Hello,
I have been in some beautiful country the last few months. Have seen wild turkey, elk, tons of deer. They are always just beyond reach of my little 4x & 6x optical zoom cameras. I want to purchase a longer digital zoom.. The Canon S5IS is highly recommended. On one site in extended zoom it is ranked number one while the new Lumix DMC Z18S is ranked I think #22 out of 40. I don't understand how those rankings are achieved. The new Lumix has features the Canon does not, and all I read about it is good. Actual 28mm effective wide angle, great optical image stabilization....night pics with infared....etc.

I can get either for under $400. I actually read enough that found one site that mentioned two things showing up as bad about the Canon that is beginning to turn people off. I don't remember what it was.

Anyone have experience with the Lumix Z18 and can comment on which camera for taking long distance pics of wild animals.....and beautiful panaramic scenery pics?

Help would be appreciated.

Gemrod