Higher resolution versus zoom lens capability?

I am considering purchasing one of these two cameras.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=183&modelid=15658

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=15207

Here’s the question. Since the A650 IS has higher resolution @ 12.1 megpixels, would that higher resolution be more advantageous over the S5 IS’s 12X optical zoom lens capability when photographing distant objects?
Additionally, each camera has a 4.0X Digital zoom. What is meant by digital zoom and how is that different from optical zoom?

The camera would be used for general purpose photography.
Indoor, outdoor.
Thanks. Pat
There seems to be a few apples to oranges comparisons here.
A 12X zoom seems rather useless in an indoor setting, such as a single room. However, since I live in a rural area, the additional optical capability makes perfect sense due to the increased distances from one point to another. That having been said, if long range photography were my only and overriding concern, there are other cameras that would be better suited for the task.
But I think the good Dr. Sam does make three very good points.
1. Being that a very high resolution should overcome any deficiencies of a lower optical zoom capability.
2, that newer technologies are being developed on a regular basis.
3, I believe he’s correct about different product lines from a manufacturer utilizing identical components.
So far the answers have been excellent!
Thanks!

Answer by Mere_Mortal
Optical zooms are always better than cropping.

The S5 12x zoom is a work of wonder. Go for it.

Digital Zoom = Satan; very bad.

Answer by fhotoace
Forget digital zoom … it is a marketing tool that should be scrapped. It just uses a small portion of your cameras sensor.

If you want to shoot distant objects, then choose the camera with the largest optical zoom number (12x is better than a 4x for shooting distant objects.

There is a second part to the pixel count … it is the size of the sensor that completes the quality expectations of a sensor.

Compare the two here. The S5 IS is a far superior camera
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_a570is%2Ccanon_s5is&show=all

Answer by proshooter
The S5 would be my choice. The megapixel count is not the only determing factor.

The lens would be far more help for distant objects.

Digital zoom is only cropping of the image in the camera and is no real advantage.

Answer by Heretix
Dude, there are tons and tons and tons of info on digital imaging/photography on the net. Definitely find out more before you fork out tons of money, since it sounds like you are relatively new to digital photography.

For real photography DO NOT use digital zoom. It is like resizing your picture on photoshop. Optical zoom is the important one. For snapshot cameras megapixels don’t necessarily mean squat. It just means you need to buy more memory cards. My Nikon D-SLR (6MPxl) take much better picture than my Fuji (12MPxl). That’s like comparing apples and oranges but point is, be careful of megapixel traps.

Optical IS is also another important thing, critical to have to take sharp pictures. Don’t believe the software IS, anti-shake, etc. Doesn’t really work all that well.

Go have a quick read on some of the sites below before you buy.

Answer by epic_laydown
if you want compact, get the A560

if you do not mind some bulkiness but tons more features and control, get the s5 IS

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Now I’m to blame…
canon digital camera versus

Image by Sethtex
I can no longer blame the poor photo results, (ie. blurry, dark, late, noisy, discolored, etc.) on the equipment I am using. From now on only my abilities can be blamed for my inadequate photos. Here’s a comparison of old versus new showing my old faithful Canon S500 with my new Canon Digital Rebel 400D w/ 17-85mm Image Stabilizing lens. I got it for the holidays to hopefully get some memorable shots. With such a great two year old I wanted to be able to capture the important moments in style. It’s quite a camera and hopefully will help me improve my skills while compensating for my lack thereof in the meantime. Wish me luck and watch for lots of practice on flickr.

they have the same price:
http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Digital-SLR/index.page
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras
I am new to photography, and have not owned a DSLR.
I am new to photography, and have not owned a DSLR.

Answer by ☆zZaCc☆
Both are excellent cameras but you are better off getting the Nikon D3000, it has the higher rated sensor and the higher ISO range, sharper images, and much more.. I wouldn’t recommend a dSLR if you don’t have much experience. I see many people return them because they don’t know how to use them, don’t just go off buying one if you just started.

Answer by Jim A
I don’t see anyone recommending a camera they actually own.

I own and always recommend the XS for its superb photos and solid build… like this.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimsphotostuff/3903373112/sizes/l/

I also recommend this lens.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/206435-GREY/Canon_6470A006_Zoom_Wide_Angle_Telephoto_EF.html
The XS and this lens as a package is about $ 1,000.

Understand that to bring these cameras to their full potential you need good optics (lenses) and you need to work your way through the learning curve. These are not point and shoot cameras… you don’t just pick them up and start shooting and expect miracles. An SLR is not a magic bullet.
It takes time, effort and lots of practice to be able to effectively use one of these cameras… and a little money up front to buy the gear doesn’t hurt either.

One more – shot with my Canon 75-300 lens at 1/1000, f/5.6, ISO 200.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimsphotostuff/4761423549/sizes/l/

Good Luck.

Jim

Answer by smilely
nikon d3000 is good.

Answer by ronald
I would recommend you Nikon D3000 Digital SLR Camera
10.2megapixel CCD sensor,11-point autofocus system, Fast response,Guide mode,3-inch TFT, 3 fps continuous shooting allows you to capture fast-moving action at 3 frames per second
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JCSV5I?ie=UTF8&tag=bestdeals-y-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002JCSV5I

Answer by Or Black
Nikon D3000 is the best choice. I recommed Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26x%3D15%26ref_%3Dnb%5Fsb%5Fnoss%26y%3D25%26field-keywords%3DNikon%2520D3000%26url%3Dnode%253D3017941&tag=digitsy-marina-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

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