several weeks. I carry it in my jeans pocket and its always at the ready wherever I go. I no longer worry about toting the camera bag along...or leaving the camera out in the car in the freezing cold weather. Noise is well controlled up to ISO 800 (I've gotten very nice 12 X 16 inch prints). The camera is quick and responsive in most lighting situations. It attains auto-focus quickly, and there is almost no shutter lag. In-camera processing of jpegs is nice without being heavy-handed. Battery life is decent, but I'd still carry a spare. The flash is good for across the table shots, but little else. The optical viewfinder is inaccurate and, really, a means-of-last-resort option.</p>

<p>Within its limitations and constraints, the Canon PowerShot SD780 IS a fine piece of equipment. </p>

<p>Michael J Hoffman</p>