why doesn't S50 get all the credits it deserves

[digicam]

A 5 Megapixel camera, with excellent lens (except at telephoto aparture is slow), which is very handy because of its relatively small size, etc.

It's not even reviewed by dpreview.com .(I mean a complete review. There are bits and pieces everywhere, but not a full review). They have S45, but resolution values are not even comparable, although S45 is probably one of the best cameras in the 4MP classification. S50 has a

Horizontal LPH 1425 1650
Vertical LPH 1300 1600

5° Diagonal LPH # + 1000 resolution. One of the best in compact 5 MP cameras (Values are found in another camera's comparison figures in dpreview.com.

And the camera is very competitively priced. (compared to some other Canon cameras too)

I own Fuji S2 Pro, and my second camera is the S50, because of its size. I gave away my Minolta Dimage 7 (another 5 MP camera) and Pentax Optio 4XX (a 4 MP camera, not comparable in picture quality with any other cameras that I own) for Canon S50. It's an excellent second camera for me.

Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc. Why is this? Is Canon not so much interested in this model?

 

[Jim Rutkowski]

I agree.

 

[Lenny uk]

A 5 Megapixel camera, with excellent lens (except at telephoto
aparture is slow), which is very handy because of its relatively
small size, etc.

It's not even reviewed by dpreview.com .(I mean a complete review.
There are bits and pieces everywhere, but not a full review). They
have S45, but resolution values are not even comparable, although
S45 is probably one of the best cameras in the 4MP classification.
S50 has a

Horizontal LPH 1425 1650
Vertical LPH 1300 1600
5° Diagonal LPH # + 1000 resolution. One of the best in compact 5
MP cameras (Values are found in another camera's comparison figures
in dpreview.com.

And the camera is very competitively priced. (compared to some
other Canon cameras too)

I own Fuji S2 Pro, and my second camera is the S50, because of its
size. I gave away my Minolta Dimage 7 (another 5 MP camera) and
Pentax Optio 4XX (a 4 MP camera, not comparable in picture quality
with any other cameras that I own) for Canon S50. It's an excellent
second camera for me.

Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc.
Why is this? Is Canon not so much interested in this model?

where did you get those resolution figures from

 

[digicam]

from pentax optio 550 review and as follows:

Pentax Optio 550 Horizontal LPH 1350 1500
Vertical LPH 1250 1450
5° Diagonal LPH + 1000 n/a
Olympus C-50 Zoom Horizontal LPH * 1425 * 1650
Vertical LPH * 1300 * 1650
5° Diagonal LPH + 1000 n/a
Canon PowerShot S50 Horizontal LPH 1425 1650
Vertical LPH 1300 1600
5° Diagonal LPH # + 1000 n/a
Nikon Coolpix 5000 Horizontal LPH * 1350 * 1500
Vertical LPH * 1200 1500
5° Diagonal LPH + 1000 n/a

where did you get those resolution figures from

 

[Lenny uk]

Pentax Optio 550 Horizontal LPH 1350 1500
Vertical LPH 1250 1450
5° Diagonal LPH + 1000 n/a
Olympus C-50 Zoom Horizontal LPH * 1425 * 1650
Vertical LPH * 1300 * 1650
5° Diagonal LPH + 1000 n/a
Canon PowerShot S50 Horizontal LPH 1425 1650
Vertical LPH 1300 1600
5° Diagonal LPH # + 1000 n/a
Nikon Coolpix 5000 Horizontal LPH * 1350 * 1500
Vertical LPH * 1200 1500
5° Diagonal LPH + 1000 n/a

where did you get those resolution figures from

thats good news for us s50 owners i wonder how phil got these figures if he hasnt reviewed the s50 yet

 

[Peter G]

Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc.
Why is this? Is Canon not so much interested in this model?

What does Canon have to do with what people buy?

The S400 is a smaller camera that has very close image quality and a lens that is just as good. Many people prefer the smaller size. Myself included.

The G3, and G5 have much better lens, flip out LCD, built in ND filters, Bayonet lens attachement system, better flash, flash hotshoe, and remote control to name a few. It is a much more capable camera. Some prefer the greater capability.

The S45 is the same camera with a few less pixels and a lower price. Some prefer the lower price and don't need the extra pixels.

