RE: I'm finally going to buy one!---Canon S2IS or Panasonic FZ5 OPINIONS???
I suggest you go to a store (like Wolf/Ritz Camera) to play around with the two models. I was in your shoes a few months ago. I was all set to get the Canon but went to the store anyway because I also wanted to check a Sony from the same category. I never considered the Panasonic because after our pervious flop with a camera, I was set on getting a good brand this time. Guess what I ended up with? The Panasonic! The Canon is SO huge. The Panasonic is so much smaller and lighter. The Canon has 4 AA batteries; it makes it so bulky and heavy. The Panasonic has a small rechargeable battery. I liked the Zoom handling and the user interface on the Panasonic much better. So, even though I imagine that Canon might give you better picture quality, to tell you the truth, for "unprofessional" photographers like us, we can't really see the difference.
Good luck,
Marit
Mom to DD Ballerina, 2003
and DS Superhero, 2005
and DD CurlyQ, 2009
Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists.
Herein lies the peace of God.