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Digital Photography Reviews

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Canon Powershot S5 IS Review

Review Summary
Reader Score: 8.25 (out of 10)
Review (Summary): "-The Canon PowerShot S5 IS embodies most of the qualities that were expected from the S3 IS when it was released. The S5 IS continues with the stabilized 12X zoom of previous models, but adds an 8-megapixel CCD, while its hinged monitor increases in size to 2.5-inch (6.3 cm). Moreover, this new camera benefits from the D!GIC III image processor.

... The Canon PowerShot S5 IS is a camera designed for advanced amateurs, and some time is required to tame it and obtain the highest image quality. Nevertheless, it would appear that the 8-megapixel resolution seems to be at the limit of what the lens can support, and with wide angle shots it is not unusual for images to require some post capture sharpening. Similarly, noise is a factor and the S5 IS produces its highest image quality if sensitivity is kept to a maximum of 200 ISO. ..."

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Other Reviews For This Model

Review Site Review Score Date Link
DCResource 8.62 07-13-07 Read Full Review
Review (Summary): "The Canon PowerShot S5 IS ($499) is the follow-up to the incredibly popular PowerShot S3, which was introduced in February of last year. The S5 takes an already excellent camera and improves up on it ...

... While not perfect, the Canon PowerShot S5 IS is still one of the best ultra zooms on the market. It offers a nice blend of photo quality, performance, and features that appeal to both beginners and enthusiasts. I can recommend the S5 to just about anyone interested in an ultra zoom camera. ..."





Review Site Review Score Date Link
Imaging-Resource 8.42 10-31-07 Read Full Review
Review (Summary): "The latest model in Canon's popular line of image-stabilized superzoom cameras, the 8-megapixel Canon PowerShot S5 IS is similar to its predecessor, the 6-megapixel PowerShot S3 IS (Canon skipped a number so there's no S4). Both have an image-stabilized 12x optical zoom lens with a focal range of 36-432mm (35mm equivalent), an SLR-like design, an articulated LCD, and a versatile feature set that mixes a full range of manual exposure controls (Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual) with easy-to-use Auto, Program, and Scene modes. ...

Although the Canon PowerShot S5 IS has a few shortcomings, most notably image noise and some problems with chromatic aberration, I really enjoy shooting with the camera. ... It has pretty much everything that I want or need in a camera of its class; everything but RAW and a wider-angle lens. When I'm in a point-and-shoot mood, the S5 IS is just as obliging with its Auto, Program, and Scene modes. ..."





Review Site Review Score Date Link
DPReview 7.83 07-27-07 Read Full Review
Review (Summary): "Although it represents a more significant upgrade than the S3 IS was over the S2 IS, the S5 IS doesn't really see Canon breaking much new ground. Of course that isn't such a terrible thing; this has been a hugely successful series of cameras - for most part deservedly so. ...

But let's get one thing straight; the S5 IS is a great camera, one we really enjoyed using, and one that produces decent output shot after shot thanks to a responsive focus system, accurate exposure, vibrant (but natural) color and a decent image stabilization system. ..."





Review Site Review Score Date Link
CNET Reviews 7.55 06-14-07 Read Full Review
Review (Summary): "There was a lot to like about the Canon PowerShot S3 IS, and much of it remains in this year's PowerShot S5 IS, including Canon's veteran optical image-stabilization technology, excellent metering and focusing systems, the signature flip-and-twist LCD display, and a hefty set of manual and semimanual controls. The S5 IS bumps up to 8 megapixels from the S3's 6-megapixel sensor, increases the LCD size from 2 to 2.5 inches, and adds trendy bonus features ...

... With competitors like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 upping the megazoom ante to 15x-and more important, opening up the wide angle-it's past time for Canon to introduce a new lens on its Sn series. The PowerShot S5 IS is still a pretty good megazoom but one that's slowly losing ground to the competition."





Review Site Review Score Date Link
Digital Camera Info 7.25 09-16-07 Read Full Review
Review (Summary): "The Canon PowerShot S-series digital cameras not only hold a comfortable position in the ultra-zoom market with their 12x optically stabilized zoom lenses, but are also known as excellent hybrid models. With their stellar Movie modes and feature-laden specs, the SLR-styled S-series has been enormously successful. The latest in the bunch is the Canon PowerShot S5 IS, which sports 8 megapixels and a 2.5-inch LCD monitor that folds out and rotates. The S5 retails for $499.

The S5’s $499 price tag is steep and hard to justify when the competition is offering more features. In addition, the S5 doesn't perform as well as it should. Granted, its colors are beautifully accurate, but its dynamic range and noise levels are subpar, even when compared to less expensive compact digital cameras. ..."





Review Site Review Score Date Link
Luminous-Landscape 5.00 09-17-07 Read Full Review
Review (Summary): "As long as major players, such as Canon, continue to transfer the expertise and technology they develop in high-end products into the digicam market, it will remain lively and competitive. The newly released Powershot S5 IS, for example, uses the same Digic III processor that drives the ground-breaking EOS 1D Mark III. This device, coupled with ultra-sonic motors, a large bright display, and big-camera ideas (such as a hot-shoe with full TTL functionality), delivers a compact camera well worth a look by professionals for use as a no-fuss, pocketable solution where slapping mirrors and bags of equipment won't go. ...

... Learn the image quality and viewfinder limitations and you've got a new sliver bullet for niche problems. I intend to give the S5 IS to my assistant at weddings to shoot candids while I'm taking the money shots. With the right carry bag, I'll also bring it with me in the car just about wherever I go for those creative moments that I've been missing lately. ..."





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