Simply adding a small amount of additional pixels is unlikely to generate a lot of hype.

And AFAIK the S50 review is in the works.

Did you want a camera or the winner of a popularity contest?

Peter

 

[NNS]

The S45 is a very capable camera. (of course it is, I have one) I saw no real improvement in the S50 except 1MP.

I think the size and pic quality of the S series cameras are great. It's a good camera S45, S50!!!

when I first got my G2, I was so happy that I had the latest and greatest camera. But you know, about every 6 months, a newer camera comes out. I had to get off the upgrade merry go round and realize what I had was really good.

I think Peters statement about popularity is valid. After all, we all want to have the "in" camera. I also agree that the Hot shoe, better lens and remote, swing out LCD etc etc all make the G series a better choice. BUt size matters and the S45 fits in my pocket. so, it goes with me places the G2 doesn't..

Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc.
Why is this? Is Canon not so much interested in this model?

What does Canon have to do with what people buy?

The S400 is a smaller camera that has very close image quality and
a lens that is just as good. Many people prefer the smaller size.
Myself included.

The G3, and G5 have much better lens, flip out LCD, built in ND
filters, Bayonet lens attachement system, better flash, flash
hotshoe, and remote control to name a few. It is a much more
capable camera. Some prefer the greater capability.

The S45 is the same camera with a few less pixels and a lower
price. Some prefer the lower price and don't need the extra pixels.

Simply adding a small amount of additional pixels is unlikely to
generate a lot of hype.

And AFAIK the S50 review is in the works.

Did you want a camera or the winner of a popularity contest?

Peter

 

[digicam]

S400 and S45 are not comparable since these are 4 MP. It makes aLOT of difference in picture resolution. No review made for G5, and I wonder what the resolution figures will show. We will see that in a short time I think.

for your information, resolutions of S400 and G3 are given below+S50 again, for comparison)

Canon PowerShot S400 Horizontal LPH 1250 1400
Vertical LPH 1200 1400
5° Diagonal LPH # 1000 n/a
Canon PowerShot G3 Horizontal LPH 1250 1400
Vertical LPH 1200 1400
5° Diagonal LPH # 1000 n/a

Canon PowerShot S50 Horizontal LPH 1425 1650
Vertical LPH 1300 1600
5° Diagonal LPH # + 1000 n/a

Pricewise S50 is in the same range.

Of course people have different preferences, that's why hundreds of models are on the market. One wonders though how for example a Pentax 4XX sells while these are on the market.. (so bad you can't beleive before seeing the pictures)

As you see, I'm not after a model's popularity, but trying to understand how promotions, advertisements etc affect the market. By the way, you can't question me as well for what I'm posting.

seyhun

Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc.
Why is this? Is Canon not so much interested in this model?

What does Canon have to do with what people buy?

The S400 is a smaller camera that has very close image quality and
a lens that is just as good. Many people prefer the smaller size.
Myself included.

The G3, and G5 have much better lens, flip out LCD, built in ND
filters, Bayonet lens attachement system, better flash, flash
hotshoe, and remote control to name a few. It is a much more
capable camera. Some prefer the greater capability.

The S45 is the same camera with a few less pixels and a lower
price. Some prefer the lower price and don't need the extra pixels.

Simply adding a small amount of additional pixels is unlikely to
generate a lot of hype.

And AFAIK the S50 review is in the works.

Did you want a camera or the winner of a popularity contest?

Peter

 

[digicam]

I forgot to add something:

Of course almost all Canon cameras have usually better resolution figures than the competitors. But that was not my point. I was tring to compare Canon digicams only.

Seyhun

for your information, resolutions of S400 and G3 are given
below+S50 again, for comparison)

Canon PowerShot S400 Horizontal LPH 1250 1400
Vertical LPH 1200 1400
5° Diagonal LPH # 1000 n/a
Canon PowerShot G3 Horizontal LPH 1250 1400
Vertical LPH 1200 1400
5° Diagonal LPH # 1000 n/a

Canon PowerShot S50 Horizontal LPH 1425 1650
Vertical LPH 1300 1600
5° Diagonal LPH # + 1000 n/a

Pricewise S50 is in the same range.

