S5 IS worth the extra $70?

Question

I'm looking to upgrade from my PowerShot A70 and was messing with the S5 IS at a store this weekend. However, I see the S3 IS is very similar and costs $70 less. I doubt I will ever use the S5's hotshoe and likely will not shoot more than the 1GB (~8 mins) worth of video the S3 allows. I don't really care about the higher resolution sensor of the S5 either. I rarely shot at the A70's maximum 3.2MP. The better continuous shooting mode is also a point in favor of the S3.

The face detection on the S5 sounds like it might be useful and I liked the quality of its EVF and LCD screens. I've read that the S5's displays are one area where it beats the S3. I also liked how you can zoom at two speeds on the S5.

The saved $70 from the S3 would pay for the accessories (lens adapter, filter, polarizer, bag) I plan on getting. I like the S5, but want to know if the S3 will be as satisfying while saving me $70.

Answer 1

I think you've answered your own question by saying what features you wouldn't use on the S5 vs. the S3

A word of caution, however. The time may come when you'll want to add an off-camera flash and the S3 doesn't have a hot shoe.

If it were my decision I'd go with the S5 just to get the hot shoe. IMO its that important and in 36 yrs. of enjoying photography I've found its better to have a feature and not need it that to need it and not have it.

Answer 2

I'm a former newspaper photographer, now retired, and I use the S3 most of the time for general shots. I don't like to carry a bag full of lenses and the S3's 38-435 lens solves that problem. I had the opportunity to try out an S5 several weeks ago and really wasn't that much impressed. Get the S3 because it has all the bells and whistles you'll ever need and it has the biggest bang for the buck.

Answer 3

the s3 has better reviews than the s5.
face detection is not all that great.
I would go with the s3.
if you get a refurbished s3
you will save more than $70
try ebay