S1 is still worth using?

To make a long story short, I have been on the lookout for a 'super zoom' so to speak. Just want something inexpensive (i.e. less than $100) that will extend beyond 300mm. I have some great Olympus DSLR gear and more than adequate lenses, but there are times I wish to have cheap solution. There are certain situations where I'd rather not have thousands of dollars worth of gear on me.

My other inexpensive Canon gear includes the A610 and A570IS. I prefer the 610, but obviously there are times were IS helps. The 610 cost me $100 and 570 $60. See the trend? They both serve their purpose very well and have the ability to capture some stunning shots. While neither go as wide as I like (35mm), I can deal with that. However, 140mm is pushing it and the lens is pretty slow at full tele.

Any thoughts? I realize that 3.2mp is somewhat limiting, but I can deal with that. If I was going to be doing paid work or making large prints, I'd probably bring the more capable gear. I also realize that a lot of these had a sensor issue.

--
Joe - Philadelphia, Pa
http://joecorvaia.zenfolio.com/

JoeyCinSC said:

To make a long story short, I have been on the lookout for a 'super
zoom' so to speak. Just want something inexpensive (i.e. less than
$100) that will extend beyond 300mm. I have some great Olympus DSLR
gear and more than adequate lenses, but there are times I wish to
have cheap solution. There are certain situations where I'd rather
not have thousands of dollars worth of gear on me.

My other inexpensive Canon gear includes the A610 and A570IS. I
prefer the 610, but obviously there are times were IS helps. The 610
cost me $100 and 570 $60. See the trend? They both serve their
purpose very well and have the ability to capture some stunning
shots. While neither go as wide as I like (35mm), I can deal with
that. However, 140mm is pushing it and the lens is pretty slow at
full tele.

Any thoughts? I realize that 3.2mp is somewhat limiting, but I can
deal with that. If I was going to be doing paid work or making large
prints, I'd probably bring the more capable gear. I also realize that
a lot of these had a sensor issue.

Click to expand...

I use Canon but have you considered the Panasonic FZ28 ? I've seen some pretty good pics with this superzoom and it's only $250

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/w-photos/

I have considered other options. The Panny you mention is 2.5x what I was looking to spend. Since this wouldn't be an everyday camera or something I intend on doing paid work with, I really want to keep the price low.

Thanks for the suggestion though!

--
Joe - Philadelphia, Pa
http://joecorvaia.zenfolio.com/

I still have an original IS. I keep it in my car for those unexpected occassions when I need a camera. It works well, still. I always thought the movies it made were good. I use it when I forget to bring my SX 10 with me.....

can't say I know ANY superzoom for that price point (
Closest I know would be the canon SX100.
As the new SX110 just came out, you may be able to find a deal on it?

Both have a price point of ~ $200.

If you're willing to go the Ebay route...and I don't blame you if you are leery about it, you'll probably want to take a look at the S2 as opposed to the S1. The S2 price point is nearing $100, (just a touch over that now), but it is a far superior camera to the S1. It goes wider (36 vs. 38), it goes longer (432 vs 380), and it has Digic II as opposed to Digic I. Digic II is WAY faster, it was the most significant jump in one processor over another in the entire Digic line. Also, you can add the CHDK hack to the S2, which adds a TON of functionality (like a live histogram and RAW mode) for the grand total of zero dollars.

I fully understand not wanting to spend much on a backup type camera, but the S2 really was a huge step up from the S1 in just about every category. I have an S2 (never got rid of it), and briefly had an S1 - one of those blown sensor deals. I got the S1 fixed, used it for a week against the S2, and got rid of the S1. It was a waste for me.

Pro:
1. Noise free low ISO imags.
2. Good lens.
3. I.S. works great, giving 3 stops advantage.
4. long lasting power with NiHM batteries. Up to 500 shots.

Cons:
1. Small LCD by today's standard.
2. Warm colors, typical of S series.
3. a little shutter lag. No big deal for most situations.

--
Current gears
-------------------
Nikon: D50, 50 f1.8, 85 f1.8, 180 f2.8, 16-85 VR
Canon: Rebel XT, 50 f1.4, 18-55 IS, 420EX
Canon: S5 IS
Fuji: F31fd

Previous Gears
--------------------
Canon: 60 f2.8 macro, 24-105 L, 17-85 IS, 85 f1.8, 17-40 L, 17-55 IS f2.8, 18-55
Canon: Pro90, S1, A710, A650
Nikon: 18-200 VR, 18-55, 55-200 VR, 70-300 VR, SB-800
Sigma: 18-50 f2.8
Tamron: 17-50 f2.8, 28-75

I know that $100 would have to be the used route and I am OK with that. I have considered the SX100.

--
Joe - Philadelphia, Pa
http://joecorvaia.zenfolio.com/

It is a nice perspective from someone that has used both. A few months back I purchased a S2 IS only have to have the sensor die and Canon wouldn't replace. I actually never got to use it. I think the seller sold it as a dud. So I sent it back. Maybe I will explore that again.

--
Joe - Philadelphia, Pa
http://joecorvaia.zenfolio.com/

--
In my opinion, S1 is a better buy:

1. It suffices for most of my requirements in terms of megapix because anyways, I have to resize my pictures if I want to share on email and 3mp is plenty for upto 6x8 prints

2. It saves you those extra dollars because its the oldest in the lineup, and

3. Most importantly, unlike other differences compared to s2, s3, s5 etc. which are "incremental", it wins hands down because of 2 "game changing" accessories which are not available on any of the others. These are a) the wireless controller.. I think it is very useful and helps to leverage the the swivel screen to the maximum... and b) the water-proof housing which takes away all worries about operating environment.

infoblues