Of course people have different preferences, that's why hundreds of
models are on the market. One wonders though how for example a
Pentax 4XX sells while these are on the market.. (so bad you can't
beleive before seeing the pictures)

As you see, I'm not after a model's popularity, but trying to
understand how promotions, advertisements etc affect the market. By
the way, you can't question me as well for what I'm posting.

seyhun

Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc.
Why is this? Is Canon not so much interested in this model?

What does Canon have to do with what people buy?

The S400 is a smaller camera that has very close image quality and
a lens that is just as good. Many people prefer the smaller size.
Myself included.

The G3, and G5 have much better lens, flip out LCD, built in ND
filters, Bayonet lens attachement system, better flash, flash
hotshoe, and remote control to name a few. It is a much more
capable camera. Some prefer the greater capability.

The S45 is the same camera with a few less pixels and a lower
price. Some prefer the lower price and don't need the extra pixels.

Simply adding a small amount of additional pixels is unlikely to
generate a lot of hype.

And AFAIK the S50 review is in the works.

Did you want a camera or the winner of a popularity contest?

Peter

 

[Marco Nero]

When the s400 and the s50 were announced, I decided that I would purchase both. Money was no object. But then I noticed things... the s50 had that pesky sliding door and slower operational times... and it was a brick to carry.... described as a "brick" even on this site. Finally, I knew that if I wanted a compact fully manual digital, I'd need a G-series because of the much faster f2.0 lens and better design allowing add-on lens acessories etc. The clincher for me was actually the crappy LCD perspex cover which scratches like my cat on the end of the bed at 6am.

The s50 is a fantastic camera but it's just an s45 with an extra Megapickle. Something that's been reviewed in-depth here before.

The s400 has soooooo many differences between it at the earlier Digital Elph models other than yet another Megapickle of info. Much more manual control and menu driven features as well as a quicker startup time and many more options for the owner than before. Since I knew I could take as good a pic with the s400 as I could with the s50, I chose to sacrifice a couple of manual settings on the s50 for the ease of use and tiny size of the s400.

If the s50 had an f2.0 lens, all would be well. And I would be holding an s50 in my free hand.

But, the s50 has an f2,8 lens. Same as my s400.

So I shall purchase a G-series camera in time for my trip to Canada next year. By then, assuming the new Sony CCD chips are released on schedule, I should have the option of at least two new G-series cameras to choose from.

And with the new innovations on the next series of G Cameras... there will no doubt be a new in-depth review.

And I shall sit in a corner grinning and counting my Megapickles.

Cheers all!

--
Marco Nero.
http://www.pbase.com/nero_design

 

[Slap Shot]

I agree with your thinking! I went with a G3 and the S400, sold my S40 for the reasons you mentioned. I will not be buying a G5, I'll also wait. The G3/S400 make a good team and complement each other well.

When the s400 and the s50 were announced, I decided that I would
purchase both. Money was no object. But then I noticed things...
the s50 had that pesky sliding door and slower operational times...
and it was a brick to carry.... described as a "brick" even on this
site. Finally, I knew that if I wanted a compact fully manual
digital, I'd need a G-series because of the much faster f2.0 lens
and better design allowing add-on lens acessories etc. The
clincher for me was actually the crappy LCD perspex cover which
scratches like my cat on the end of the bed at 6am.

The s50 is a fantastic camera but it's just an s45 with an extra
Megapickle. Something that's been reviewed in-depth here before.

The s400 has soooooo many differences between it at the earlier
Digital Elph models other than yet another Megapickle of info.
Much more manual control and menu driven features as well as a
quicker startup time and many more options for the owner than
before. Since I knew I could take as good a pic with the s400 as
I could with the s50, I chose to sacrifice a couple of manual
settings on the s50 for the ease of use and tiny size of the s400.

If the s50 had an f2.0 lens, all would be well. And I would be
holding an s50 in my free hand.

But, the s50 has an f2,8 lens. Same as my s400.

So I shall purchase a G-series camera in time for my trip to Canada
next year. By then, assuming the new Sony CCD chips are released
on schedule, I should have the option of at least two new G-series
cameras to choose from.

And with the new innovations on the next series of G Cameras...
there will no doubt be a new in-depth review.

And I shall sit in a corner grinning and counting my Megapickles.

Cheers all!

