Canon S3 vs. A650

I will mostly use for party and vacation pics, indoors at clubs and vacation movies. I have read the extra megapixels means extra noise. Which is a better pick if the $ difference is not important? Are there any other recommendations in the sub $300 range.

Larry, thanks for the response. So it sounds like you favor the S3. I didn't think about the ability to zoom during movies though. I actually considered the S5 but it has gotten slightly less favorable reviews than the S3, especially in picture quality. Is the S5 noisier indoors than the S3 due to the higher pixel count? Is it enough to make a difference in regular 4x6 prints? Is it worth the extra $ just to be able to zoom? I plan on taking pics and movies of my son when I go on vacation this summer. Finally, should I consider another make? If so which one is comparable? Thanks.

The S5is is a little noisier than the S3is but not enough to show up in 4X6 prints.
Regarding the zoom during video aspect -- I have a G9 which does not allow zooming during video. It is very frustrating when filming my grandchildren as they are quite active. Plus even when taking video of something on the stage at their school it helps to be able to zoom. I have to stop the video, change the zoom and restart again. Not good. The S5is solves this problem completely and takes stereo sound recording too. The other big difference is the weight -- 10 oz (A650is) versus 19.4 oz makes the S5is quite a bit heavier to carry around all day.
IMHO, Canon does it the best. I've tried other brands and always end up coming back to Canon.

Thanks again for the response. I was leaning towards the S3is since it has better pic quality and generally is the same as the S5is for less $. You have really got me thinking about the zoom issue though. So for my purposes I am now on the fence. I have to decide soon so I can have a camera for my vacation. I don't normally take too many pics or movies unless it is a special occasion, so the camera will probably sit most of the year after summer. So which do you recommend between S3is and S5is?

If you can live with the S3is (smaller LCD, no zoom during video, a few less bells and whistles) and the price is better, then I would get it (especially given that it will be a holidays only type camera). Of course, once you have it and use it during the summer, I would suggest keeping it by the door for recording "everyday memories" in every season. When you approach 60 as I am, you'll be glad you took a few pictures/videos every week and stored them away on the computer hard drive to look at on a rainy day with the kids and grandkids out of town.

Larry, thanks for the answers. I am still on the fence because of the subtle differences between the S3is and S5is. I am not a photographer by any stretch of the imagination but I still want the best images I can get for the $, coupled with good video capabilities. I will decide soon and let you know how it works out. Thanks again, and feel free to update me with any insightful comments that come to mind in the near future.