Canon PowerShot S5 IS

“Though it won't come close to producing professional-quality shots like an SLR camera, the Canon S5 is about as close as it gets, with a long range telephoto lenses and fast shutter lag and autofocus that's about as good as it gets for a non-SLR camera. Though its high-ISO ability and shooting rate are about average, the S5 is a fantastic camera for slower action and daylight situations, and with good timing technique and noise reduction software, it can produce good shots for fast sports and low-light action as well.”

“With more features than most will ever use and a gentle learning curve, the Canon S5 leads the pack above a host of competitors in offering bang for the buck. It’s 8mp sensor allows for large print sizes and fairly aggressive cropping, while the 12x Image Stabilized zoom lens are ideal for capturing moving subjects, like pets, in action. Throw in a video mode, and you have a versatile tool for capturing your children’s special moments for posterity.”

“If you're not concerned with the camera's compact size, the Canon Powershot S5 IS is a superb choice for wildlife photography. It has a ton of great features which make this camera a veritable Swiss Army knife for photography. This camera really can do it all. And at a price of $349.99 it's a great choice for anyone who wants a digital camera with excellent features but doesn't want to make the leap to a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex).”