--
Marco Nero.
http://www.pbase.com/nero_design

 

[Frederick97181]

Well, one can always wait for a newer and 'better' model but one might also spend the whole life waiting. My S50 is doing just fine and I don't mind the few ounces extra weigh. (what happened to photography before digital) The details of the pictures are superior to the S400 regardless of how you look at it and the print size is definitely better. f2 and f2.8 doesn't matter, I am not professional and have no intention to pretend to be one.

When the s400 and the s50 were announced, I decided that I would
purchase both. Money was no object. But then I noticed things...
the s50 had that pesky sliding door and slower operational times...
and it was a brick to carry.... described as a "brick" even on this
site. Finally, I knew that if I wanted a compact fully manual
digital, I'd need a G-series because of the much faster f2.0 lens
and better design allowing add-on lens acessories etc. The
clincher for me was actually the crappy LCD perspex cover which
scratches like my cat on the end of the bed at 6am.

The s50 is a fantastic camera but it's just an s45 with an extra
Megapickle. Something that's been reviewed in-depth here before.

The s400 has soooooo many differences between it at the earlier
Digital Elph models other than yet another Megapickle of info.
Much more manual control and menu driven features as well as a
quicker startup time and many more options for the owner than
before. Since I knew I could take as good a pic with the s400 as
I could with the s50, I chose to sacrifice a couple of manual
settings on the s50 for the ease of use and tiny size of the s400.

If the s50 had an f2.0 lens, all would be well. And I would be
holding an s50 in my free hand.

But, the s50 has an f2,8 lens. Same as my s400.

So I shall purchase a G-series camera in time for my trip to Canada
next year. By then, assuming the new Sony CCD chips are released
on schedule, I should have the option of at least two new G-series
cameras to choose from.

And with the new innovations on the next series of G Cameras...
there will no doubt be a new in-depth review.

And I shall sit in a corner grinning and counting my Megapickles.

Cheers all!

--
Marco Nero.
http://www.pbase.com/nero_design

 

[Todd L]

IMO, You'd have to agree that S50 and G5 were only afterthoughts by canon, only adding MP, where the S45 and G3 were improved cams when released. So it's reasonable to have people yawning when the later models S50, G5 came out with no substantial changes.

 

[Brian G.]

If the s50 had an f2.0 lens, all would be well.

Actually, it's likely all would not be well. Take a look at the CA that aperture produces on the G3 and G5. And cramming 5 megapixels onto a sensor that size is not without its noise problems anyway.

Don't get me wrong, I like both the S50 and the G-series and would happily take either one, but not as a step up from my noise-free S30. At least, not if I'm the one paying for it.

Regards,
Brian

--
Brian
Gallery: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/spiritmist/My%20Web%20Gallery/index.htm

 

[Stevieboroboy]

A 5 Megapixel camera, with excellent lens (except at telephoto
aparture is slow), which is very handy because of its relatively
small size, etc.

It's not even reviewed by dpreview.com .(I mean a complete review.
There are bits and pieces everywhere, but not a full review). They
have S45, but resolution values are not even comparable, although
S45 is probably one of the best cameras in the 4MP classification.
S50 has a

Horizontal LPH 1425 1650
Vertical LPH 1300 1600
5° Diagonal LPH # + 1000 resolution. One of the best in compact 5
MP cameras (Values are found in another camera's comparison figures
in dpreview.com.

And the camera is very competitively priced. (compared to some
other Canon cameras too)

I own Fuji S2 Pro, and my second camera is the S50, because of its
size. I gave away my Minolta Dimage 7 (another 5 MP camera) and
Pentax Optio 4XX (a 4 MP camera, not comparable in picture quality
with any other cameras that I own) for Canon S50. It's an excellent
second camera for me.

Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc.
Why is this? Is Canon not so much interested in this model?

I too have a S50 and a 7i but the 7i can't compete with the S50. The photo quality staggers me. The resolution makes a big difference. I do a lot of macro shots and when I go to "actual pixels" on photoshop the picture balloons to a freaky size but with no degretion of picture. Would I have a 4mp? No way. For an extra$50 it's like having an extra telephoto lens! Also I have big hands so the S400 would not do. Coming from a 7i though the S50 feels tiny.
Regards
Steve

 

[NNS]

I have an S45 (4mp) and a D100 (6mp) and althought the DSLR is more versital and can take much better pic's with a quality lens attatched, I sometimes preffer the S45 for its small size and its fantastic picture quality.

