Digital Cameras

[Ian W.]

So, it's my birthday in a week and a few days (May 14th), and my parents finally got around to asking me what I want. Considering I'll be up at WPI next year, away from my dad's digital camera, I decided that I wanted my own to play with, which is great, except for one thing. I don't know which one to get!

Now, I've read the reviews all over the net, and I've seen pictures and specs and everything, but I can't decide between two cameras. The Canon Powershot S50 and the Pentax Optio 555.

I'm learning towards the S50, because my dad has an S45, and I know exactly how the Canon will work, and I really like the S45. Plus, CF cards are the cheapest media around.

Pros of the Pentax camera including the 5x optical zoom as well as a multitude of modes, which I probably don't need but are fun nonetheless.

Both cameras are of close enough size and weight that those become non-issues to me.

Can anyone tell me anything more about either camera, or why one is superior to another? I'm almost to the point of going and picking out of a hat, although I suppose a trip down to a local electronics store first can't hurt.