Just got my Z18 and I'd say its pretty impressive. Anyway here's the reason I chose z18

1) Stronger zoom w/o compensating quality
2) Awesome lens
3) Wide Angle
4) EVF is better - S5IS's EVF looks crappy & unrealistic (EVF = Electroniv Viewfinder)
3) Li Ion Batteries - AA batteries for S5IS means they have way less powerful flash and limited technoogy (That's y S5IS has the flash slot)
4) Light weight - U will really notice this when u have a long shooting session and also when u're at maximum zoom u're more relaxed.
5) Strong Flash
6) Much Cheaper

Bought mine with a surprisingly insane deal from Harney Norman @ Ikano

RM 1450
Z18
2 X 2GB
Tripod
Casing
Screen Protector

+RM150 and u get a 5 year extended warranty

Tripod i got the standard 10 inch one la.

Just now i bump into another crazy deal while i was tryin to look for a bigger camera bag. The original Z18 one is kinda crappy sad to say.

Camera bag selling for RM75
but if you buy a 1.5meter tripod u get the bag for free. Tripod sells for RM59.90

So I bought the tripod and get a free bag. Crazy doens't make sense.

Shop is Photo Miami @ Seksyen 14 Digital Mall there

hahaha really la. I show u receipt also can. But u gotta be thought on ur bargain la. and also know ur stuff. I managed to bargain a P5100 for RM1200 with crazy bundle as well. U go try la

told u all already go to the IKANO wan la... they don't mind u bargainin coz the camera dept is shifting to another location. So they wanna clear stock as well. That why can get cheaper. Also think u'll nid a Bargaining for DUmmies hahaha. I go Fotokem also can get 1470 2GB HD SD card lol!!

Use la the cheap technique

1) squeeze a lowest price.
2) Say wahh i go another shop (then u name shop and location) cheaper than u this this price. U can do that for me o not?
3) My friend ask me come here he buy here so cheap this this price. I'm sure u can do that price.
3) Wah ur price is interesting, ok i give u straight cold hard cash now. What price u give me?
4) Wahhh not bad, ok like this, U give me one extra SD card/ battery / etc. I confirm buy from u now. Wont squeeze anymore.
5) aiyoh no cash now, I'll see how la. Nid to withdraw. (then He'll prolly say "OK la u got CC now i give u this price for CC")

*now u buy the unit*

6) This is when u joke with him abit, if u got balls squeeze him some more. Then while u bodek him say la he good saleperson, u'll recommend more frends to come see u bla bla.
7) when he setting up & testing ur camera u ask, eh u also got tripod ah? u sell how much? he'll give u a very cheap price also, then u ask him wahh ok la.. fren fren u bundle in also la. then he'll either give free another accessory or sell to u at cost price.
8) b4 u leave make sure u shake his hands and ask him for his name again. Then u say thank you and I'll remember u, u're a really good salesperson. (u do this so next time u wanna buy accessories or upgrade or buy another unit, he'll take care of u kao kao and u can get a really good deal next time as well)

Ok la all the best!

Walau i post this here, all the camera shops gonna go broke man.

HAVE FUN!!