Please understand the difference between 4 and 5 mp is NOT a HUGE difference. there is not even what I would call a HUGE difference between my 4mp S45 and the 6mp D100.

The bottom line for me, is simply that I enjoy the camera's I've chosen to use as you have. I don't see too many folks on here praising the S45. It was only out afew months before Canon came out with the S50.

But it's still a champ in the performance dept. Except for battery life.

for your information, resolutions of S400 and G3 are given
below+S50 again, for comparison)

Canon PowerShot S400 Horizontal LPH 1250 1400
Vertical LPH 1200 1400
5° Diagonal LPH # 1000 n/a
Canon PowerShot G3 Horizontal LPH 1250 1400
Vertical LPH 1200 1400
5° Diagonal LPH # 1000 n/a

Canon PowerShot S50 Horizontal LPH 1425 1650
Vertical LPH 1300 1600
5° Diagonal LPH # + 1000 n/a

Pricewise S50 is in the same range.

Of course people have different preferences, that's why hundreds of
models are on the market. One wonders though how for example a
Pentax 4XX sells while these are on the market.. (so bad you can't
beleive before seeing the pictures)

As you see, I'm not after a model's popularity, but trying to
understand how promotions, advertisements etc affect the market. By
the way, you can't question me as well for what I'm posting.

seyhun

Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc.
Why is this? Is Canon not so much interested in this model?

What does Canon have to do with what people buy?

The S400 is a smaller camera that has very close image quality and
a lens that is just as good. Many people prefer the smaller size.
Myself included.

The G3, and G5 have much better lens, flip out LCD, built in ND
filters, Bayonet lens attachement system, better flash, flash
hotshoe, and remote control to name a few. It is a much more
capable camera. Some prefer the greater capability.

The S45 is the same camera with a few less pixels and a lower
price. Some prefer the lower price and don't need the extra pixels.

Simply adding a small amount of additional pixels is unlikely to
generate a lot of hype.

And AFAIK the S50 review is in the works.

Did you want a camera or the winner of a popularity contest?

Peter

 

[dohdoh]

Everyone makes great points on why or why not to choose the S50. I chose the S50 and I think it's a great camera. There are plenty of manual controls for me to choose it over the S400. The extra megapixel was a bigger factor as well. Although, I usually only print 4x6 prints, the ability to crop and at the same time maintain a high quality shot is most definitely a plus. As far as the extra noise, I haven't experienced it too badly. I know they are trying to cram all those megapixel into a small camera. I find that I don't really see any of the noise if I resize it down to the 3 or 4 megapixel range, plus I don't mind doing the post-processing.

As far as the S50 or the G5 being an after thought by canon after they had made big improvements with the G3 and S45, I kind of agree with that, but I chose the S50 because of the extra MP. I would tend to say that if you already have the S30 or S45, I wouldn't updrade just for the extra MP, but if you don't have a camera yet, or don't have a Canon yet, you can't lose with the S50.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents. Have with whatever camera you have out there.

----------------------------------------------
dohdoh
http://www.pbase.com/dohdoh

 

[madhatter]

Since the annoucement of the 8MP sensor and plans for Sony and Canon to use it this year. (Saw the news on this site)

Either way the G5 is transitional, and just passing time until Canon releases their next revolutionary prosumer camera. Either a 6MP or 8MP.

Until then my S400 does the job and will continue so even after I get my "main" digicam.

Then again it's the size of the S400 that has permitted so many pictures to be taken where otherwise you would have never brought a camera.

But it's still a champ in the performance dept. Except for battery
life.

for your information, resolutions of S400 and G3 are given
below+S50 again, for comparison)

Canon PowerShot S400 Horizontal LPH 1250 1400
Vertical LPH 1200 1400
5° Diagonal LPH # 1000 n/a
Canon PowerShot G3 Horizontal LPH 1250 1400
Vertical LPH 1200 1400
5° Diagonal LPH # 1000 n/a

Canon PowerShot S50 Horizontal LPH 1425 1650
Vertical LPH 1300 1600
5° Diagonal LPH # + 1000 n/a

Pricewise S50 is in the same range.

