  We apply the image subtraction method to re-analyze the ESO Very Large
Telescope data on M83 (NGC 5236), obtained and analyzed by Thim et al. Whereas
Thim et al. found 12 Cepheids with periods between 12-55 days, we find 112
Cepheids with periods ranging from 7-91 days, as well as ~60 other variables.
These include 2 candidate eclipsing binaries, which, if confirmed, would be the
first optically discovered outside the Local Group. We thus demonstrate that
the image subtraction method is much more powerful for detecting variability,
especially in crowded fields. However, HST observations are necessary to obtain
a Cepheid period-luminosity distance not dominated by blending and crowding. We
propose a ``hybrid'' approach, where numerous Cepheids are discovered and
characterized using large ground-based telescopes and then followed-up with the
HST to obtain precise distances.
