Canon Powershot S5 IS: views?

[Robbie34]

I have just ordered one of these to supplement my EOS 350. Basically, I want an easy to carry camera when I'm out walking. Taking the EOS, and associated lenses, when I'm out with the dog is a pain, so I thought something like the S5 would slip under my jacket and be easy to use.

Does anyone own one of these and how do you find it?

[dood]

My understanding is that it's not really pocketable. The G series would be more compact.

[dakara]

I considered one of these as an alternative to a DSLR, but found it too limited in some respects, and so bought a Pentax K100D, which I am very pleased with.
However, as you rightly say, a DSLR is not the handiest item to carry around, and so I looked for a additional pocketable camera. The S5 IS wasn't sufficiently small for my needs, so I bought an Ixus 800 iS, but I found this too difficult to hold due to its very slippery design, so exchanged it for a Canon Powershot A570 iS.
This suits me perfectly. Small and handy, with a decent grip, 7.1 Mps, takes two AA batteries, and has a 35-140 [equiv] zoom lens.
My only complaint is that it is silver, and not a more discreet black.
Have a look at one. You might like it.

[Robbie34]

I wasn't looking for something to slip in my pocket. I wanted a camera that was fairly sophisticated, but lightweight and easy to use.

My DSLR is restrictive - you either fit the 80 - 300mm lens before you go out - or forget it and miss some opportunities. I'm hoping the S5 will allow me to grab some pictures when I'm out walking the dog. The specs show it to be quite small and fairly lightweight - less than 1lb.

[dakara]

Point taken. A friend has just bought the S5 IS, and will be bringing it to me tomorrow, and I will try it out.
Sight unseen, it certainly would be my first choice as a DLSR alternative if I did not need pocketability.