Canon A80 versus Canon S1 IS

Hi,

I recently decided that I would buy a A80, however a recent posts in

this forum have me reconsidering for the S1 IS (about 100 dollars more):

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=008LRo

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=008L3V

The downside of the Canon S1 is the 3mgpix, but it does have the Image

stabilization (has anyone tested this on this camera?), a 38-380 zoom

(good and bad), accepts CF I & II, and lastly the video mode is

640x480 @30 fps-nice (compared to A80 at 320x240 @15fps). These things

are nice and useful for a carry around P&S...right? The S1 is slightly

larger and heavier than A80.

Is the 3.2 mgpix going to be okay if I crop an image or would the 4

mgpix be better? The 38-380 zoom may eliminate me having to crop in PS

later, or the 4 mgpix camera and cropping eliminates the need for the

300 zoom?...dilemma??)

Other than that the IS feature seems useful (I have never used this

feature, is it as great as everyone claims) and the video mode is

nicer than the A80.

Other than these things the camera's seem basically the same... correct?

Are these things worth $100 more? What would you choose? and Why?

Thanks,

Amol

FYI: currently own a Canon Rebel 2000, and older Sony 2.1 mgpix

camera, I plan to buy a DSLR in the far future...1-3yrs from now.

In terms of cropping the frame, you're going to get much better results zooming in with 3MP than cropping with a 4MP. Say you wanted an image at the S1 IS's highest telephoto. Cropping to frame that same image with the A80 at 3x optical would leave you with a 1.2MP image (MUCH worse than the S1 IS). On the other hand, at wide angle, the 4MP shot will allow you to do a larger print than the S1 IS is capable of, so you need to consider your needs there (is 8x10 the largest you see yourself doing? or do you want more?).

As to the stabilizer, I believe it's good for about 2 stops. So that means you can zoom in 4 times more with the same amount of shake, or open the shutter for a longer period. 2 stops is fairly generous, but it does cut down on fine movement. I also find that if I brace myself holding this camera, I can get some incredibly long shutter speeds, as this eliminates and major movement, and the IS handles the rest.

The biggest things to consider are the cost and the size. Do you really need that much zoom, is your typical subject something that has to be shot from a distance (wildlife)? Perhaps the size of the S1 IS would prevent you from bringing it to certain occasions, possibly costing you more good shots than the lack of extra zoom?

Hopefully I've answered most of your questions. From here I think you need to consider your needs and make your purchase based on those. You may also want to consider the 4MP Konica-Minolta Z2 (10x optical, with anti-shake).

Lastly, a word of advice: if you go with the S1 IS, pick up the accessory kit for it. I doubt you'll find a better fitting case, as most 10x zoom cameras have akward sized bodies that require bulky cases.