CANON S5 IS for STOP MOTION ANIMATION?

Any DSLR can do stop motion animation. Just set it on the lowest resolution jpeg, mount the camera on a tripod, plug in a remote lead (there are 2 types, wired and infra red (like your TV remote)) and away you go. Take your first frame, move things around, take your second frame etc..by pressing the button on the remote. This will stop any shake with your camera.

You can also do Time Lapse movies, you know the type of thing, flowers opening, apples rotting in a bowl, by taking a frame every 5 seconds or 20 minutes depending on your subject. Canon make a timer just for this Google 'intervalometer' for details.

If you have Windows XP or higher you also have Movie Maker, just drag all your pics into that and it will display them at 25 frames per second. It's pretty basic, but you can do fades and bring in a soundtrack, there are better software options, but you already have this.

What normal DSLR can't do and the Canon S5 can is take movies in real time. If you're not too bothered about this option I would suggest buying a similar prices DSLR as the ability to change lenses opens up far more possibilities than a 'bridge' type camera has.

You can get USB to Video input devices pretty cheap and use the cameras video lead and input into your computer, which can be handy for viewing your pics, but for your final movie import the pics from the memory card into moviemaker (or better) as you'll get a better resolution.

Chris

Create Animations Like Pixar : http://3danimationcartoons.com/?xTtE

I haven't come across a digicam with a remote control - have you thought of getting one with a cable release?

go to http://dpreview.com/ it will answer all of your questions about this camera... there is an overview and a complete detailed review of all the features this camera offers.

you can't plug it into your computer, but you can plug it into your tv, although the resolution won't be as good.