i need help to chose a digital camera.?

Get the Sony.

1. It goes up to ISO 3200.

2. It will see infrared!!!!!!

3. It has a slightly higher zoom.

Canon over Sony every time, without exception.

The S5 IS is a nice advanced entry level camera which will take excellent pictures for you when used properly.

It has a big zoom range and a lot of nice features. Take IS (Image Stabilization) with a grain of salt. Many people think that that is a magic adjustment that will allow you to always take sharp pictures no matter how poorly you handle the camera. This is just NOT SO! IS will help you take sharp available light pictures under conditions that non IS cameras will not allow if you handle your camera carefully, but won't work sharpness magic. If you buy it, read your instruction book and practice a bit and it will take excellent pictures for you.

If you are interested in this camera, you might consider a fully flexabile Canon DSLR which will allow you to add additional lenses in the future if you grow a bit in your photography. I would suggest you give the Digital Rebel XT a look before you buy. It doesn't cost a whole lot more and will give you much more flexability if you want to use all of it's features.

According to dpreview.com, Canon S5 IS is rated as "Recommended" and Sony H9 is rated as "Above Average".