Of course people have different preferences, that's why hundreds of
models are on the market. One wonders though how for example a
Pentax 4XX sells while these are on the market.. (so bad you can't
beleive before seeing the pictures)

As you see, I'm not after a model's popularity, but trying to
understand how promotions, advertisements etc affect the market. By
the way, you can't question me as well for what I'm posting.

seyhun

Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc.
Why is this? Is Canon not so much interested in this model?

What does Canon have to do with what people buy?

The S400 is a smaller camera that has very close image quality and
a lens that is just as good. Many people prefer the smaller size.
Myself included.

The G3, and G5 have much better lens, flip out LCD, built in ND
filters, Bayonet lens attachement system, better flash, flash
hotshoe, and remote control to name a few. It is a much more
capable camera. Some prefer the greater capability.

The S45 is the same camera with a few less pixels and a lower
price. Some prefer the lower price and don't need the extra pixels.

Simply adding a small amount of additional pixels is unlikely to
generate a lot of hype.

And AFAIK the S50 review is in the works.

Did you want a camera or the winner of a popularity contest?

Peter

--
Greg

'The camera that is WITH you is the best camera of all!'

Happy owner of a Canon IXUS S400

 

[Brian G.]

Where, exactly, did you read that Sony and Canon have plans to use this sensor this year? That is not what it says on this site. Also- if they're cramming 8MP into a sensor of that size, they better have made real progress on the noise reduction front...

Regards,
Brian

Either way the G5 is transitional, and just passing time until
Canon releases their next revolutionary prosumer camera. Either a
6MP or 8MP.

Until then my S400 does the job and will continue so even after I
get my "main" digicam.

Then again it's the size of the S400 that has permitted so many
pictures to be taken where otherwise you would have never brought a
camera.

But it's still a champ in the performance dept. Except for battery
life.

for your information, resolutions of S400 and G3 are given
below+S50 again, for comparison)

Canon PowerShot S400 Horizontal LPH 1250 1400
Vertical LPH 1200 1400
5° Diagonal LPH # 1000 n/a
Canon PowerShot G3 Horizontal LPH 1250 1400
Vertical LPH 1200 1400
5° Diagonal LPH # 1000 n/a

Canon PowerShot S50 Horizontal LPH 1425 1650
Vertical LPH 1300 1600
5° Diagonal LPH # + 1000 n/a

Pricewise S50 is in the same range.

Of course people have different preferences, that's why hundreds of
models are on the market. One wonders though how for example a
Pentax 4XX sells while these are on the market.. (so bad you can't
beleive before seeing the pictures)

As you see, I'm not after a model's popularity, but trying to
understand how promotions, advertisements etc affect the market. By
the way, you can't question me as well for what I'm posting.

seyhun

Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc.
Why is this? Is Canon not so much interested in this model?

What does Canon have to do with what people buy?

The S400 is a smaller camera that has very close image quality and
a lens that is just as good. Many people prefer the smaller size.
Myself included.

The G3, and G5 have much better lens, flip out LCD, built in ND
filters, Bayonet lens attachement system, better flash, flash
hotshoe, and remote control to name a few. It is a much more
capable camera. Some prefer the greater capability.

The S45 is the same camera with a few less pixels and a lower
price. Some prefer the lower price and don't need the extra pixels.

Simply adding a small amount of additional pixels is unlikely to
generate a lot of hype.

And AFAIK the S50 review is in the works.

Did you want a camera or the winner of a popularity contest?

Peter

--
Greg

'The camera that is WITH you is the best camera of all!'

Happy owner of a Canon IXUS S400

--
Brian
Gallery: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/spiritmist/My%20Web%20Gallery/index.htm

 

[Chief]

I would
tend to say that if you already have the S30 or S45, I wouldn't
updrade just for the extra MP, but if you don't have a camera yet,
or don't have a Canon yet, you can't lose with the S50.

Exactly right! My Olympus D340R is a good 2 mp camera but doesn't have any manual control and sucks on close up shots. It was time to upgrade and the S50 superbly fit my needs. G5 lens superior? NO WAY! It has terrible distortion on the grid shot and real bad CA (purple spots) on http://www.dcresource.com compared to the S50.

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_g5-review/

It may have a lower Fstop rating, but that distortion is unacceptable and clearly not a better lense than the S50. I'll wait until Canon gets these problems ironed out before I upgrade again, or go Nikon.

Regards,
John