[Eric Portelance]

I'm thinking of buying a digital camera and have about $800 canadian to spend on it. I'm looking at the Canon S45 right now. Any thoughts or suggestions? I'm a huge photography fan but never really got into digital nor had the money to invest in it. I currently own a Nikon F90 35mm SLR which I use on a regular basis and I love it. The digital camera isn't meant to replace that camera, as it's a beautiful machine. Thanks.

[Quadophile]

Being a Nikon user already I am surprised why you are not going for a Nikon Digital Camera? Have you considered any Nikon model? Besides Canon S45 which other cameras were you considering? I would love to hear you out.

As for the Canon model you mentioned I am not sure why you picked this particular one. I suggest you weigh the pros and cons, being a photographer it should not be a problem for you to decide.

1) Are you into macro? If so, this is a poor choice, if not, its ok.

2) Vignetting at wide angle and maximum aperture could be a problem if you are into landscapes and such, if not, you are ok?

3) Good natural light white balance, strong and balanced colours make this a great camera for outdoors, if you mainly intend to shoot outdoors this is a good choice.

4) Good manual control so it may prove very useful if you want to be in command than just be a snap shooter (which you are not)

Let my know your opinion to what I have suggested and we can take it from there.

[Eric Portelance]

3 and 4 definetly apply to me. I love taking outdoor shots (mostly scenic things while I hike in the mountains, etc.) and that's what the main use will be. I'll probably do a bit of macro, but not all that much, so I don't consider it a hugely important feature. Also, I want to have lots of control over my shots.

I am a Nikon user and agree they they make some of the best 35mm cameras out there, however in my opinion and from what I hear, they're not the best when it comes to digital. I've only heard good comments from people I know who use Canons so naturally it seems like a good decision.

I briefly looked at Nikons but they don't appeal to me as much for some reason. Could you maybe suggest something else in this price range ($800 canadian)

[Quadophile]

Eric,

Would you consider getting an Olympus Camedia C5050? It's a damn fine piece of equipment! Check it out, I think it may be just a bit over your range but if you can afford a little extra, this is a good buy.

Let me know what you think about my suggestion.

[Eric Portelance]

I would, if only it weren't way out of my price range. Right now, the S45 looks like a great bet. I only hear great things about it.

[Quadophile]

You have focused your eyes very sharply on the S45 indeed! If you are convinced this is THE camera, I am in no position to convince you otherwise.

Good Luck!

[Eric Portelance]

It's funny, because whenever I'm shopping around for something new, I always focus my eyes on a certain thing and don't want to hear about anything else. I'll consider it, but I always stick with my gut feeling. However, sometimes another (superior) product will come along and I'll have a real dilemma on my hands. This time I seem pretty intent on the S45. It's also dead on my price limit.

Like I said, I only hear good things about it. I have a friend who has a G2 and he loves it (The S45 is more or less a smaller G2).

Thanks for the help.

[Quadophile]

The new firmware update is available for the S45. The new update fixes following:

1) Corrects the incompatibility with certain computers that caused occasional errors in transmitting data from the computer to the camera.

2) Corrects the occasional AF errors when using Active Frame Control / FlexiZone AF.

Firmware upgrade for S45