Getting a new camera, old one was stolen....

[Scales Zoo]

Well, I've wanted to upgrade my camera for a while now - I guess since my trusted friend was stolen 2 days ago, it will prompt me to do it sooner. I've never had anything stolen, but I had really grown attatched to this camera, we had memories and 4000 pictures between us.

I've read all the threads about cameras on this forum, and got a lot of good info. I've also been doing reading on the net. I figured I'd ask about cameras again, as things are always changing.

At first we wanted another sony mavica series camera for the convenience. It isn't as convenient with the big pictures I'm thinking, and I'd like to go for bigger pictures so we can have some nice ones printed for resale. It looks as if some of the new cameras from them are really good.

I saw a Canon G3 tonight and liked it very much, and have been reading about the Canon G5 as well as a new one coming out, The Canon S1.

The Canon S1 has a 10x optical zoom (like my old camera) which I value for doing scenery and wildlife shots. It is a 3.2 mp cam.

However, I see the Canon G5, which is at 5mp - has a 4x optical zoom, (and a 4x digital zoom) - but with a 20$ adapter, I could get a $130 1.75 magnifying lense with it. I think cropping the 5mp images would get me a "closer" picture (far off trophy mule deer) than the 10x 3.2 mp - so the 10x zoom isn't much of selling point to me with the new camera (the lens is big, which is cool looking)

I'm looking at a G5 package on ebay, with extra battery, card reader and case for just under $1000. I'm thinking this is a good price for a camera that will make me happy for a couple of years (except when their price drops, after paying the current price).

Any suggestions about the G5 or similar cameras?

Any downfalls associated with the G5 you know of?

Anyone know a good place to buy a G5 for a good deal? Ebays been good to me in the past - I may snag the package one.

Does anyone feel sorry enough for me having my cherrished camera stolen - to start up a fund to buy me a new camera?

I mean come on, I take nice pictures - imagine if I get a really good camera what nice pictures I might post for your viewing pleasure. You can use them for desktop backgrounds.

Ryan