IMHO, the G5 would suit you very well. It is small and light, it does shoot RAW, the flash is quite adequate for fill if needed, and 8x10 prints would be no problem at all. It would easily fit in the golf bag, and I have also seen belt carriers for the G5 that may be even more convenient.

If you haven't already found this, here is the Spec Sheet on the Canon site:

Canon G5 Specs

Thanks for the input so far. Adobe Camera Raw (Mac), my converter of choice, does not list either the G5 or the S50 as compatable. Can you use the settings for the G3 or the S45?

You also might think about a G3 now bargin priced. Same zoom, less noise. although shour 1magapixel. Low 500's at BH.

I will be going on a golf trip to Ireland in early October. On most days, we will play 36 holes (to non-golfers - at least 8 hours walking in all weather). I've taken similar trips before, and know the compromises required in a camera.

The camera must fit in a golf bag. It can't be too delicate.

Shots on the golf course must be composed quickly: some are people pictures (occasionally faces, more often full body or small group); some  are landscapes and other vistas. Off the course, there are some opportunities for landscapes. Finally, there are opportunities for people shots at night in restaurants and pubs.

I shoot both digital (1Ds) and film (1v and medium format). All of these cameras are a bit large. Whether I go with digital or film, I'd like to be able to print to 8.5 x 11 cleanly.

Digitally, I'm considering the Canon S50 or the G5. Will either of these work with camera raw (i.e. can one use the same algorythm as the S45 or G3) ? Is the quality good enough for nice prints?

Analog, I was considering a Leica outfit. The camea is rugged, and the lenses are small. Frankly, however, it's a lot of money for a 35mm camera. Although I have a good film scanner, I wonder how long I'd be satisfied with shooting 35mm, given the success I'm enjoying with the 1Ds.

I'd welcome any thoughts or suggestions on this.

RNB,
I agree with Joe. For the type of photography you'll be doing, and the modest print sizes you wish to make, the G5 should do very well.

Over at DPReview, you've probably read Phil Askey's G5 review.

But since you're a 1Ds shooter, you may be more interested in Phil's just-published preliminary review of the new Canon EOS 300D. What's interesting is his G5 comparison with EOS 300D. While Phil prefers the images from the 300D to those from the G5, I think you'll see that the differences aren't huge. Note that you may wish to use the least amount of in-camera sharpening, because the G5 seems to sharpen more aggressively than the DSLRs.

Hope This Helps!

-- Jim

RNB,
According to the Adobe Camera Raw product description, Camera Raw *does* support the S45.

I checked over at the Adobe User Forums, and it seems, as you discovred, that Camera Raw does not support the G5. Here is an interesting discussion about ACR and the G5.

Hope This Helps!

-- Jim

Sorry, I must have stated my last question badly.

If I buy an S50 (or G5), will Camera RAW work by using profiles forthe S45 or G3? In other words, is there a workaround for cameras that aren't supported?