20D and an S3?

I already have a 20D, but want something a little more portable, is an S3 too much overlap? I'm testing the Panasonic TZ3 right now and like it, but the IQ on the S3 (out of the camera) appears to be much better.

Thoughts?
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Rob

I have the exact combination you are looking at - a 20d and a S3. Yes there is an overlap but you can carry the S3 everywhere on a belt case vs carrying a 20d and numerous lenses. The S3 is a very versatile camera that takes good photos but do not compare them to the photos from your 20d - it is an unfair comparison. I take my S3 everywhere whereas I take the 20d and heavy glass when I specifically go on a photo shoot. For a superzoom I personally think the S3 is the best but I am biased towards Canon.

Before buying the S3 make sure you know what type of photos you want to take. If you need the extra zoom (12x), the excellent movie mode or like the flip LCD then the S3 is a great choice for you.

If you don't need the 12x zoom or the movie mode then i would consider other cameras like the A640 (4x zoom with flip LCD - this camera is probably the best price performer), or the A710 or the G7. I had an A620 which I just loved but it only had a 4x zoom so I switched it for the S3. The A620 consistantly took better photos but I wanted the 12x zoom.
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Bert D

Hi

Unless one needs extra zoom of S3/S5, why not consider G7. Its more pocketable.

Baig

Good advice has already been given above.

I'd also suggest waiting for a little longer if you can ... because both Panny and Fuji have announced that they will be releasing some interesting new models soon. Other manufacturers may also do the same sooner than later. These will increase the range you can choose from.

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Click

Pics taken while exploring the capabilities of my new S5IS...
800 x 600 pics at Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/clicky/sets/72157600365816494/
Full size pics at Picasa:
http://picasaweb.google.com/click.mr/CanonS5IS

Thanks all for your input. I have looked at the G7, but it's a little out of the price range. I'm back to leaning toward the S3 as you get a lot of bang for the buck, i just wish the LCD was better. I'm also contemplating waiting for the new Fuji and/or Panasonic but i'm not sure i want to spend $100 more than the S3.

I hate these decisions!
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Rob

I also have that combo, among others, and love them both. I easily find myself using both, sometimes even together. Even when I'm using my 20D, I find I can make use of the S3 video. Or having the S3 along allows for the occasional telephoto shot when you only want to carry a wide angle on the SLR. No overlap for me in my mind.

I too have a 20D. Recently my son started his training at West Point. Taking pictures from a distance under good light is doable with both cameras. Taking pictures from a distance with your camera held high is much easier with a viewfinder that adjusts when you're holding it overhead to avoid the sea of heads in front of you.

Long reach and low weight are driving me towards the S5 for just that reason. I'll probably end up with both bodies and keeping a good general purpose zoom on my 20D and use the S5 for convenience and distance.
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Sincerely,
Bob

I have a 30D and a 20D,, but bought an S3 about a year ago to take on short trips and to have as a "zoo" camera. It was a great decision! The S3 is a great camera albeit not a pocket camera, and so I got an A-710IS for those times when I want to have a camera with me but don't have the room for the S3.

Chris

I struggled for quite a while on whether to buy the S3, due to the (what I saw as) tremendous overlap with my 20D. I've been lusting after this camera since the S1 was introduced. But the S3 won out, and I never looked back. I still use the 20D for serious shooting, but the S3 is so much fun, and so versatile, that I use it much more than I thought. In fact, for our recent trip to Maui, the S3 is the only camera I brought along.

As my family told me, "the entire family decided we would all have more fun in Maui if you DIDN'T bring your big camera!"

So far, I am VERY happy with the images I got with the S3, and my back is much happier as well, not having to lug the 20D and a lens or three around everywhere.

On a side note, I did use the RAW hack for the entire trip, and shot everything as RAW + large superfine JPG, so if I did get a 'wall picture', I have the RAW file to work with.

It was a hard decision to make, but once I made it, I'm thrilled with the camera, and the flexibility it gives me for great images, movies, and AA batteries.