Canon Powershot Sx100 Is Vs Powershot S5 Is - Opinions?

I'm not familiar with the SX 100 IS. I've got a S3 IS, the predecessor to the S5 IS, and can tell you that it's a very versatile camera that can give you good to excellent coin shots, but you will have to play with lighting, and will need a tripod or light stand to get the most out of the super macro mode of the camera.

The SX100 looks like a pretty nice rig for the price. Canon has, in my opinion, ruled this segment for as long as there have been digital cameras. However, the fact that it can focus at such a short distance isn't really a recommendation for coin photography, As you experiment, you'll find that you really need some distance from the coin to properly light it - you'll reach a point where you're just not satisfied with your results.

For that reason, if I had to choose between the two, I'd go for the S5. The more expensive camera has the mounting for add-on lenses and filters which the SX100 lacks, and there is proof in this forum of just how good an S5 with the 500D macro add-on is with coins.

You have an S2 IS? I have one also, and it most certainly has both Macro and Super Macro settings. I learned to shoot coins with it. Here's an example of what it will do, understanding that the images are 100px or so smaller than original because the forum downsized them:

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An add-on macro lens?

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As near as I can tell, the Canon 500D Macro is available for your S1. It's about $70-ish, and zacharycash has achieved some really nice results with his S5 and that lens. With it, you should be able to achieve high-quality results yourself.

If you're happy with your S1 as an all-around camera, that might be the route for you to go. If you're looking to upgrade, I stick to the S5 as my recommendation.